The United States Muaythai Federation is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Kramer as Chair of the USA Muaythai Legal Affairs Commission.
The USA Muaythai Legal Affairs Commission advises the USMF, the USMF Executive Board, and the USMF President on legal issues in a consultative and operational capacity.
After learning about the Muaythai community’s needs, Kramer contacted USA Muaythai Director of Membership Sean Madden to see how he could get involved and help. After being a lawyer for nearly two decades, he wanted to provide support by simply providing advice and answering questions. Most importantly, he wanted to help the federations address legal issues if they arose and find the best strategy to approach them.
Kramer believes his role is significant because “Muay Thai wants to be recognized as an Olympic sport. So, we must have compliance regulations, the establishment of high ethical and professional standards to make this a compliant and safe sport for all athletes to participate in.”
He is no stranger to the combat sports world. Kramer, a black belt in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a Muaythai student, values the discipline, friendship, and unity that martial arts can bring to one’s life.
Kramer is well-versed in many aspects of Muaythai’s development, particularly as it gains traction in the United States. He hopes that his role within the USMF will help the sport become more mainstream, acceptable, and appreciated for the values it offers.
“My role is to try to look at the problem from the top down, to see what policies, regulations, or procedures can be put in place to ensure that any accused person and anyone who has been victimized are treated fairly, with dignity, and with respect. It also means being able to anticipate issues before they arise. To accomplish this, we need regulatory compliance,” he says.
He wants all athletes in the sport, whether they are fighters, coaches, or simply students, to feel comfortable approaching the organization with any concerns or complaints they may have. Kramer is working to establish a structural framework to address these issues and create a safe environment where people can focus on what they are good at: practicing and enjoying the sport.
The Denver, Colorado-based attorney has a diverse background that will be invaluable to the United States Muaythai Federation and its athletes. He has worked as a civil litigator and a criminal prosecutor, with the majority of his career focusing on sexual and domestic crimes and obtaining justice for those who have been wronged. He hopes to make all participants feel included, safe, and supported with his skills and background.
President Michael Corley is grateful to have Kramer’s involvement. He says, “We are thankful to have Jason Kramer come aboard the USMF. With our growth as a Federation, it is critical to have him on board to assist with Federation structure and to maintain good governance in accordance with the IFMA Constitution.”