User:ICNZMMA/ICNZ MMA

ICNZ is a New Zealand based Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) organisation which runs events for all levels of fighters.

About ICNZ MMA
ICNZ was originally started by Neil Swailes and Hamish Robertson under the name of Inspirit Challenge New Zealand, they saw a need in New Zealand for a safe and structured environment for developmental progression of NZ MMA, 2009 saw Hamish Robertson step away from ICNZ to focus more on his Fight Gym Auckland MMA. Melodie McDonald joined Neil Swailes and changed the name to Industry of Combat New Zealand known as (ICNZ)

Rule Set
A unique rule-set format was created to offer a developmental tool for NZ fighters wanting to hone their skills from an amateur level right through to a professional career. Amateur fighters with between ideally 1-3 fights will fight at B Class, which allows no elbows, no punches to the head on the ground etc. 3-5 fights will step up to A Class (Semi Pro)(Allows punches to the head on the ground but no elbows After A Class the fighters then step up to Pro Class. ICNZ has followed international developments closely and has adopted the ‘Unified Rules’ (URMMA) standard rule set as base for Pro-Class matches.

Medical Protocol
ICNZ has always aimed to make MMA a more legitimate and mainstream sport and have imposed many safety policies and practices on their events such as...
 * Medical protocols.
 * Adopted compulsory blood testing.
 * Head Blow, Code of Practice including mandatory stand-down periods.
 * Developed doctor clearance certificates.
 * Onsite medical clearance testing, and post fight checks.

ICNZ Officials
ICNZ were the first New Zealand organisation to provide officials’ educational programs to further safeguard fighters, and the sport as a whole. With Judges and Referrees course provided annualy and just like the fighters the officials have a tiered approach and start at Level one where they can only officiate at B Class level, after a number of matches and an oral exam (Judges) and written exam (for refs) they can more up to the next level.

Weight Divisions
B Class and A Class fights are matched at walk around weight as we have an on the day weigh in for amateurs. There are no set Weight Divisions at this level. Pro Fights are fought at our Weight Divisions

Males Only

 * Featherweight under 65
 * Lightweight under +65-70
 * Welterweight +70-77
 * Middleweight +77-84
 * Light Heavyweight +84-93
 * Heavyweight +93-120

Females Only

 * Lightweight under 55
 * Welterweight +55-60
 * Middleweight +60-65
 * Light Heavyweight +65-72
 * Heavyweight +72-80
 * Super Heavyweight +80

Males
Doug HIGGINS - Featherweight Daniel "Grave Digga" DIGBY - Welterweight Forrest "Forbidden Technique" Goodwin - Middleweight

Females
Kate Aroa - Middleweight