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WAKO World Champions

August 25, 2024by norwinninjas

WAKO WORLD CHAMPS

The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) has made significant strides toward Olympic inclusion. On July 20, 2021, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) granted WAKO full recognition, officially integrating kickboxing into the Olympic family of sports .Kumite Classic+6WAKO+6WAKO+6

WAKO’s Olympic Journey

Provisional Recognition: WAKO received provisional IOC recognition in November 2018, marking the beginning of its journey toward full Olympic inclusion.
Full Recognition: After demonstrating adherence to Olympic standards, including governance and anti-doping measures, WAKO achieved full IOC recognition in 2021.
Olympic Participation Efforts: Despite being shortlisted for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, kickboxing was not selected for inclusion. However, WAKO President Roy Baker remains optimistic about future opportunities, emphasizing the sport’s growth and global appeal.

WAKO governs kickboxing in over 130 countries, with more than 100 national federations recognized by their respective Olympic committees or sports ministries . The organization oversees various disciplines, including Point Fighting, Light Contact, Full Contact, Kick Light, Low Kick, K1-style, and Musical Forms.

In the United States, WAKO USA serves as the official governing body for kickboxing, recognized by both the IOC and the American Olympic Committee. The organization facilitates national championships, such as the WAKO USA Nationals, which serve as qualifiers for international competitions like the Pan American Kickboxing Championships and the Senior World Championships .

While kickboxing has not yet been included in the Olympic Games, WAKO’s full IOC recognition represents a significant milestone. The organization’s continued efforts aim to secure the sport’s place in future Olympic programs, potentially as early as the 2032 Brisbane Games .Black Belt Magazine

Gabby Viola, a 14-year-old martial artist from North Huntingdon, Pennsylvania, achieved a significant milestone at the 2024 WAKO Junior World Kickboxing Championships held from August 22 to September 1 in Budapest, Hungary. Representing Team USA, she secured a bronze medal in the -50 kg Older Cadet division, marking her as one of the first athletes from Pennsylvania to medal at this prestigious event.

Gabby trains at the Allegheny Shotokan Karate Dojo under the guidance of her father, Sensei Bill Viola Jr., a prominent figure in USA Kickboxing and the Chairman of Tatami Sports for WAKO USA . Her journey is particularly inspiring, as she has been managing ulcerative colitis since the age of seven, demonstrating remarkable resilience by competing at elite levels while undergoing regular treatments .

In the same championship, her teammate Xander Eddy, 15, earned a silver medal in the -63 kg division, further highlighting the strength of their dojo . Both athletes have been selected to join the U.S. Army Fight Team for the 2025 season, where they will represent the United States in various international competitions, including events in Wales, Mexico, Canada, and the Dominican Republic

Their accomplishments not only bring pride to their local community but also contribute to the broader recognition of kickboxing as it moves toward potential inclusion in future Olympic Games.