In compliance with the aspiration of martial artists and martial arts lovers worldwide who desire friendship, cooperation and fresh development of martial arts movement, the late Gen. Choi Hong Hi, the then President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation suggested the foundation of International Martial Art Games Committee and thus IMGC was founded in Buenos Aires, Argentina on September 2, 1999. Founding of International Martial Art Games Committee is a historic event that promoted friendship, cooperation and development among various martial arts styles which have been developed from different historical backgrounds, and that took the initial step forward for contribution to social progress and global peace. Since its foundation International Martial Art Games Committee has brought great advances of its development through organization of 9 International Martial Arts Games by involving various martial arts styles all over the world. Today, 19 international martial arts organizations including International Taekwon-Do Federation, World Karate Confederation, World Pangration Athlima Federation, World Muay Federation, International Jendo Federation, International Federation of Taichichen Association, World Judo Federation, World Jiujitsu Confederation, World Federation of Kowat-Alrami and Self-Defense, World Pan-amateur Kickboxing Association and 45 national martial arts games committees work as affiliated members of International Martial Art Games Committee. Chronicle of International Martial Art Games Committee is as follows:

September 2, 1999

At the initiative of the late Gen. Choi Hong Hi, the inaugural meeting of International Martial Art Games Committee was held in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina. 23 delegates from DPRK, Russia, USA, Burkina Faso, Brazil, Scotland, Argentina, Ireland, Britain, Australia, Japan, Spain, China, Zimbabwe, Canada, Croatia and Paraguay were at the meeting. Following IMGC Founding Speech by Gen. Choi Hong Hi, discussion issues including statutes of IMGC, composition of member organizations, competition disciplines, date and venue for the 1st International Martial Art Games (IMG), location of headquarters, flag, logo were brought to the meeting. The meeting elected Gen. Choi Hong Hi the President of IMGC, Mac Harb (Canada) the Chairman, Hwang Bong Yong (DPR Korea), Nicholas Burke (Ireland), Bill Wakefield (Australia) and other 2 delegates Vice-Presidents, and other 8 delegates EB members. It decided to locate its temporary headquarters in Canada. The President Gen. Choi Hong Hi made declaration and the mayor of Buenos Aires made a congratulatory speech greeting the foundation of International Martial Art Games Committee.

September 3, 1999

Greeting the foundation of International Martial Art Games Committee Taekwon-Do, Karate, Wushu, Judo, Jujitsu and Aikido demonstrations were performed at Luna Stadium in Buenos Aires, capital of Argentina.

June 2000

By the decision of IMGC inaugural meeting, IMGC preliminary meeting was held in Ottawa, Canada. Adoption of IMGC statutes and by-laws, formation of executive board, organization of IMG, site location of headquarters and other issues were discussed in the meeting.

May 2001

In attendance of 25 delegates the 1st IMGC Congress was held in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK. The congress reviewed IMGC activities done from its foundation and adopted its statues, held a by-election to elect IOC member, Prof. Chang Ung a Vice President and Jong Jae Hun the Secretary General, and decided to set its headquarters in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK.

June 15, 2002

Founder of IMGC Gen. Choi Hong Hi passed away at the age of 84 in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK. On September 23, 2002 100-Day Memorial Service for Gen. Choi Hong Hi was held.

September 2002

The 2nd IMGC Congress was held in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK. IOC member and Chairman of GAISF Martial Arts Commission Prof, Chang Ung was elected the President of IMGC in the Congress.

February 2004

In the attendance of 60 delegates, the 3rd IMGC congress was held in Phnom Penn, capital of Cambodia. It reviewed IMGC activities, renewed its statutes, elected EB members and adopted to hold the 1st IMG in DPRK, native homeland of Gen. Choi Hong Hi.

September 2004

The 1st IMG was held in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK involving 400 players and officials from 34 countries and regions. DPRK Premier Pak Bong Ju, IMGC President Prof, Chang Ung, a member of Canadian Parliament Mr.Mac Harb, World Pro-wrestling Champion Mr. Kanzi Inoki and other high ranking officers and Pyongyang citizens took part in the opening ceremony. Taekwon-Do, Karate, Wushu, Korean wrestling and Paduk competitions were held and Taekwon-Do, Karate, Wushu, Korean wrestling, Aikido, Kickboxing, Silat. K1, Kirghiz martial art and Canadian martial arts demonstrations were performed.

September 2004

IMGC Extraordinary Meeting was held in Pyongyang, DPRK in the attendance of 150 representatives. The meeting reviewed the 1st IMG and discussed on the organization of the 2nd IMG.

