WAKO TATAMI

Nationals

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KUMITE

Classic

WAKO Nationals hosted by Kumite Classic @ The Arnold Sports Festival. Sport Karate has its own dedicated 52,000 Square foot venue under the Arnold Brand. The Lausche Building is located at the Ohio Expo Center.  This is the Olympic pathway for Sport Karate (Tatami).  Kumite Classic registration will open in December.

We dropped a PIN 📍

LAUSCHE

https://www.kumiteclassic.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/Lausche-160x160.jpg

Lausche Building (Ohio Expo Center)

717 E 17th Ave
Columbus, OH 43211
Just 2.9 miles away from the Columbus Convention Center

 

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🔗 PRE-REGISTGER

Pre-registration for Kumite classic will open in December.

 

Arnold classic martial arts

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Exhibit booth @ Martial Arts Festival

 

Contact:  Bill Viola Jr. @ 724 640 2111

 

kumite classic GNC
Kumite Classic Divisions
Division Ages Gender Rank Forms Day
Under Belt Forms 5 m/f all Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 6 m/f first timers   Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 6 m/f novice Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 7-8 m/f first timers   Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 7-8 m/f novice Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 7-8 m/f intermediate Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 7-8 m/f advanced Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 9-10 m/f first timers   Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 9-10 m/f novice Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 9-10 m/f intermediate Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 9-10 m/f adv Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 11-12 m/f novice Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 11-12 m/f intermediate Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 11-12 m/f advanced Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 13-14 m/f novice Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 13-14 m/f intermediate Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 13-14 m/f advanced Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 15-17 m/f novice Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 15-17 m/f intermediate Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 15-17 m/f advanced Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 18+ m/f  advanced Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 18+ m/f novice Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 35+ M/F senior novice Forms Saturday
Under Belt Forms 35+ m/f senior advanced Forms Saturday
Under Belt Sparring Ages Gender Rank 2 minutes total points  
Under belt sparring 5 m/f all Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 6 m all Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 6 f all Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 7-8 m novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 7-8 f novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 7-8 m intermediate Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 7-8 f intermediate Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 7-8 m advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 7-8 f advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 9-10 m novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 9-10 f novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 9-10 m intermediate Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 9-10 f intermediate Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 9-10 m advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 9-10 f advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 11-12 m novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 11-12 f novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 11-12 m intermediate Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 11-12 f intermediate Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 11-12 m advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 11-12 f advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 13-14 m novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 13-14 f novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 13-14 m intermediate Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 13-14 f intermediate Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 13-14 m advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 13-14 f advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 15-17 m novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 15-17 f novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 15-17 m intermediate Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 15-17 f intermediate Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 15-17 m advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 15-17 f advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 18+ f novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 18+ f advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 35+ f novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 35+ f novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 35+  f advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 18+ m novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 18+ m advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 35+ m novice Point Sparring Saturday
Under belt sparring 35+  advanced Point Sparring Saturday
Under Belt Weapons Ages Gender Rank Weapons  
Under Belt Weapons 6- m/f all weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 7-8 m/f novice Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 7-8 m/f intermediate Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 7-8 m/f advanced Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 9-10 m/f novice Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 9-10 m/f intermediate Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 9-10 m/f advanced Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 11-12 m/f novice Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 11-12 m/f intermediate Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 11-12 m/f advanced Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 13-14 m/f novice Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 13-14 m/f intermediate Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 13-14 m/f advanced Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 15-17 m/f novice Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 15-17 m/f advanced Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 18+ m/f novice Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 18+ m/f advanced Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 35+ m/f novice Weapons Friday 
Under Belt Weapons 35+ m/f advanced Weapons Friday 
Tag Team Ages Gender Rank Team Events  
Tag Team 6- m/f all ranks (minium of 2 people max of 3) Tag Team sparring Friday 
Tag Team 7-8 m/f all ranks (minium of 2 people max of 3) Tag Team sparring Friday 
Tag Team 9-10 m/f all ranks (minium of 2 people max of 3) Tag Team sparring Friday 
Tag Team 11-12 m/f all ranks (minium of 2 people max of 3) Tag Team sparring Friday 
Tag Team 13-14 m/f all ranks (minium of 2 people max of 3) Tag Team sparring Friday 
Tag Team 15-17 m/f all ranks (minium of 2 people max of 3) Tag Team sparring Friday 
Black Belt Weapons   Gender   Weapons  
Black Belt Weapons 10- m/f black belt weapons weapons Friday 
Black Belt Weapons 11-12 m/f black belt weapons weapons Friday 
Black Belt Weapons 13-14 m/f black belt weapons weapons Friday 
Black Belt Weapons 15-17 m/f black belt weapons weapons Friday 
Black Belt Weapons 18+ m black belt weapons weapons Friday 
Black Belt Weapons 18+ f black belt weapons weapons Friday 
Black Belt Weapons 35+ m/f black belt weapons weapons Friday 
Black Belt Weapons 45+ m/f black belt weapons weapons Friday 
Black Belt Weapons 55+ m/f black belt weapons Weapons Friday 
Adult Black Belt Forms   Gender rank Adult Forms  
Adult Black Belt Forms 18+ m black belt Japanese/Okinawan Saturday
Adult Black Belt Forms 18+ f black belt Japanese/Okinawan Saturday
Adult Black Belt Forms 18+ m black belt Black Belt Korean Saturday
Adult Black Belt Forms 18+ f black belt Black Belt Korean Saturday
Adult Black Belt Forms 35+ m/f black belt Hardstyle forms Saturday
Adult Black Belt Forms 45+ m/f Black Belt   Hardstyle forms Saturday
Adult Black Belt Forms 55+  m/f Black Belt  Hardstyle forms Saturday
Japanese Forms Youth   Gender Rank Style  
Japanese Forms Youth 10- m/f black belt Japanese/Okinawan Saturday
Japanese Forms Youth 11-12 m black belt Japanese/Okinawan Saturday
Japanese Forms Youth 11-12 f black belt Japanese/Okinawan Saturday
Japanese Forms Youth 13-14 m black belt Japanese/Okinawan Saturday
Japanese Forms Youth 13-14 f black belt Japanese/Okinawan Saturday
Japanese Forms Youth 15-17 m black belt Japanese/Okinawan Saturday
Japanese Forms Youth 15-17 f black belt Japanese/Okinawan Saturday
Korean Forms Youth   Gender Rank Style  
Korean Forms Youth 10- m/f black belt Korean Saturday
Korean Forms Youth 11-12 m black belt Korean Saturday
Korean Forms Youth 11-12 f black belt Korean Saturday
Korean Forms Youth 13-14 m black belt Korean Saturday
Korean Forms Youth 13-14 f black belt Korean Saturday
Korean Forms Youth 15-17 m black belt Korean Saturday
Korean Forms Youth 15-17 f black belt Korean Saturday
           
