An adaptive fuzzy sliding mode controller is proposed. The distance-based fuzzy sliding mode controller (D-FSMC) design method is adopted in the design of the proposed controller. Therefore, the number of fuzzy rules can be greatly reduced Then, we adopt the integrated indirect-direct adaptive control algorithm to approximate the dynamics of the nonlinear plant and to adjust the parameters of D-FSMC. The stability of the suggested control system is proved via Lyapunov stability theorem.