IAKO was formed in 1993 to control and promote kickboxing activities throughout the country.

IAKO promotes amateur kickboxing and professional kickboxing (under the banner of IAKO Pro) in all the states, union territories and special armed forces across the country.

IAKO is the first among other martial arts federations recognised by School Games Federation of India (SGFI) since 2005 and is instrumental in introducing kickboxing in school games since 2006.

IAKO is a government-registered body under the Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.

Kickboxing has been introduced into school and university games through IAKO.