Black Belt Point   Gender Open Rank / Country Sparring    
Light 18+ m point sparring 163.1 (-74 kg) Friday 
Middle  18+ m point sparring 174.2 (-79 kg) Friday 
Light Heavy 18+ m point sparring 185.2 (-84kg) Friday 
Heavy 18+ m point sparring 196.2 (-89 kg) Friday 
Light 18+ f point sparring 132.3- (-60kg) Friday 
Middle  18+ f point sparring 132-153 (-65 kg) Friday 
  18+ f point sparring 154.3+ (+70kg) Friday 
Senior 35+ m point sparring open weight Friday 
Senior 35+ f point sparring open weight Friday 
Senior 45+ m point sparring open weight Friday 
Jr. BB Point/open rank 11- m open weight divided by short and tall short vs tall Grand Friday 
Jr. BB Point/open rank 12-14 m open weight divided by short and tall short vs tall Grand Friday 
Jr. BB Point/open rank 15-17 m open weight divided by short and tall short vs tall Grand Friday 
Jr. BB Point/open rank 11- f open weight divided by short and tall short vs tall Grand Friday 
Jr. BB Point/open rank 12-14 f open weight divided by short and tall short vs tall Grand Friday 
Jr. BB Point/open rank 15-17 f open weight divided by short and tall short vs tall Grand Friday 
Kumite     Open Rank    
traditional kumite 18+ m   modified wkf style  
tradtitional kumite 18+ f   modified wkf style  
           
Chinese Forms   Gender      
      coming soon    
Chinese Weapons          
      coming soon    
Breaking   Gender      
kumite classic 2025
Kumite Classic Rules

組手 KUMITE CLASSIC RULES

FORMS/WEAPONS:

*rules are subject to change, please check with center judge for any updates.

