European Muaythai Federation (EMF) began as a small federation with several enthusiastic countries, more than two decades ago. After the passage of the initial stages of its life and at the dawn of an exciting new century, EMF had grown to 130 member countries worldwide with 5 continental federations, together existing under a single, unified regulatory body. EMF accepts and recognises the mission and roll of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). EMF will always conform and respect the Olympic charter, adopt the code of ethics based on the principles of the IOC.

The fundamental principles of Olympism include sustainable development of sport, the education of youth through sport and recognition the practice of sport as a basic human right. To that end, IFMA’s mission is that every individual must have the opportunity to practice Muaythai free of discrimination of any kind be it racial, gender, sexual orientation, religious or political and EMF will continue its work toward this right and freedom for all.

EMF has established various commissions to oversee and develop on areas of social responsibility, universality, ethics, youth and education, prevention of competition manipulation and activities for all. The commissions liaise with stakeholders of the Olympic movement to ensure the adherence to the Olympic movement, code of ethics and function with transparency and good governance.

Muaythai through EMF has come a long way since its first World Championships held in 1993 where a mere twenty countries participated. In the most recent World Championships the participation was overwhelming with contestants and dignitaries from 101 countries in attendance. Another significant progression in the globalisation of Muaythai took place at the 1995 South East Asian Games when, for the first time since the inception of EMF, Muaythai was included as a sport in which both genders could compete while representing their country over various different divisions. Since then muaythai has been included in official sport programme of many other Continental multi-sport Games such as the Asian Beach Games and Indoor Asian Martial Art Games and as a demonstration sport in the Asian Games in 1998.