ISO/TC 83/SC 6,
international subcommittee within ISO/TC 83, dedicated to standardization in the field of martial arts. SC 6 addresses the specific needs of martial arts, covering both traditional and modern disciplines and their practice in recreational, competitive, and health-related contexts.
Its objective is to develop globally recognized, practice-oriented and safety-focused standards for combat sports and martial arts disciplines – ranging from the definition of key terms and requirements for sports equipment to test criteria for quality and safety.
ISO/TC 83/SC 6 also considers the specific movement patterns and characteristic techniques of each martial art when developing standards, ensuring that the requirements reflect the practical realities of both training and competition.
How we work
In the dynamic field of martial arts, where training methods, equipment and international participation are constantly evolving, ISO/TC 83/SC 6 “Martial Arts” ensures that its work keeps pace with these developments.
Within its scope, SC 6 systematically incorporates new ideas and perspectives.
Experts follow current trends in both traditional and modern martial arts, share their findings and translate this expertise into International Standards that meet the practical needs of practitioners, organizers, manufacturers and regulators – while also preparing for future challenges.
Regular meetings, workshops and technical presentations offer space for factual discussion, professional networking and cooperative problem-solving.
This platform enables SC 6 to identify relevant needs from the field, launch appropriate standardization projects and develop documents that strengthen safety, performance and reliability in martial arts training and competition.
The quality of the results relies on close cooperation among all participants. Members, experts, Convenors, Chairperson and the Committee Manager work together as a coordinated team, contributing diverse practical and technical experience. Through continuous dialogue, joint work on solutions and mutual support, ISO/TC 83/SC 6 ensures that standards for martial arts are systematically developed, applied and further improved.
Standardization thrives on practical expertise. Federations, manufacturers, researchers and coaches are warmly invited to contribute their specialist knowledge to our international Working Group.
Our Team and Working Structure
ISO/TC 83/SC 6 “Martial Arts” brings together specialists from around the world and structures their work into two focused Working Groups:
Working Group 1 (WG 1): Martial arts clothing
Developing International Standards for uniforms and protective clothing – from traditional outfits to modern performance textiles used in training and competition.
Working Group 2 (WG 2): Martial arts equipment
Focusing on training and competition equipment, including protective gear and training devices, to support safe, fair and high‑quality practice.
Mr Michael Haus has been active in standardization since 2001 and brings more than two decades of experience to his leadership roles within ISO. He serves as Chairman of ISO/TC 83, and as Chairman of ISO/TC 83/SC 6 “Martial arts”, supporting both groups in developing high‑quality International Standards. He has recently been re‑elected as Chairman of ISO/TC 83/SC 6, confirming the trust placed in his leadership by the international martial arts community.
Below you will find an overview of the latest projects currently under development in ISO/TC 83/SC 6
Under ISO/TC 83/SC 6, standards are currently being developed for both “Martial arts — Wushu competition stick” and “Martial arts — Wushu competition spear.”
Developing a standard for “Martial arts — Wushu competition stick and spear” can contribute to “Good Health and Well Being” in several important ways:
Clear requirements and test methods for competition sticks and spears enhance safety and help prevent equipment related accidents and injuries.
Safe and reliable equipment, in turn, encourages regular training and participation in Wushu, thereby supporting an active lifestyle and promoting physical fitness.
Standardized, tested equipment also offers mental health benefits: when athletes can rely on the quality and performance of their gear, they experience greater confidence and reduced anxiety during training and competition.
In addition, harmonized specifications ensure that equipment performs consistently across manufacturers and regions, creating fair and predictable conditions for all participants.
By fostering a safe and standardized environment, this initiative supports both the physical and psychological dimensions of health and well being. The standard helps athletes to trust in the safety of their equipment and to compete with reduced risk of injury.
We warmly invite any time federations, manufacturers, researchers and coaches to contribute their specialist knowledge to the international working groups. Please contact your National Body for this.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi) – Gentle Movement, Strong Standards
Taijiquan blends slow, flowing movements with deep breathing and focus, offering an accessible, low-impact way to build strength, balance and calm at any age. By framing this traditional martial art within modern standards, ISO/TC 83 supports safe, high‑quality practice that can reduce falls, boost well‑being and help people stay active for life.
Taijiquan (Tai Chi)
is a traditional Chinese martial art that combines slow, flowing movements with deep breathing and mental focus. As a low impact, accessible and holistic practice, Taijiquan can contribute meaningfully to “ensuring healthy lives and promoting well being for all at all ages”. Regular practice supports cardiovascular and respiratory function through controlled breathing and gentle, continuous movement. Training in Taijiquan helps to improve balance, coordination and flexibility, reducing the risk of falls and injuries, especially among older adults.
Because it is low impact and highly adaptable, Taijiquan can be safely practiced by children, adults and older people, including those with chronic conditions. This makes it a valuable element of inclusive primary health care and community wellness programmes.
Taijiquan can be taught in public parks, schools, community centres and workplace wellness initiatives, including in low resource settings, as it requires minimal equipment, space and cost. This inclusiveness supports universal access to health promoting activities and aligns with universal health coverage goals by strengthening the “promotion” and “prevention” components of health systems.
In developing standards for Taijiquan, ISO/TC 83/SC 6 and its working groups actively involve renowned martial arts masters of the respective styles from China in the technical work.
These masters contribute decades of practical experience, a deep understanding of the technical content and extensive knowledge of the historical and cultural background. Through close cooperation with recognised authorities of the individual Taijiquan styles, the standards ensure an authentic representation of characteristic movement principles, techniques and teaching traditions, while also meeting the requirements of modern training, competition and health related applications.
Standardization thrives on practical expertise. We warmly invite any time federations, manufacturers, researchers and coaches to contribute their specialist knowledge to the international working groups. Please contact your National Body for this.