August 2006

The 4th IMGC Congress was held in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK in the attendance of 75 representatives. The Congress reviewed the activities of its organization, adopted the affiliation of 13 martial arts organizations, elected new leading organ, and discussed the venue for the 3rd IMG. In the election Prof, Chang Ung was elected the Honorary President, Jong Jae Hun (DPRK) the President, Mr. Mac Harb (Canada), Mr. Panagiotis Koutroubas (Greece), Mr. Santihap Intaraphartn (Thailand), Mr. Mohammad G. Manouchehri (Iran) Vice Presidents, and Dr.Leong Wai Meng (Denmark) the Secretary General.

August 2006

The 2nd IMG was held in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK in the attendance of 500 players and officials from 26 countries and regions. Mr. Yang Hyong Sop, Vice President of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly of the DPRK, Mr. Pang Chol Gap, Chairman of the People’s Committee of Pyongyang City, Prof. Chang Ung, IOC member, Mr. Mac Harb, member of the Canadian Parliament, Mr. Kanzi Inoki world pro-wrestling champion, Mr. Hwang Pong Yong, president of the Korean Federation of Martial Arts and other high ranking officers took part in the opening ceremony with Pyongyang citizens. IOC President Mr. Jacques Rogge sent a congratulatory message to the 2nd IMG. Taekwon-Do, Karate, Wushu, Paduk, Korean Wrestling, Kickboxing, Pangration and Muaythai competitions were held and Taekwon-Do, Karate, Muaythai, Paduk, Korean Wrestling, Kickboxing, Oriental Sports, Kung Fu, Pangration, Hapkido and Sambo demonstrations were performed.

April 2008

In the attendance of 78 representatives the 5th IMGC Congress was held in Bangkok, capital of Thailand. The Congress reviewed its activities, formed Verification and Ethics Commission, Competition Commission, Umpire Commission, Finance and Marketing Commission, and adopted the affiliation of International Jendo Federation and International Krush Association. In the congress, a new leading organ was organized by electing Prof. Chang Ung, the IOC member and the President of ITF the President of IMGC, Dr. Sok Min Chol (DPRK), Gen. Chaisit Shinawatra (Thailand), Mr. Edward Jacobsen (South Africa) Vice Presidents, and Dr. Leong Wai Meng the Secretary General.

April 2008

The 3rd IMG was held in Bangkok, capital of Thailand involving 400 players and officials from 42 countries and regions. Prof. Chang Ung, the IOC member and the President of IMGC, Dr. Hein Verbruggen, the President of GAISF, Gen. Chaisit Shinawatra, President of WMF, Dr. Leong Wai Meng, Vice President of ITF and other high ranking officers and citizens took part in the opening ceremony. Taekwon-Do, Karate, Kickboxing, Kung Fu, Oriental Sports competitions were held and Jendo, Krush, Myanmar Martial Art, Sqay demonstrations were performed.

September 2009

The Celebration Event of the 10th founding anniversary of IMGC was held successfully in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK. Mr. Kwak Pom Gi, Vice-Premier of DPRK, Prof. Chang Ung, President of IMGC, Mr. Hwang Pong Yong, President of Korean Federation of Martial Arts, Dr. Leong Wai Meng, Vice President of International Taekwon-Do Federation, Dr. Fritz Wendland, Founding President of World Karate Confederation, Mr. Khor Eng Chor, President of International Federation of Taichichen Association, Mr. Marek Attila Janeck, Vice President of World Muay Federation, Mr. Norman Law, chairman of Hong Kong NMGC and other stakeholders took part in the commemorative meeting.

February 2011

The 6th IMGC Congress was held in Tallinn, capital of Estonia in the attendance of 60 representatives. The Congress reviewed IMGC activities, amended its statutes, adopted the affiliation of World Union of TOA Association and elected a new leading organ. In the election Prof, Chang Ung was elected the President, Dr. Leong Wai Meng (Denmark) and WKC Dr. Fritz Wendland (Germany) Vice Presidents, and Mr. Ri Jong Gun (DPRK) the Secretary General.

February 2011

The 4th IMG was held in Tallinn, capital of Estonia involving 1500 players and officials from 34 countries and regions. IMGC President Prof. Chang Ung, President of Sport Accord Dr. Hein Verbruggen, Mayor of Tallinn, Mr. Edgar Savisaar, Founding President of World Karate Confederation Dr. Fritz Wendland, Chairman of IMG Organizing Committee Mr. Mikhail Kolvart and other personalities and Tallinn citizens were present at the opening ceremony. Taekwon-Do, Karate, Pangration, Muaythai, Kung Fu, Spochan, Self-defense, Kudo, and Fencing competitions were held, and Taekwon-Do, Karate, Aikido, Taichichen, TOA, Spochan and Krav Maga demonstrations were performed.

