Jump to content

World Kickboxing Association: Difference between revisions

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Browse history interactively
← Previous edit
Content deleted Content added
VisualWikitext
Converted 2 bare URL web.archive.org archived refs to {{Cite web}}
Rescuing 8 sources and tagging 0 as dead.) #IABot (v2.0.9.5) (Whoop whoop pull up - 20490
 
(44 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 3: Line 3:
{{Infobox organization
{{Infobox organization
| name = World Kickboxing and Karate Association
| name = World Kickboxing and Karate Association
| caption = One of WKA logotype
| caption =
| image = World Kickboxing Association (WKA) logo.jpg
| image = World Kickboxing Association (WKA) logo.jpg
| size = 200px
| size = 200px
Line 15: Line 15:
| leader_name = David Sawyer
| leader_name = David Sawyer
| main_organ =
| main_organ =
| website = https://wkainternational.com/
| website = [http://www.worldkickboxingassociation.org/ WKA official website]
| remarks = WKA was split from [[Professional Karate Association]] (PKA) in 1976.
| remarks = WKA was split from [[Professional Karate Association]] (PKA) in 1976.
}}
}}


The '''World Kickboxing Association''' ('''WKA''') is one of the oldest and the largest amateur and professional sanctioning organizations of [[kickboxing]] in the world for the sport. Its official name is "'''World Kickboxing and Karate Association''', however the logo uses '''World Karate and Kickboxing Association'''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wkaworld.com/uploads/media/WKA_rulebook_2011.pdf|title=The Chapter I of WKA Official Rulebook 2011 (Amateur) says "WKA stands for the World Kickboxing and Karate Association with its seat in Germany."|work=wkaworld.com}}</ref>".
The '''World Kickboxing Association''' ('''WKA''') also known as '''World Kickboxing and Karate Association''',<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.wkaworld.com/uploads/media/WKA_rulebook_2011.pdf|title=WKA Official Rulebook 2011: Chapter I|work=WKA World|access-date=7 August 2022|archive-date=13 September 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120913223615/http://www.wkaworld.com/uploads/media/WKA_rulebook_2011.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref> is one of the oldest and the largest amateur and professional sanctioning body for [[kickboxing]] and [[Karate]].<ref>Delmas Alain, Callière Jean-Roger, ''Histoire du Kick-boxing'', FKBDA, France, 1998</ref><ref name="history Kickboxing">{{cite web|url=http://www.prokick.com/kickboxing/article/history-of-kickboxing/|title=History of Kickboxing|work=Pro Kick|access-date=7 August 2022}}</ref>


==History==
==History==
WKA was created in the [[United States]] as the World Karate Association in 1976 by Howard Hanson, a [[Shorin-Ryu]] [[Karate]] black belt, and Arnold Urquidez. The organisation was the first non-profit governing body to use an independently controlled rating list, the first to establish a world championship division for women and the first to include countries from [[Asia]].<ref name="Corcoran">Corcoran, John and Farkas, Emil. Martial Arts: Traditions, History, People. Gallery Books, New York (1983) p. 60.</ref> The organisation became one of the major sanctioning bodies for professional karate. Early stars of the WKA included [[Benny Urquidez|Benny "The Jet" Urquidez]], [[Don "The Dragon" Wilson]], [[Kevin Rosier]] and [[Graciela Casillas]]. The organization went on to secure network broadcasts in the [[United States|US]] and [[Japan]].<ref name="Corcoran" /> Howard Hanson sold the WKA to Dale Floyd in 1991.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prokick.com/kickboxing/article/history-of-kickboxing/|title=History of Kickboxing|work=prokick.com}}</ref>
In 1976, the WKA was founded by Howard Hanson in the [[United States]] and originally named '''World Karate Association'''. The organization was the first non-profit governing body to use an independently controlled rating list and the first to establish a world championship division for women and the first to include countries from [[Asia]].<ref name="Corcoran">Corcoran, John and Farkas, Emil. Martial Arts: Traditions, History, People. Gallery Books, New York (1983) p. 60.</ref> The organization secured network broadcast in the [[United States|US]] and [[Japan]] and became a major sanctioning body for professional karate. Early stars of the WKA included [[Benny Urquidez]], [[Don "The Dragon" Wilson]], [[Kevin Rosier]] and [[Graciela Casillas]].<ref name="Corcoran" /> According to martial arts author John Ritschel, "The WKA became successful by finding common ground between Western and Eastern full-contact fighting culture, thereby creating and defining a culture for the sport that improved the recognition of full-contact competitions."<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ritschel |first=John |title=The Kickboxing Handbook |publisher=Rosen Publishing |year=2008 |location=New York |pages=16}}</ref>