RINGS: Matted area for divisions

JUDGES: All divisions have the option to use 3 or 5 judges.

MAXIMUM DEVIATION: (only used with a 3-judge panel) .02 is the maximum deviation permitted from the “middle score.” This eliminates the impact of one judge altering the outcome of the entire division. This theory has been tested and utilized in national and international events.

TIES: Broken by head-to-head comparison scores of each individual judge (treated as votes). The majority of votes (higher individual preliminary scores) will break the tie if possible. If it is a “true tie” (unable to be broken) the competitors will run their form again and judges will point (by show of hands) to the winner.       Running a different form is optional and not mandatory.

PROTESTS: Must be made at the time of the ruling. Protocol is to ask the coordinator/scorekeeper to alert the center referee. If the situation requires further investigation the ruling can be arbitrated.. All decisions by the arbitrator are final.  *Protests can only be made by someone with an official coaches pass.

UNIFORM: All competitors must wear a martial arts uniform with no foul or offensive language.

AGE: Competitors must compete their age as of the tournament date as of the Kumite Classic.

SEQUENCE: Luck of the draw, competitor’s cards will be shuffled.  Pre-registered competitors will be seeded in the bottom half of the bracket.

CLOSED DIVISION: A division is considered closed once the first player bows-in to perform a form or once the first sparring match is started. *Exception: computer-based or staff related errors.

RESTARTS: 1 restart is permitted for under black belt divisions only.  No restarts for black belt divisions *Exception: restart for weapons that break during performance.

SCORING RANGE: 9.90-10 (black belts)  9.80-9.90 (under black belts)

TRADITIONAL: No gymnastics, splits, rolls, or creative interpretations. Any traditional uniform with a tie-over-style top is permitted. Patches and/or logos are a non-factor and permitted. A pure white uniform is NOT required, however the uniform should hold true to the standards of the style. Classical Japanese/Okinawan divisions enforce a maximum 4 kiai rule and based on unaltered kata.

FIRST TIMERS:  First timer divisions are for competitors with little to no tournament experience. The purpose it to build self-confidence.  All competitors win an award.

TEAM FORMS

Team forms must have a minimum of 2 players.  No maximum.  The entire team must perform in the “oldest” and/or “highest rank” of any team members.  (Therefore teams can “bump up” divisions but not down).  Teams may perform kata or weapons.  Judges will score on synchronization, technique, intensity and creativity.

SPARRING (POINT FIGHTING)

Point Fighting will use abbreviated WAKO Rules. This is summary used for UNDER BELTS.  BLACK BELTS fighting at Nationals will be subject to the full WAKO rule set and equipment requirements:  DOWNLOAD

UNIFORM: No exposed jewelry or metal.  No shoes

UNDER BLACK BELT EQUIPMENT: It is MANDATORY for all competitors to provide and wear their own approved sport karate head gear, safety boots, safety gloves, mouth guard, and protective cup (males). Highly recommended but not mandatory: elbow pads, face shields, chest protectors, leg pads, and knee pads.

WEIGH-IN: ALL players competing in a weighted division must weigh-in prior to the division

BYES: All byes are randomly selected by computer-based lottery. Competitors from the same school (not team) will not be matched in the first round if possible. *optional: logic is followed by same country then state.

OUT OF BOUNDS: Out of bounds (exit) is when any part of the body touches outside the mat (tatami).  No points can be scored out of bounds.  Intentional exit or avoiding the fight: 1-point penalty.  A contact exit, force-out, or offensive player who steps out due to momentum is not a penalty.

GROUND FIGHTING: Is not permitted

DOWN BY CONTACT: A player is considered down by contact when any part other than hands/feet are touching the ground [knee, elbow, hip, or backside etc.] after making contact with their opponent. The match is stopped.  No Penalty.

FALLING DOWN: A player is considered “fallen” down if they “intentionally” fall to the ground on their own accord (with or without contact).  1-point penalty by majority judge’s discretion.

SCORING TARGETS: Headgear area, face, torso (front/side) with control, light or moderate contact depending on player’s option, skill level, and division.

