Wisconsin's Unarmed Combat Sports program assigned a new commissioner

MADISON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- If binging Netflix lately has left you with an interest in hitting the dojo mats to pursue Miyagi-Do, Cobra Kai or Eagle Fang, then the progress of unarmed combat in Wisconsin should be pleasant news.

The Wisconsin Unarmed Combat Sports program is made up of combat sports that are conducted in a safe and organized manner. The aforementioned sports include full-contact boxing, kickboxing, mixed martial arts and Muay Thai.

The program announced in a Monday, Oct. 3 press release that Mary Murphy Edwards has been named commissioner of WUCS by the Department of Safety and Professional Services.

Edwards is no stranger to the program. Not only had she been the deputy director since 2018, but she also has been involved in unarmed combat sports for nearly four decades, holding a 7th-degree black belt in Shaolin Kemp Karate. She also previously owned several martial arts schools.

Dan Hereth of the Department of Safety and Professional Services said in Monday's release that Edwards offered passion, knowledge and insight to the organization in her four years as deputy director. He added, "She is focused on making these sports safe, growing the events and cares deeply for the participants."

Among the duties in Edwards' new role will be overseeing promoters, hiring officials, judges, referees, physicians and inspectors for every event held by WUCS, and the number of those events is growing. This year, 30 events were scheduled, which was an new high, with the press release noting that 2023 is expected to show more growth.

More information can be found by visiting the organization's website.