The WKA reported that it had had 52 of its events in televised syndication worldwide in 1981, compared to 48 events broadcast by rival federation PKA (the Professional Karate Association) that year.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Corcoran |first=John |title=The Martial Arts Sourcebook |publisher=HarperPerennial |year=1994 |isbn=0062732595 |location=New York |pages=88}}</ref>
WKA developed the field of low kicks thanks to strong Asian and Japanese connections. WKA is based in Auckland, New Zealand has prospered throughout [[Europe]], [[Asia]], [[Oceania]], [[Africa]], and in [[North America]].
In 1994, Paul Ingram took over the organization. It was later led by the multiple world champion [[Klaus Nonnemacher]] and had its headquarters in Karlsruhe, Germany.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wka-magazin.com/ueber_die_wka.php |title=Archived copy |website=www.wka-magazin.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213224537/http://www.wka-magazin.com/ueber_die_wka.php |archive-date=13 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> [[Toni Dietl]] was the World Vice President and responsible for Karate.


The WKA later developed on the European continent with Champions like [[Rob Kaman]] and [[Fred Royers]]. In 1991, Howard Hanson sold the WKA to Canadian Dale Floyd which was followed by a fade in the organization's North American activities.<ref name="history Kickboxing" /> In 1994, Paul Ingram took over the WKA and established its world headquarters in the UK, which led the appointed European directors Fred Royers from Holland and Jean-Paul Maillet from France to leave in January. At the time, WKA was the second largest professional sanctioning organisation in the World.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wka-magazin.com/ueber_die_wka.php |title=Archived copy |website=WKA Magazin|access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213224537/http://www.wka-magazin.com/ueber_die_wka.php |archive-date=13 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> By 2011, the WKA had 129 offices worldwide and was the best known governing body among the rival federations in kickboxing.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Sports Book: The Games, the Rules, the Tactics, the Techniques |publisher=DK Books |year=2011 |isbn=978-0-7566-7231-7 |editor-last=Bridle |editor-first=Bob |edition=2nd |location=London, New York, Munich, Melbourne, and Delhi |pages=231 |editor-last2=Gilbert |editor-first2=Richard}}</ref> In 2013, it had 40 member nations.<ref>{{Cite book |title=The Sports Book: The games, the rules, the tactics, the techniques |publisher=DK Books |year=2013 |isbn=9781465414540 |editor-last=Wilson |editor-first=Ed |edition=3rd |location=London, New York, Munich, Melbourne, and Delhi |pages=237}}</ref>
==2012 Split==
⚫
In 2012 there was a split in the WKA, and many athletes and trainers, among them also all national coaches and world champions such as [[Christine Theiss]], [[Roland Conar]], [[Ramin Abtin]] and [[Mladen Steko]] followed [[Klaus Nonnemacher]] to the newly founded World Kickboxing and Karate Union (WKUWORLD), whereby the WKA still exists as a splinter association, but has lost much of its former importance. Sponsors such as KWON, which formerly supported the WKA,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wka-magazin.com/partner.php |title=Archived copy |website=www.wka-magazin.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213224452/http://www.wka-magazin.com/partner.php |archive-date=13 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> also moved to the WKUWORLD.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Petrushyn|first=Alexander|title=Partners/Sponsors - WKUWORLD|date=9 June 2021|url=https://www.wkuworld.com/partners-sponsors/|access-date=2021-10-13|language=en-US}}</ref>