POINT TECHNIQUES: All clean martial arts punches, kicks, ridge hands, and back fists that use appropriate contact and form in the designated scoring areas. (Important: a hand or foot that touches the scoring area does not always warrant a point. The technique demonstrate martial arts merit). *This is a subjective matter, similar to  umpires calling balls/strikes in baseball.  Protests cannot be filed on judgement of points. The body backfist is a legal WAKO technique, but you must look at target.

SPREAD: 10-point spread (mercy rule) is in effect.

SCORING: 1-point: hand techniques and body kicks. 2-points: head kicks, jump body kicks.  3-points:  spinning head  elevated (jump). 1-point for sweeps (that causes the other player to go down additional point if score on the downed opponent).  Player with the most total accumulative points after the 2-minute round is the winner. Preliminary tie: Sudden Victory (next point wins).

Win BY 2: All “first place” matches must have a 2-point spread to determine the winner.

ILLEGAL TECHNIQUES: Haymaker (swinging/wild punches) with no regard for control, strikes to the groin or throat, uncontrolled, excessive or malicious contact to any area, intentional striking to non-scoring areas (spine, joints, legs etc.), late hits, dropping to the ground to avoid the fight, intentional running out of bounds. LEGAL CONTACT:

  • -CONTROL:  No touch/pulled (Halo)……
  • -LIGHT: Touch…………………………….
  • -MODERATE: Slight penetration………..
  • PENALTY CONTACT:
  • -UNCONTROLLED:  Beyond legal contact (majority judges discretion)
  • -EXCESSIVE: Extreme penetration  (majority judge’s discretion)
  • -MALCIOUS: Intentional excessive contact:  Automatic DQ  (majority judge’s discretion).

PENALTIES: 1-point penalty points: (all infractions based on majority of judges) Uncontrolled contact to any area, intentional running out of bounds, intentionally falling (to avoid the fight),  intentional late hits, retaliation hits, unsportsmanlike conduct.

DQ (Disqualification): is based on the majority vote of the judges (*or if the arbitrator is ringside and witnesses the infraction). Malicious contact is automatic disqualification. Incidental excessive contact, accidental contact and/or self-inflicted injuries that may cause swelling or draw blood are subject to discretion of the arbitrator after consultation with judges. Medical staff has the final say if a competitor can continue or not.

INJURY: If a player is unable to continue on his own accord or is advised by medical staff to bow out due to incidental contact, accidental contact or self-inflicted injury then his opponent will advance.  Players will not        advance if they intentionally injure their opponent or use malicious contact.

CLOCK MANAGEMENT: 2-minute running clock except final 10 seconds (clock is stopped on each “stop” break). Match over at “0” on scoreboard.

(1) Ten-second time out is permitted per match. Coaches must stay within a specified coaches box. Only 1 coach per box.  Coaching without a wristband is a penalty. The timeout can only be used during standard match breaks (not during the flow of a match). A coach does not have to be a black belt (parents are permitted to coach with a coaches pass.  Coaches are only allowed on the competition floor when the specific division is being staged or in progress.  No coaches on the floor for forms divisions.

 

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tatami olympic recognition
WAKO Nationals Divisions

✅ DOWNLOAD:  PDF DIVISIONS 📁

 

