Category: Amateur MMA Law

Are the Canadian Amateur MMA Championships on a Collision Course With the Criminal Code?

January 14, 2014

The Amateur Mixed Martial Arts Championship Series #3 is advertised to take place on February 22 and 23 at Adrenaline MMA Training & Fitness London Ontario. This amateur Mixed Martial Arts event has ties to the International Mixed Martial Art Federation’s Canadian “Observation Member” (the CNMMAF) with the event promoter stating that “After Ammacs 3, the Advanced … More Are the Canadian Amateur MMA Championships on a Collision Course With the Criminal Code?

Is Ontario Selectively Prosecuting MMA Events?

January 3, 2014

I have previously highlighted why there is no proper framework for amateur MMA in Ontario and until appropriate post Bill S-209 laws are passed amateur MMA events cannot comply with section 83 of the Criminal Code. Despite this it appears that some amateur Combat Sports events are taking place without government repercussions.  Pecker’d Promotions discusses … More Is Ontario Selectively Prosecuting MMA Events?

Ontario Responds to Section 83 of the Criminal Code With Silence…

December 10, 2013

Earlier this year I wrote to the Government of Ontario asking if they will use the powers section 83 of the Criminal Code gives them to legalize amateur combat sports.  So far they have replied with silence. Until the Government acts it is worth noting that not only is amateur MMA technically illegal in Ontario but … More Ontario Responds to Section 83 of the Criminal Code With Silence…

Saskatchewan Publishes Amateur MMA, Kickboxing and Muay Thai Rules; First Sanctioned Event Announced

October 10, 2013

Further to Saskatchewan’s Order in Council passed earlier this year legalizing amateur combat sports, the Province has now published their rules for amateur MMA, Full Contact Martial Arts, Kickboxing and Muay Thai. You can access a copy below: SMAA Amateur MMA Rulebook SMAA Full Contact Kickboxing and Thai Boxing Rulebook In addition to publishing the … More Saskatchewan Publishes Amateur MMA, Kickboxing and Muay Thai Rules; First Sanctioned Event Announced

Let’s Find Out What Happens To Unsanctioned Canadian MMA in a Post S-209 World…

September 24, 2013

Update June 24, 2014 – The criminal charges have apparently come to end by way of conditional discharge _____________________________________________________________ Update January 30, 2014– it is now reported that Criminal Charges are being pressed as a result of this event _____________________________________________________________   Update October 15, 2013 – Marlo Pritchard, Chief of Police for the City of Weyburn, … More Let’s Find Out What Happens To Unsanctioned Canadian MMA in a Post S-209 World…

With the Big Show in Town, Amateur MMA and Other Martial Arts Still Illegal in Ontario

September 19, 2013

Imagine if pro hockey was legal but all amateur games were against the law.  That is foolish and would never happen right?  Of course not but that’s exactly what’s happening in Ontario with other sports, namely MMA along side many traditional martial arts. The UFC is making its fourth appearance in Ontario this week.  Despite … More With the Big Show in Town, Amateur MMA and Other Martial Arts Still Illegal in Ontario

Town of Penhold, Alberta Legalizes Amateur MMA

August 26, 2013

I have previously highlighted legislative gaps when it comes to the legality of amateur MMA in parts of Canada.  The town of Penhold, Alberta, has recently revised their Combative Sports Bylaw to sensibly address this concern. The town previously created, pursuant to Bylaw 669-11, an athletic commission which was tasked with overseeing “Regulated Combative Sports … More Town of Penhold, Alberta Legalizes Amateur MMA

The Legality of MMA in Yellowknife and the Canadian Territories

August 23, 2013

The City of Yellowknife has a long history of hosting and regulating combat sport events including Mixed Martial Arts.  Despite this history, can the City legally regulate MMA events given the newly amended section 83 of the Criminal Code? As previously discussed, section 83 makes professional MMA illegal by default in all of Canada unless the … More The Legality of MMA in Yellowknife and the Canadian Territories