The information set out below has been provided to Karate Manitoba by the President & CEO of Sport Manitoba. If you are aware of an illegal event you are to contact the Winnipeg Police Service non emergency line at 204-986-6222.

The information set out below has been provided to Karate Manitoba by the President & CEO of Sport Manitoba. If you are aware of an illegal event you are to contact the Winnipeg Police Service non emergency line at 204-986-6222.

All combative sport events in Manitoba must be sanctioned to be legal and safe This includes both amateur and professional events in sports including but not limited to boxing, karate, taekwondo, Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), muay thai, jiu-jitsu, and kickboxing, which must be sanctioned to ensure that the events follow proper safety standards and comply with both provincial and federal laws.

Sport Manitoba (SMB) and the Manitoba Combative Sports Commission (MCSC), working with the Province of Manitoba, want to ensure that all venues and organizers are aware of the legislative requirements. For example, Section 83 of the Criminal Code of Canada prohibits prize fights, which includes amateur combative sport events, unless sanctioned by a governing body.

The MCSC is the regulatory body responsible for overseeing professional MMA, Muay Thai, Kickboxing and Boxing as well as designated amateur combative sports in Manitoba. The December 2024 proclamation of The Combative Sports Act expanded the mandate of the MCSC to include oversight of designated amateur combative sports events. Event organizers must apply to the MCSC for event approval; if the event meets the standards set out in the Combative Sports Regulation (Regulation), it can be sanctioned.

In addition to the sports named in the Regulation, other combative sport events must be sanctioned through their Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) recognized by SMB. Unsanctioned events violate the Criminal Code of Canada, The Combative Sports Act, and the
Regulation, putting venues, athletes, spectators, and event personnel at risk of injury and/or penalties. Sanctioning helps ensure events are conducted safely and in accordance with established rules and standards. In addition, any insurance associated with an unsanctioned event may be voided.

The penalty for violating any part of The Combative Sports Act or the Regulation may include, for a first offense, a fine of up to $5000.00 and/or imprisonment for a term of up to two (2) months. Penalties for repeat offences may include a fine of up to $25,000.00 and/or imprisonment for up to six (6) months. A violation of the Criminal Code of Canada may result in additional penalties. The Manitoba government is committed to a safe, diverse, and inclusive sport system. The Regulation ensures all participants in designated combative sports can compete in a safe, structured, and legally compliant environment.

Please refer to the table below to identify the appropriate organization responsible for sanctioning each regulated combative sport in Manitoba. Event organizers are required to provide proof of sanctioning from the appropriate sanctioning body.