May 2011

IMGC Delegation headed by Mr. Ri Jong Gun, the Secretary General of IMGC took part in Sport Accord General Assembly held in Quebec, Canada at the invitation of Sport Accord.

September 2011

Mr. Hein Verbruggen, the President of Sport Accord visited Pyongyang to meet Prof. Chang Ung, the President of IMGC, Dr. Leong Wai Meng, the Vice President of International Taekwon-Do Federation, Dr. Fritz Wendland, the Founding President of World Karate Confederation, Mr. Ri Jong Gun, the Secretary General of IMGC and other leading members.

May 2013

The 7th IMGC Congress was held in Melbourne, Australia with the attendance of 30 representatives. The Congress reviewed its activities, amended the statutes, adopted the affiliation of World Judo Federation, World Pangration Athlima Federation, and discussed the venue for the 6th IMG.

May 2013

The 5th IMG was held in Melbourne, Australia with the attendance of 680 players and officials from 25 countries and regions. Dr. Leong Wai Meng, the Vice President of IMGC, Dr. Fritz Wendland, the Founding President of WKC, Mr. Ri Jong Gun, the Secretary General of IMGC, Mr. Khor Eng Chor, President of IFTA and Melbourne citizens took part in the opening ceremony. Minister of Sport and Recreation of Victoria, Australia, Gen. Akachai Chantosa, President of World Muay Federation, and Dr. Paul Hoglund, Senior Vice President of World Judo Federation delivered their congratulatory messages to the 5th IMG. Taekwon-Do, Karate, Taichichen, Pangration, Judo competitions were held and Taekwon-Do, Karate, Taichichen, Hapkido, Jendo demonstrations were performed.

August 2014

“Pyongyang International Pro-Wrestling Contest” co-chaired by the President of IMGC and the World Pro-wrestling Champion, Mr. Inoki Kanzi was held in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK.

December 2015

The 8th IMGC Congress was held in New Delhi, capital of India in the attendance of 55 representatives. The Congress reviewed IMGC activities, adopted the affiliation of World JiuJitsu Confederation and elected the President of ITF Prof. Ri Yong Son the President of IMGC, Dr. Leong Wai Meng (Denmark) and Dr. Paul Hoglund (Sweden) Vice Presidents, and Mr. Kim Myong Gun, representative from Korean Federation of Martial Arts the Secretary General.

December 2015

The 6th IMG was held in New Delhi, capital of India involving 1500 players and officials from 17 countries and 25 states of India. Prof. Ri Yong Son, the IMGC President, a Parliament member from India People’s Party, Mr. Kye Chun Yong, DPRK ambassador to India, Mr. Kim Myong Gun, Secretary General of IMGC, Chairman of the 6th IMG OC, Rajendran Balan and New Delhi citizens took part in the opening ceremony. Taekwon-Do, Pangration, Kung Fu, Jendo, Arnis, Hapkido, Sqay, Kalaripayattu competitions were held and Taekwon-Do, Pangration, Kalaripayattu demonstrations were performed.

Novemeber 2017

The 9th IMGC Congress wwas held in Minsk, capital of Belarus was held in the attendance of 68 representatives. The Congress reviewed IMGC activities, adopted the affiliation of World Pan amateur Kickboxing Association, International Oriental Martial Art Federation, Sports Jujitsu of African Federation, and decided to greet the 20th anniversary of IMGC Foundation in Pyongyang in September 2019.

Novemeber 2017

The 7th IMGC was held in Minsk, capital of Belarus involving 3200 player and officials from 72 countries and regions. Prof. Ri Yong Son, President of IMGC, Mr. Alexander Igorievich Shamko, Minister of Belarusian Sports and Tourist Ministry, Mr. Victor Alexandrovich Guminski, 1st Vice Minister of Belarusian Sports and Tourist Ministry, Dr. Leong Wai Meng, Vice President of International Taekwon-Do Federation, Dr. Paul Hoglund, President of World Jiujitsu Confederation and Minsk citizens took part in the opening ceremony. Taekwon-Do, Karate, Muay, Jendo, Pangration, Kowat-Alrami, Arnis, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Art, Self-defense, Pahuyuth competitions were held and Taekwon-Do, Daifu, Taichichen demonstrations were performed.