9-  Ages Gender Rank Weight LBS Sty le
Children 9- m all minus 18 kg 39.6 Point
Children 9- m   minus 21 kg 46.3 Point
Children 9- m   minus 24 kg 52.9 Point
Children 9- m   minus 27 kg 59.5 Point
Children 9- m   minus 30 kg 66.1 Point
Children 9- m   minus 33 kg 72.7 Point
Children 9- m   minus 36 kg 79.3 Point
Children 9- m   plus 36 kg plus 79.3 Point
Children 9- f   minus 18 kg 39.6 Point
Children 9- f   minus 21 kg 46.3 Point
Children 9- f   minus 24 kg 52.9 Point
Children 9- f   minus 27 kg 59.5 Point
Children 9- f   minus 30 kg 66.1 Point
Children 9- f   minus 33 kg 72.7 Point
Children 9- f   minus 36 kg 79.3 Point
Children 9- f   plus 36 kg plus 79.3 Point
10-12           Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 m   minus 28 kg 61.7 Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 m   minus 32 kg 70.5 Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 m   minus 37 kg 81.5 Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 m   minus 42 kg 92.5 Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 m   minus 47 kg 103.6 Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 m   plus 47 kg plus 103.6 Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 f   minus 28 kg 61.7 Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 f   minus 32 kg 70.5 Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 f   minus 37 kg 81.5 Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 f   minus 42 kg 92.5 Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 f   minus 47 kg 103.6 Point
Younger Cadets 10-12 f   plus 47 kg plus 103.6 Point
13-15           Point
Older Cadets 13-15 m   minus 32 kg 70.5 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 m   minus 37 kg 81.5 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 m   minus 42 kg 92.5 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 m   minus 47 kg 103.6 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 m   minus 52 kg 114.6 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 m   minus 57 kg 125.6 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 m   minus 63 kg 138.9 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 m   minus 69 Kg 152.1 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 m   plus 69 kg plus 152.1 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 f   minus 32 kg 70.5 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 f   minus 37 kg 81.5 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 f   minus 42 kg 92.5 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 f   minus 46 kg 101.4 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 f   minus 50 kg 110.2 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 f   minus 55 kg 121.2 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 f   minus 60 kg 132.2 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 f   minus 65 kg 143.3 Point
Older Cadets 13-15 f   plus 65 kg  plus 143.3 Point
16-18           Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 m   minus 57 kg 125.6 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 m   minus 63 kg 138.8 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 m   minus 69 kg 152.1 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 m   minus 74 kg 163.1 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 m   minus 79 kg 174.1 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 m   minus 84 kg 185.1 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 m   minus 89 kg 196.2 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 m   minus 94 kg 207.2 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 m   plus 94 kg plus 207.2 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 f   minus 50 kg 110.2 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 f   minus 55 kg 121.2 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 f   minus 60 kg 132.2 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 f   minus 65 kg 143.3 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 f   minus 70 kg 154.3 Point
Junior 15-18 15-18 f   plus 70 kg plus 154.3 Point
19-40           Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 m   minus 57 kg 125.6 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 m   minus 63 kg 138.8 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 m   minus 69 kg 152.1 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 m   minus 74 kg 163.1 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 m   minus 79 kg 174.1 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 m   minus 84 kg 185.1 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 m   minus 89 kg 196.2 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 m   minus 94 kg 207.2 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 m   plus 94 kg plus 207.2 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 f   minus 50 kg 110.2 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 f   mius 55 kg 121.2 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 f   minuf 60 kg 132.2 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 f   minus 65 kg 143.3 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 f   minus 70 kg 154.3 Point
Senior 19-40 19-40 f   plus 70 kg plus 154.3 Point
41-55           Point
Master 41-55 41-55 m   minus 63 kg 138.8 Point
Master 41-55 41-55 m   minus 74 kg 163.1 Point
Master 41-55 41-55 m   minus 84 kg 185.1 Point
Master 41-55 41-55 m   minus 94 kg 207.2 Point
Master 41-55 41-55 m   plus 94 kg plus 207.3 Point
Master 41-55 41-55 f   minus 55 kg 121.2 Point
Master 41-55 41-55 f   minus 65 kg 143.3 Point
Master 41-55 41-55 f   plus 65 kg plus 143.3  Point

 

 

wako usa tatami 2025
WAKO RULES

✅ More info about TATAMI or “puzzle mat competition”

WAKO “TATAMI” DIVISIONS INCLUDE: 7 Categories

  • 🥋  POINT FIGHTING (PF)
  • 🥋  LIGHT CONTACT (LC)
  • 🥋  KICK LIGHT (KL)
  • 🥋  MUSICAL FORMS (MF)
  • 🥋  CREATIVE FORMS (CF)
  • 🥋  MUSICAL WEAPONS (MW)
  • 🥋  CREATIVE WEAPONS (CW)

*Competitors competing in both disciplines (musical forms and creative forms) must perform a totally different Creative form to their Musical form, therefore developing two separate disciplines.

Age Categories & Divisions  

Kickboxers are divided into age and weight categories determined by the year of birth*December 31st 2025. 

LEARN THE LINGO:  

➡️ CHILDREN (CH) Boys and girls  7,8,9 yrs.