⚫
In December 2018, David Sawyer based out of New Zealand took over the management of the WKA as president.<ref name="history Kickboxing" />
⚫
From 29 September 2012 WKA had new management: Michele Panfietti World President and Cristiano Radicchi General Secretary. From December 2016, the management was passed back to Mr Paul Ingram, and the WKA headquarters was transferred back to Birmingham, England.<ref>{{cite web |title=WKA International Team |url=https://45yearswka.com/international-exec/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020}}</ref>


The World Kickboxing Association sanctions fights worldwide fought under the WKA ruleset.<ref>{{cite web |title=Title Belt Sanctioning |url=https://45yearswka.com/sanctions/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920101838/https://45yearswka.com/sanctions/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="WKA in New York">{{cite web|url=http://jordantimes.com/news/sports/abdallah-becomes-world-kickboxing-association-cruiserweight-champion|title=Abdallah becomes World Kickboxing Association Cruiserweight champion|work=[[The Jordan Times]]|date=7 May 2016}}</ref><ref name="WKA in Manila">{{cite web|url=https://www.manilatimes.net/2022/03/08/sports/wka-ph-holds-first-tourney-for-2022/1835453|title=WKA-PH holds first tourney for 2022|work=[[The Manila Times]]|date=8 March 2022}}</ref>
⚫
December 2018, David Sawyer based out of New Zealand took over the management of the WKA, he is the current World President.


From October 31 to November 4, 2022, the organization is set host the 2022 WKA World Championships in [[North Wales]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Whanganui Muay Thai fighter Haimona Tamati selected for world champs|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/whanganui-chronicle/news/whanganui-muay-thai-fighter-haimona-tamati-selected-for-world-champs/SIMOXRMARUJ4NX7FYJDWJLXESI|author=Mike Tweed|website=[[The New Zealand Herald]]|date=3 August 2022}}</ref>
The organisation became one of the major sanctioning bodies for professional karate.


''' WKU split '''
==Activities==
The World Kickboxing Association sanctions fights and its title bouts, fought under the WKA Rule Set.<ref>{{cite web |title=Title Belt Sanctioning |url=https://45yearswka.com/sanctions/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020}}</ref>


⚫
In 2012, the manager of the WKA split away to form ''World Kickboxing and Karate Union'' (WKU), sponsors such as KWON, which formerly supported the WKA,<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.wka-magazin.com/partner.php |title=Archived copy |website=www.wka-magazin.com |access-date=12 January 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110213224452/http://www.wka-magazin.com/partner.php |archive-date=13 February 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> also moved to the WKU.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Petrushyn|first=Alexander|title=Partners/Sponsors - WKUWORLD|date=9 June 2021|url=https://www.wkuworld.com/partners-sponsors/|access-date=2021-10-13|language=en-US}}</ref>Paul Ingram took the WKU too court in Germany winning several decisions to take ownership of the WKU name causing the WKU to become WKUWORLD/GCO.
===Professional ruleset===

Under the professional ruleset<ref>{{cite web |title=World Kickboxing AssociationWorld Karate Association |url=https://45yearswka.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-WKA-World-PROFESSIONAL-Rules-and-Regulations.pdf |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020}}</ref> it sanctions boxing, full contact karate and kickboxing, low kick, K-1 and Glory kickboxing, as well as Thai boxing and Muay Thai.
⚫
From 29 September 2012 WKA had new management: Michele Panfietti began serving as World President and Cristiano Radicchi began serving as General Secretary. From December 2016, the management was passed back to Mr Paul Ingram, and the WKA headquarters was transferred back to Birmingham, England.<ref>{{cite web |title=WKA International Team |url=https://45yearswka.com/international-exec/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920100355/https://45yearswka.com/international-exec/ |url-status=dead }} {{dead link|date=March 2023}}</ref>

== Ruleset ==
Under its professional ruleset it sanctions boxing, full contact karate and kickboxing, low kick, K-1 and [[Glory (kickboxing)|Glory]] Kickboxing, as well as Thai boxing and Muay Thai.<ref>{{cite web |title=World Kickboxing AssociationWorld Karate Association |url=https://45yearswka.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-WKA-World-PROFESSIONAL-Rules-and-Regulations.pdf |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920103847/https://45yearswka.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/2020-WKA-World-PROFESSIONAL-Rules-and-Regulations.pdf |url-status=dead }} {{dead link|date=March 2023}}</ref>


