Kombat held its National Presidents Meeting on February 22, 2026, with 52 senior officials from across the globe. The organization has expanded to 124 countries with 1,250+ licensed clubs in less than three years.
On February 22, 2026, Kombat convened its National Presidents Meeting via Zoom, assembling 52 senior officials, National Presidents, and executive representatives from across the globe.
President Rick W. Shin reflected on Kombat's rapid global ascent since its inaugural championships in Bogota, Colombia, 23 months ago. In less than three years since its founding, Kombat has expanded memberships into 124 countries, built a global infrastructure of 1,250 plus Licensed Clubs, and certified more than 3,000 Licensed Kombat Referees.
President Shin emphasized the first 23 months represented a deliberate foundation building phase. "It has been an intensive build phase. There are many professional combat leagues in the marketplace today. However, very few achieve long term sustainability because they lack foundational infrastructure."
Kombat made a conscious decision to build from the ground up, establishing governance models, licensing systems, referee infrastructure, and international frameworks.
The organization is expanding into additional professional combat sports divisions: Kombat Jiu Jitsu, Kombat Kun Khmer (Muay Thai), Kombat Kickboxing, and Kombat MMA.
Official announcements included rule refinements for Kombat Taekwondo. Professional bouts will consist of three rounds of three minutes each, replacing the previous single five-minute round format. A one-minute rest period separates each round. Ground fighting allowance has been reduced from ten seconds to five seconds. All fighters will wear full traditional Taekwondo uniforms.