➡️ YOUNGER CADETS (YC) Boys and girls 10,11,12 yrs.

➡️ OLDER CADETS (OC) Boys and girls 13,14,15 yrs.

➡️ JUNIORS (J) Male and female 16,17,18 yrs.

➡️ SENIORS (S) Male and female 19-40 yrs.

➡️ MASTER CLASS (VETERANS) (V) Male and female 41-55 yrs.

 

CHILDREN (CH): 7,8 and 9 years old. the age group is determined by date of birth Dec. 31st 2025

⏰ Two X 1 min rounds with 30 sec break

 

YOUNGER CADETS (YC): 10, 11 and 12 years old. The age group is determined by date of birth Dec. 31st 2025

⏰ Two X 90 second rounds with 1 min break

 

OLDER CADETS (OC): 13, 14 and 15 years old. determined by date of birth Dec. 31st 2025

⏰ Two x 2 min rounds with 1 min break or Two 90 second rounds with 30 sec break (Promoter’s option)

 

JUNIORS (J): 16, 17 and 18 years old. determined by date of birth Dec. 31st 2025

⏰ Two x 2 min rounds with 1 min break or Three x 2 min rounds with 1 min break (Promoter’s option)                     

 

SENIORS category (S): 19 to 40 years old. The age group is determined by the year of birth. determined by date of birth Dec. 31st 2025

⏰ Two x 2 min rounds with 1 min break or Three x 2 min rounds with 1 min break (Promoter’s option)     

 

MASTER CLASS (VETERANS) (V): 41 to 55 years old. Determined by date of birth Dec. 31st 2025

⏰ Two x 2 min rounds with 1 min break or Two 90 sec rounds with 30 sec break (Promoter’s option)

 

✅ POINT FIGHTING  

A 10 point spread declares the winner

Age Categories and Weight Classes for Point Fighting Divisions   

  • Children (CH) 7, 8, 9 years old

♂️ Boys -18 kg, -21 kg, -24 kg, -27 kg, -30 kg, -33 kg, -36 kg, +36 kg

♀️ Girls -18 kg, -21 kg, -24 kg, -27 kg, -30 kg, -33 kg, -36 kg, +36 kg

  • Younger Cadets (YC) 10, 11, 12 years old

♂️ Boys -28 kg, -32 kg, -37 kg, -42 kg, -47 kg, +47 kg

♀️ Girls -28 kg, -32 kg, -37 kg, -42 kg, -47 kg, +47 kg

  • Older Cadets (OC) 13, 14, 15 years old

♂️ Boys -32 kg, -37 kg, -42 kg, -47 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg, -63 kg, -69 kg, +69 kg

♀️ Girls -32 kg, -37 kg, -42 kg, -46 kg, -50 kg, -55 kg, -60 kg, -65 kg, + 65 kg

  • Juniors (J) 16, 17, 18 years old

♂️ Male -57 kg, -63 kg, -69 kg, -74 kg, -79 kg, -84 kg, -89 kg, -94 kg, +94 kg

♀️ Female -50 kg, -55 kg, -60 kg, -65 kg, -70 kg, +70 kg

  • Seniors (S) from age 19 to 40

♂️ Male -57 kg, -63 kg, -69 kg, -74 kg, -79 kg, -84 kg, -89 kg, -94 kg, +94 kg

♀️ Female -50 kg, -55 kg, -60 kg, -65 kg, -70 kg, +70 kg

  • Master Class -Veterans (V) from ages 41 to 55 years.

♂️ Male -63 kg, -74 kg, -84 kg, -94 kg, +94 kg

♀️ Female – 55 kg, -65 kg + 65 kg

Mandatory Equipment for Point Fighting:

  • Head Guard -similar to top ten – no foam dipped headgear
  • Face mask for only 7,8, 9,10, 11, 12-year-olds
  • Mouth guard
  • Breast protection for female competitors only, optional for younger female cadets divisions
  • Approved gloves – similar to Top Ten- no open hand gloves thumb must be attached.
  • Hand wraps are optional
  • Elbow pads
  • Groin protection for make and female
  • Shin guards
  • Approved foot pads (similar to top ten no foam dipped gear

Uniforms for Point Fighting:

  • V neck top- no t-shirts
  • Long pants
  • Belt is optional

Scoring for Point Fighting, Light Contact and Kick Light:

1️⃣ 1 pt All punches, kick to the body, or foot sweep

2️⃣ 2 pts Kick to head, jumping kick to the body.