Using substances banned by one of the appropriate organizations isn't allowed, WKA supervisors, promoters and the official medic can perform tests on the competitors. Failing a test, or failing to provide a sample can result in a two year ban. Tests are performed by a qualified person of the same sex.
Using substances banned by one of the appropriate organizations isn't allowed, WKA supervisors, promoters and the official medic can perform tests on the competitors. Failing a test, or failing to provide a sample can result in a two year ban. Tests are performed by a qualified person of the same sex.
Line 46: Line 47:
Competitions are held inside of a ring not smaller than 20 square feet or larger than 24 square feet, with four ropes surrounding it. Referees judging the bouts must be certified by WKA.
Competitions are held inside of a ring not smaller than 20 square feet or larger than 24 square feet, with four ropes surrounding it. Referees judging the bouts must be certified by WKA.


Full contact karate fights consist of two twelve minute rounds for men, and two ten minute rounds for women. European and national title bouts consist of two ten minute rounds for men, and two eight minute rounds for women. All other regional and state fights consist of two eight minute rounds for men and two six minute rounds for women. For boxing and all forms of kickboxing and karate, rounds consist of three three minute rounds for Class B athletes or five three minute rounds for Class A athletes , depending on the experience of the competitors. Class B athletes are those with seven amateur wins. They are promoted to Class A after achieving eight Class B wins. There is always a minute of rest between rounds. Rounds are scored based on eight counts, effective striking, ring control and style specific techniques.
Full contact karate fights consist of two twelve minute rounds for men, and two ten minute rounds for women. European and national title bouts consist of two ten minute rounds for men, and two eight minute rounds for women. All other regional and state fights consist of two eight minute rounds for men and two six minute rounds for women. For boxing and all forms of kickboxing and karate, rounds consist of three three minute rounds for Class B athletes or five three minute rounds for Class A athletes, depending on the experience of the competitors. Class B athletes are those with seven amateur wins. They are promoted to Class A after achieving eight Class B wins. There is always a minute of rest between rounds. Rounds are scored based on eight counts, effective striking, ring control and style specific techniques.


All competitors wear competition appropriate attire, with compulsory groin protectors for men and breast protectors for women, with both additionally having to use a mouth guard. Full contact karate athletes wear foot protectors, with the exception of title bouts, should the champion demand otherwise. 10 oz gloves are used in all divisions, unless fighters up to and including middleweight agree to use 8 oz gloves.
All competitors wear competition appropriate attire, with compulsory groin protectors for men and breast protectors for women, with both additionally having to use a mouth guard. Full contact karate athletes wear foot protectors, with the exception of title bouts, should the champion demand otherwise. 10 oz gloves are used in all divisions, unless fighters up to and including middleweight agree to use 8 oz gloves.
Line 52: Line 53:
Bouts in which one of the fighters has missed weight are permitted, provided the weight differential doesn't exceed 3.5% of the weight division allowance or 3.5&nbsp;kg, whichever is less.
Bouts in which one of the fighters has missed weight are permitted, provided the weight differential doesn't exceed 3.5% of the weight division allowance or 3.5&nbsp;kg, whichever is less.


Aside from this, WKA also certifies Karate and kickboxing colored belts and black belts, ranging from 1st to 9th Dan for kickboxing or 1st to 10th for Karate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dan Grading |url=https://45yearswka.com/black-belts/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WKA Kickboxing Black Belts |url=https://45yearswka.com/black-belt-holders/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WKA Karate Black Belts |url=https://45yearswka.com/wka-karate-black-belts/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Certificates and Black Belts |url=https://45yearswka.com/certificates/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020}}</ref>
Aside from this, WKA also certifies Karate and kickboxing colored belts and black belts, ranging from 1st to 9th Dan for kickboxing or 1st to 10th for Karate.<ref>{{cite web |title=Dan Grading |url=https://45yearswka.com/black-belts/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920114958/https://45yearswka.com/black-belts/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WKA Kickboxing Black Belts |url=https://45yearswka.com/black-belt-holders/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920114528/https://45yearswka.com/black-belt-holders/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WKA Karate Black Belts |url=https://45yearswka.com/wka-karate-black-belts/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920104845/https://45yearswka.com/wka-karate-black-belts/ |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Certificates and Black Belts |url=https://45yearswka.com/certificates/ |website=45yearswka.com |access-date=22 September 2020 |archive-date=20 September 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200920112009/https://45yearswka.com/certificates/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>


