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HomeBusiness and Professions CodeDiv. 8Ch. 2Art. 3§ 18640 Combat Sports Regulation

§ 18640 Combat Sports Regulation

Business and Professions Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 18640 Combat Sports Regulation

Key Takeaways

  • •The state commission is in charge of all boxing, kickboxing, and martial arts fights (even amateur ones).
  • •No fight or show can happen without the commission saying it’s okay first.
  • •You need a special license to organize or fight in these events—no license, no fighting.

Example

A local gym wants to host a small martial arts tournament.

The gym must get permission from the state commission first, and all fighters and organizers must have the right license. If they skip this, the event is illegal.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 18640 Combat Sports Regulation

The commission has the sole direction, management, control of, and jurisdiction over all professional and amateur boxing, professional and amateur kickboxing, all forms and combinations of forms of full contact martial arts contests, including mixed martial arts, and matches or exhibitions conducted, held, or given within this state. No event shall take place without the prior approval of the commission. No person shall engage in the promotion of, or participate in, a boxing or martial arts contest, match, or exhibition without a license, and except in accordance with this chapter and the rules adopted hereunder. (Amended by Stats. 2004, Ch. 691, Sec. 30. Effective January 1, 2005.)

Last verified: January 22, 2026

Key Terms

professional and amateur boxingprofessional and amateur kickboxingfull contact martial arts contestsmixed martial artsprior approval of the commissionlicense

Related Statutes

  • § 18642 Combat Sports Licensing Rules
  • § 18888.2 Mma Fighter Retirement Fund
  • § 10081 Commissioner Injunction Authority
  • § 10087 Real Estate License Suspensions
  • § 10100 License Suspension Procedures

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 18640.
View Official Source