The Dnipro Federation of Martial Arts “Combat Self-Defense ISO” continues to confidently strengthen its position as one of the association’s most powerful regional branches. The federation demonstrates systematic work in the development of martial arts, training athletes at an international level, and creating high-quality sports infrastructure for children, youth, and adults.
Under the leadership of Oleksandr Rudchenko, the organization maintains steady growth, expands training directions, and actively collaborates with government bodies and law enforcement agencies.
Federation Leadership and Structure
The Dnipro federation has a strong management team that combines organizational experience with high personal sports achievements. The leadership includes:
- Oleksandr Rudchenko — federation president.
- Oleksandr Tsurpikov — vice-president, Master of Sports in boxing of Ukraine, World Champion in Kick-Jitsu.
- Oleh Sumarokov — vice-president, Ukrainian finalist in Combat Self-Defense ISO.
- Andriy Zakharov — chief referee of championships, Honored Coach of Ukraine.
This combination of managerial competence and sports experience ensures the professional development of the federation and high-quality athlete training.
Scope of Activities and Sports Disciplines
The Dnipro federation includes:
- 25 sports clubs
- 3 youth sports schools
- Over 2,500 athletes of various ages and skill levels
Main disciplines:
- Free boxing (classic boxing)
- Combat Thai boxing
- K-1 Combat
- Mix-Combat
The federation actively opens new sections, supports coaches, and promotes martial arts development within the city and regional communities.
Key Sports Achievements of 2025
The year 2025 became one of the most successful for the federation. Based on competition results at various levels, the Dnipro federation confidently ranks among the top three most successful federations in Ukraine.
- Team victories at Ukrainian championships in three combat disciplines
- 7 medals (3 gold) at the European Championship in Italy
- 7 medals (3 gold) at the World Championship in the UK
- 250 athletes joined the regional national team
Breakthrough Athletes of 2025
- Yevheniy Buchkovskyi — international Master of Sports, European Champion
- Pavlo Pestov — 2025 World and European Champion
Their victories served as important motivation for younger athletes and confirmed the high level of the coaching staff’s work.
Leading Federation Coaches
- Free Boxing: Andriy Bukriev (Master of Sports of Ukraine)
- Mix-Combat: Mykyta Minailov (International Master of Sports)
- Combat Thai Boxing: Oleksandr Mintiy (Master of Sports of Ukraine)
- K-1 Combat: Andriy Zakharov (Honored Coach of Ukraine)
The professional approach, personal sports achievements, and large number of trainees allow coaches to systematically train champions of different levels.
Refereeing Team
The federation has 20 certified referees officiating competitions from city to international level. The refereeing team is headed by Andriy Zakharov, an international category referee.
Regular seminars, advanced training courses, and certification sessions are conducted.
Collaboration with State Structures
- The National Police of Ukraine
- The Armed Forces of Ukraine
- The Military Law Enforcement Service
This cooperation allows for joint training, championships, and physical preparation programs.
Championships Held in 2025
- Open Dnipro Championship in Combat Self-Defense ISO — March 23, 2025
- Open Pavlohrad Championship — October 25, 2025
Both events gathered a large number of athletes and significantly increased the popularity of the sports disciplines in the region.
Plans and Strategic Goals
- Summarize the annual sports results
- Award top athletes and coaches
- Approve priority directions for 2026