==Weight classes==
==Weight classes==
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
{| class="wikitable" style="font-size:95%;"
!Weight class name
!Weight class name
!Upper limit
!Men
!Gender
!Women
|-
|-
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Atomweight
|align="left"|Atomweight
⚫
|{{convert|46|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|
|Female
⚫
|{{convert|101.2|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Super Atomweight
|align="left"|Super Atomweight
⚫
|{{convert|48|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|
|Female
⚫
|{{convert|105.6|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Flyweight
|align="left"|Flyweight
⚫
|{{convert|50|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|
|Female
⚫
|{{convert|110|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Bantamweight
|align="left"|Bantamweight
|{{convert|118.8|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|53.5|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male / Female
|{{convert|118.8|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Featherweight
|align="left"|Featherweight
|{{convert|125.4|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|57|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male / Female
|{{convert|125.4|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Lightweight
|align="left"|Lightweight
|{{convert|132|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|60|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male / Female
|{{convert|132|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Super Lightweight
|align="left"|Super Lightweight
|{{convert|139.7|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|63.5|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male / Female
|{{convert|139.7|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Welterweight
|align="left"|Welterweight
|{{convert|147.7|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|67|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male / Female
|{{convert|147.7|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Super Welterweight
|align="left"|Super Welterweight
|{{convert|154|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|70|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male / Female
|{{convert|154|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Middleweight
|align="left"|Middleweight
|{{convert|159.5|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|73.5|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male / Female
|{{convert|159.5|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Super Middleweight
|align="left"|Super Middleweight
|{{convert|167.2|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|77|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male / Female
|{{convert|167.2|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Light Heavyweight
|align="left"|Light Heavyweight
|{{convert|173.8|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|80|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male
|{{convert|173.8|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Cruiserweight
|align="left"|Cruiserweight
|{{convert|182.6|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|83.5|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male
|
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Super Cruiserweight
|align="left"|Super Cruiserweight
|{{convert|198|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|90|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male
|
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Heavyweight
|align="left"|Heavyweight
|{{convert|209|lb|kg|3|abbr=on}}
|{{convert|95|kg|lb|1|abbr=on}}
|Male
|
|-align="center"
|-align="center"
|align="left"|Super Heavyweight
|align="left"|Super Heavyweight
|''Unlimited''
|''Unlimited''
|Male
|
|}
|}


==See also==
==See also==
* [[Kickboxing]]
* [[List of kickboxing organizations]]
* [[List of kickboxing organizations]]
* [[World Association of Kickboxing Organizations]]


==References==
==References==
Line 141: Line 144:
{{Kickboxing organizations}}
{{Kickboxing organizations}}


[[Category:Sports organizations established in 1976]]
[[Category:Kickboxing organizations|WKA]]
[[Category:Kickboxing organizations|WKA]]
[[Category:Karate organizations|WKA]]
[[Category:Karate organizations|WKA]]
[[Category:Organisations based in Auckland]]

Latest revision as of 05:01, 16 July 2024

Not to be confused with World Association of Kickboxing Organizations.
World Kickboxing and Karate Association
AbbreviationWKA
FormationOctober 1976
HeadquartersAuckland, New Zealand
Region served
Worldwide
MembershipNational associations
Official language
English
President
David Sawyer
Websitehttps://wkainternational.com/
RemarksWKA was split from Professional Karate Association (PKA) in 1976.

