History
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 in 1981, it had 52 events syndicated worldwide, compared to 48 events broadcast by its rival, the Professional Karate Association (PKA). 48 events were broadcast by the rival federation PKA (the Professional Karate Association) that year. [6]
Additionally, the WKA has expanded its reach internationally, boasting fourteen member nations, with the most active participants including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. American and European fighters often faced off against Muay Thai competitors from Southeast Asia. By 1982, the WKA sanctioned approximately 30% of all martial arts events worldwide.
Although PKA and WKA tried to expand their promotional presence in Europe, their success was limited. In contrast to the U.S., the development of full-contact karate (kickboxing) in Europe has been more significantly influenced by nationalism and governmental interference than by the pursuit of television revenues. Nevertheless, by 1982, European organizations had sanctioned approximately 20% of all events worldwide. [7]
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. [8] By 2011, the WKA had 129 offices worldwide and was the best known governing body among the rival federations in kickboxing. [9] In 2013, it had 40 member nations. [10]
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, [11] also moved to the WKU. [12] 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. [13]
A New ERA of the WKA
In December 2018, Dave Sawyer, a seasoned martial artist and administrator based in New Zealand, assumed the role of World President of the World Kickboxing and Karate Association (WKA).
His leadership marks a new chapter for the organization, bringing a fresh perspective and a commitment to enhancing WKA's global presence.
Under Sawyer’s presidency, the WKA focuses on modernizing its operations and marketing strategies, leveraging digital platforms to engage with a younger audience and foster a greater appreciation for kickboxing and karate worldwide. His vision includes the organization of international tournaments that showcase athletic prowess and celebrate the cultural heritage of martial arts. [14]
Sawyer's extensive martial arts and organizational management background positions him to effectively guide the WKA as it navigates the complexities of the modern sports landscape. [3]
The World Kickboxing Association sanctions fights worldwide fought under the WKA ruleset. [15] [16] [17]
From October 31 to November 4, 2022, the organization is set host the 2022 WKA World Championships in North Wales. [18]
Ruleset
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. [19]
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.
The WKA strongly emphasizes education as a cornerstone of its anti-doping strategy. Aims to illuminate the significant health risks and ethical dilemmas associated with doping in sports through engaging seminars, interactive workshops, and comprehensive outreach programs. These informative sessions are carefully crafted to raise awareness and empower athletes with a deeper understanding of the legal repercussions tied to the use of performance-enhancing substances. [20]
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. [21] [22] [23] [24]