September 2019

The 20th anniversary of IMGC Foundation was celebrated with splendor in Pyongyang, capital of DPRK in the attendance of 57 stakeholders including International Martial Arts Delegates, UN officials to DPRK, and 2000 Pyongyang citizens. Mr. Im Chol Ung, Vice Premier of DPRK, Prof. Ri Yong Son, President of IMGC, Dr. Leong Wai Meng, Vice President of International Taekwon-Do Federation, Dr. Paul Hoglund, President of World Jiujitsu Confederation, Mr. Kim Myong Gun, Secretary General of IMGC, Mr. Alexander Malov, the Sports Department Director of Cheboksary, Chuvashia, Russia, Mr. Wenhai Dueng, Director of the Ministry of Sports and Culture, Vietnam, Mr. Jonathan Makiling, President of International Jendo Federation, Dr. Vjacheslav Timofeev, Vice President of World Karate Confederation and other figures took part in the celebration event. Greeting the 20th anniversary of IMGC the Wreath-laying Ceremony at the grave Gen. Choi Hong Hi, Commemorative Meeting, Martial Art Demonstration, Friendship Gathering and other colorful events were held.

October 2019

The 10th IMGC Congress was held in Carrara, Italy in the attendance of 50 representatives. The Congress reviewed its activities, adopted the affiliation of World Pahuyuth Federation, World Jujitsu Federation, amended IMGC statues, by-elected EB members, and decided to hold the 9th IMG in Cheboksary, Chuvashia Republic, Russia in the year 2020.

October 2019

The 8th IMG was held in Carrara, Italy involving 2000 players and officials from 71 countries and regions. Prof. Ri Yong Son, President of IMGC, Mr. Francisco De Fasquale, Mayor of Carrara, Mr. Olreg Radykov, Mayor of Cheboksary, Chuvashia Republic, Russia, Dr. Leong Wai Meng, Vice President of International Taekwon-Do Federation, Dr. Paul Hoglund, President of World Jiujitsu Confederation, Mr. Kim Myong Gun, Secretary General of IMGC, Dr. Walid Kassas, President of World Federation of Kowat-Alrami and Self-defense, Dr. Viacheslav Timofeev, Vice President of World Karate Confederation, Mr. Christiano Radicchi, Chairman of the 9th IMG OC and other figures, and Carrara citizens took part in the opening ceremony. Taekwon-Do, Karate, Jujitsu, Muay, Kickboxing, Mixed Martial Art, Kung Fu, Nanbudo, TOA competitions were held and Taekwon-Do and Dragon Dance demonstrations were performed.

2020 ~ 2023

All events from 2020 to 2023 were cancelled due to world health crisis (COVID -19) that happened suddenly in end of 2019.

November 2024

The 11th IMGC Congress was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan in the attendance of 87 representatives. The Congress reviewed its activities, adopted the affiliation of International Sqay Council, International Jang San'ati Association, Global Air Power Athletics Federation, International Jeet Kune Do Federation, disqualified the IMGC membership of World Union of Toa Association and African Sports Jiu Jitsu Federation, amended IMGC statues, elected the President of International Taekwon-Do Federation, Prof. Ri Yong Son (DPRK), the President of IMGC, Dr. Leong Wai Meng (Denmark) and Dr. Walid Kassas (Lebanon), Dr. Viacheslav Timofeev (Russia), Mr. Kim Myong Gun, Secretary General, Prof. Kim Sung Hwan (DPRK), Dr. Rajendran Balan (India), Mr. Mikhail Kolvart (Estonia), Mr. Laziz Khasanov (Uzbekistan), EB members and decided to hold the 10th IMG in Almaty, Kazakhstan in the year 2026.

November 2024

The 9th IMG was held in Tashkent, Uzbekisatn involving 3200 players and officials from 65 countries and regions. 10 disciplines such as Taekwon-Do, Karate, Kowat Alrami,, Jang San'ati, Jeet Kune Do, Pahuyuth, Sqay, Air Power, Kickboxing and Taichichen took part in the 9th IMG. The Opening Ceremony of the 9th IMG held on 3rd of Nov in Yunusovod Stadium in Tashkent. Prof. Ri Yong Son, President of IMGC, Mr. Kim Myong Gun, Secretary General, EB members, 1st Vice President of Uzbekistan Sports Ministry, Mr.Laziz Khasanov, Chairman of the 9th IMG OC and other figures, and Tashkent citizens took part in the opening ceremony. Taekwon-Do, ancient Uzbek martial art, Military art of Uzbekistan army, Uzbek folk dance and Taichichen demonstrations were performed.