The World Kickboxing Association (WKA) also known as World Kickboxing and Karate Association,[1] is one of the oldest and the largest amateur and professional sanctioning body for kickboxing and Karate.[2][3]

History

[edit]

In 1976, the WKA was founded by Howard Hanson in the United States and originally named World Karate Association. The organization was the first non-profit governing body to use an independently controlled rating list and the first to establish a world championship division for women and the first to include countries from Asia.[4] The organization secured network broadcast in the US and Japan and became a major sanctioning body for professional karate. Early stars of the WKA included Benny Urquidez, Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Kevin Rosier and Graciela Casillas.[4] According to martial arts author John Ritschel, "The WKA became successful by finding common ground between Western and Eastern full-contact fighting culture, thereby creating and defining a culture for the sport that improved the recognition of full-contact competitions."[5]

The WKA reported that it had had 52 of its events in televised syndication worldwide in 1981, compared to 48 events broadcast by rival federation PKA (the Professional Karate Association) that year.[6]

The WKA later developed on the European continent with Champions like Rob Kaman and Fred Royers. In 1991, Howard Hanson sold the WKA to Canadian Dale Floyd which was followed by a fade in the organization's North American activities.[3] In 1994, Paul Ingram took over the WKA and established its world headquarters in the UK, which led the appointed European directors Fred Royers from Holland and Jean-Paul Maillet from France to leave in January. At the time, WKA was the second largest professional sanctioning organisation in the World.[7] By 2011, the WKA had 129 offices worldwide and was the best known governing body among the rival federations in kickboxing.[8] In 2013, it had 40 member nations.[9]

In December 2018, David Sawyer based out of New Zealand took over the management of the WKA as president.[3]

The World Kickboxing Association sanctions fights worldwide fought under the WKA ruleset.[10][11][12]

From October 31 to November 4, 2022, the organization is set host the 2022 WKA World Championships in North Wales.[13]

WKU split

In 2012, the manager of the WKA split away to form World Kickboxing and Karate Union (WKU), sponsors such as KWON, which formerly supported the WKA,[14] also moved to the WKU.[15]Paul Ingram took the WKU too court in Germany winning several decisions to take ownership of the WKU name causing the WKU to become WKUWORLD/GCO.

From 29 September 2012 WKA had new management: Michele Panfietti began serving as World President and Cristiano Radicchi began serving as General Secretary. From December 2016, the management was passed back to Mr Paul Ingram, and the WKA headquarters was transferred back to Birmingham, England.[16]

Ruleset

[edit]

Under its professional ruleset it sanctions boxing, full contact karate and kickboxing, low kick, K-1 and Glory Kickboxing, as well as Thai boxing and Muay Thai.[17]

Using substances banned by one of the appropriate organizations isn't allowed, WKA supervisors, promoters and the official medic can perform tests on the competitors. Failing a test, or failing to provide a sample can result in a two year ban. Tests are performed by a qualified person of the same sex.

Competitions are held inside of a ring not smaller than 20 square feet or larger than 24 square feet, with four ropes surrounding it. Referees judging the bouts must be certified by WKA.

Full contact karate fights consist of two twelve minute rounds for men, and two ten minute rounds for women. European and national title bouts consist of two ten minute rounds for men, and two eight minute rounds for women. All other regional and state fights consist of two eight minute rounds for men and two six minute rounds for women. For boxing and all forms of kickboxing and karate, rounds consist of three three minute rounds for Class B athletes or five three minute rounds for Class A athletes, depending on the experience of the competitors. Class B athletes are those with seven amateur wins. They are promoted to Class A after achieving eight Class B wins. There is always a minute of rest between rounds. Rounds are scored based on eight counts, effective striking, ring control and style specific techniques.

All competitors wear competition appropriate attire, with compulsory groin protectors for men and breast protectors for women, with both additionally having to use a mouth guard. Full contact karate athletes wear foot protectors, with the exception of title bouts, should the champion demand otherwise. 10 oz gloves are used in all divisions, unless fighters up to and including middleweight agree to use 8 oz gloves.

Bouts in which one of the fighters has missed weight are permitted, provided the weight differential doesn't exceed 3.5% of the weight division allowance or 3.5 kg, whichever is less.

