"It has rational rules, age and weight classifications, real training and real standards," Bordsen said.

While the state will regulate the martial arts matches, North Carolinians won't pay for it out of their general tax dollars, she said.

"The fee structure and the gate tax will pay for its own regulation," Bordsen said.

Bordsen said that officials are using a $3 fee per person attending such matches as a working number. Other fees paid by people involved in the matches, such as promoters' fees, would apply, she said.