The International Kickboxing Federation (IKF) is a sanctioning body for kickboxing and Muay Thai based in the United States. The IKF sanctions and regulates all aspects of these sports from Semi Contact ( IKF Point Kickboxing (IKF/PKB) ) to Full Contact in both Amateur and professional levels. The IKF World Headquarters located in Newcastle, California, USA oversees over 2,000 IKF events a year around the world. Styles IKF sanctions and regulates both professional and amateur Kickboxing and Muay Thai around the world in six different rule styles: American Kickboxing: Above the Waist International Rules: Leg Kicks Allowed Muay Thai: Allowing Knees and Elbows Unified Rules: Modified/Limited Muay Thai - K-1 - Glory Style Rules Combined. Limited Knees - Clinch ONLY If followed By Immediate Strike Point Kickboxing: Semi-Contact ( www.IKFPKB.com ) Sanshou: All of the above along with Throws The IKF has also introduced new styles over the years: Modified Muay Thai: Prohibiting Knees and Elbows to the Head but Allowing Knees to the Body or Limited Clinching Xtreme Gladiator: Muay Thai, MMA & Sanshou with a 30-second time limit for ground fighting The IKF has both male and female titles (State, Regional, National, Continental, Intercontinental and World) and both Pro and Amateur rankings. History In 1992, Steve Fossum and Dan Stell founded the IKF, based on their knowledge and experience as former kickboxers, trainers and event promoters. In July, of 1996, Mr. Stell stepped down as the IKF Vice President to pursue other desires, staying on as Head of Officials. In December 1996, the IKF launched a website with news updates for various events, worldwide rankings, rules and regulations. In 1998, the IKF expanded into the United Kingdom and began sanctioning events in England, Scotland, Wales, Ireland and other European countries. In 2007, Neil Holden took the position of Director for IKF Europe for a while. Replacing Holden was Carl Sams and Colin Payne, both previously in charge of IKF Full Contact activity in the United Kingdom. Both are part of the IKF Europe Team. They are currently foCusing on growth and activity in the United Kingdom as Co-Directors for IKF Europe under all IKF rule styles. The IKF has developed into a global organization under the direction of Steve Fossum and others associated with the IKF World Team. Along with this growth was the creation of the IKF Amateur Tournaments. The IKF created the first amateur kickboxing tournament