New Martial Arts Ordinance Excludes Public, Private Schools in Farmington Hills

Farmington Hills city officials unanimously approved a new ordinance Monday that sets out extensive new requirements for any promoter wishing to hold an amateur mixed martial arts events in the city.

Officials took a look at what Mayor Barry Brickner described as a "very spartan" ordinance last year, after Farmington Hills Police Chief Chuck Nebus received a few inquiries from event promoters. The new rules govern "boxing, wrestling, karate and/or other similar martial arts"; events sponsored by the city, local schools and private businesses that offer martial arts instruction are specifically excluded. 

Requirements set out by the ordinance include completion of a detail application for review by city departments, an "event fee deposit", clean up bond and requirement for providing on-site security and medical personnel. Participants and attendees must be at least 18 years old. 

Brickner pointed out that state law only governs professional mixed martial arts events, and the city's ordinance applies to amateur events. 

"We felt it was important to protect our residents," he said. 

Read more:

• 'Bloodlust' or Family-Friendly Spectator Sport? Martial Arts Ordinance Moves Forward
• Farmington Hills Ordinance Would Keep Minors from Mixed Martial Arts Events
• Farmington Hills Council Members Wrestle with 'Cage Fighting' Ordinance