Aside from this, WKA also certifies Karate and kickboxing colored belts and black belts, ranging from 1st to 9th Dan for kickboxing or 1st to 10th for Karate.[18][19][20][21]

Weight classes

[edit]
Weight class name Upper limit Gender
Atomweight 46 kg (101.4 lb) Female
Super Atomweight 48 kg (105.8 lb) Female
Flyweight 50 kg (110.2 lb) Female
Bantamweight 53.5 kg (117.9 lb) Male / Female
Featherweight 57 kg (125.7 lb) Male / Female
Lightweight 60 kg (132.3 lb) Male / Female
Super Lightweight 63.5 kg (140.0 lb) Male / Female
Welterweight 67 kg (147.7 lb) Male / Female
Super Welterweight 70 kg (154.3 lb) Male / Female
Middleweight 73.5 kg (162.0 lb) Male / Female
Super Middleweight 77 kg (169.8 lb) Male / Female
Light Heavyweight 80 kg (176.4 lb) Male
Cruiserweight 83.5 kg (184.1 lb) Male
Super Cruiserweight 90 kg (198.4 lb) Male
Heavyweight 95 kg (209.4 lb) Male
Super Heavyweight Unlimited Male

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ "WKA Official Rulebook 2011: Chapter I" (PDF). WKA World. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 September 2012. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  2. ^ Delmas Alain, Callière Jean-Roger, Histoire du Kick-boxing, FKBDA, France, 1998
  3. ^ a b c "History of Kickboxing". Pro Kick. Retrieved 7 August 2022.
  4. ^ a b Corcoran, John and Farkas, Emil. Martial Arts: Traditions, History, People. Gallery Books, New York (1983) p. 60.
  5. ^ Ritschel, John (2008). The Kickboxing Handbook. New York: Rosen Publishing. p. 16.
  6. ^ Corcoran, John (1994). The Martial Arts Sourcebook. New York: HarperPerennial. p. 88. ISBN 0062732595.
  7. ^ "Archived copy". WKA Magazin. Archived from the original on 13 February 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  8. ^ Bridle, Bob; Gilbert, Richard, eds. (2011). The Sports Book: The Games, the Rules, the Tactics, the Techniques (2nd ed.). London, New York, Munich, Melbourne, and Delhi: DK Books. p. 231. ISBN 978-0-7566-7231-7.
  9. ^ Wilson, Ed, ed. (2013). The Sports Book: The games, the rules, the tactics, the techniques (3rd ed.). London, New York, Munich, Melbourne, and Delhi: DK Books. p. 237. ISBN 9781465414540.
  10. ^ "Title Belt Sanctioning". 45yearswka.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  11. ^ "Abdallah becomes World Kickboxing Association Cruiserweight champion". The Jordan Times. 7 May 2016.
  12. ^ "WKA-PH holds first tourney for 2022". The Manila Times. 8 March 2022.
  13. ^ Mike Tweed (3 August 2022). "Whanganui Muay Thai fighter Haimona Tamati selected for world champs". The New Zealand Herald.
  14. ^ "Archived copy". www.wka-magazin.com. Archived from the original on 13 February 2011. Retrieved 12 January 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  15. ^ Petrushyn, Alexander (9 June 2021). "Partners/Sponsors - WKUWORLD". Retrieved 2021-10-13.
  16. ^ "WKA International Team". 45yearswka.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020. [dead link‍]
  17. ^ "World Kickboxing AssociationWorld Karate Association" (PDF). 45yearswka.com. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020. [dead link‍]
  18. ^ "Dan Grading". 45yearswka.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  19. ^ "WKA Kickboxing Black Belts". 45yearswka.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  20. ^ "WKA Karate Black Belts". 45yearswka.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.
  21. ^ "Certificates and Black Belts". 45yearswka.com. Archived from the original on 20 September 2020. Retrieved 22 September 2020.

Further reading

[edit]
  • Delmas Alain, Callière Jean-Roger, Histoire du Kick-boxing, FKBDA, France, 1998
  • Delmas Alain, Définition du Kick-boxing, FKBDA, France, 1999
[edit]
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=World_Kickboxing_Association&oldid=1234792897"