3️⃣ 3 pts Jumping kick to head only awarded if kickboxer is still in the air when the technique is landed. *must land (can’t fall to score).

Rules: All competitors must familiarize themselves with the rules for each division.

🚫 WARNINGS 🚫

Only 4 official warnings can be given in the same bout:

  • 1st official warning
  • 2nd official warning – first minus point
  • 3rd official warning – second minus point
  • 4th official warning – disqualification 🤬

Out of bounds are called “Exits” rules: (voluntary exit)

  • 1st exit –  1 minus point
  • 2nd exit- 1 minus point
  • 3rd exit- 1 minus point
  • 4th exit-   Disqualification 🤬

No jewelry of any kind is permitted.

Competitors must come to ring with all the required equipment/uniforms ready to compete. If the competitor is not ready to compete they have 2 minutes. After 2 minutes if not ready to compete the competitor will be disqualified. It is the competitor’s responsibility to familiarize themselves with the rules and mandatory gear/uniforms.

✅ LIGHT CONTACT (aka continuous) AND KICK LIGHT

A 15 point spread by 2 judges declares the winner

Age Categories and Weight Classes Light Contact and Kick Light Divisions

In Light Contact and Kick Light, kickboxers can compete in the following age categories:

 To calculate lbs multiply kg by 2.2

  • Older Cadets (OC) 13, 14, 15 years old

Boys -32 kg, -37 kg, -42 kg, -47 kg, -52 kg, -57 kg, -63 kg, -69 kg, +69 kg

Girls -32 kg, -37 kg, -42 kg, -46 kg, -50 kg, -55 kg, -60 kg, -65 kg, + 65 kg

  • Juniors (J) 16, 17, 18 years old

Male -57 kg, -63 kg, -69 kg, -74 kg, -79 kg, -84 kg, -89 kg, -94 kg, +94 kg

Female -50 kg, -55 kg, -60 kg, -65 kg, -70 kg, +70 kg

  • Seniors (S) from age 19 to 40

Male -57 kg, -63 kg, -69 kg, -74 kg, -79 kg, -84 kg, -89 kg, -94 kg, +94 kg

Female -50 kg, -55 kg, -60 kg, -65 kg, -70 kg, +70 kg

  • Master Class -Veterans (V) from ages 41 to 55 years.

Male -63 kg, -74 kg, -84 kg, -94 kg, +94 kg

Female – 55 kg, -65 kg + 65 kg

Mandatory Equipment for Light Contact (aka Continuous) & Kick Light

  • Head Guard similar to Top Ten
  • Mouth guard
  • Breast Guard for female competitors
  • Kickboxing gloves- no foam dipped gear
  • Hand Wraps
  • Groin protection for male and female
  • Shin Guards
  • Foot pads- no foam dipped gear

 Uniforms for Light Contact (aka Continuous) :

  • T-shirt round neck
  • Long pants
  • No belts

Uniforms for Kick Light

  • Sleeveless T-shirt
  • Kickboxing shorts

✅ MUSCIAL AND CREATIVE FORMS/WEAPONS

  • 3 min maximum and 1 min minimum including presentation.
  • Competitors competing in both Musical forms and Creative forms must perform a totally different Creative form to their Musical form.
  • No live blades, no soft style weapons.
  • Familiarize yourself with the gymnastic limitations in each specific division.

Musical Forms (MF)

In Musical Forms competitions there are two (2) categories both for men and women.

Creative Form (CF)

In Creative Forms competitions there are 10 divisions: Men, Women, Boys, Girls, Teams.  Creative forms competitors cannot use music of any sort. ALL CREATIVE FORMS will be performed WITHOUT MUSIC.

Creative Weapons (CW)

Musical Weapons (CW)

LINKS

Please visit the following websites to learn more

The official website of WAKO International: https://wako.sport/

The Official website of WAKO USA: https://www.wakousa.org/

Excellence
WAKO is committed to developing world-class athletes, focusing on high standards in training, competition, and sportsmanship. Through rigorous discipline and a passion for excellence, WAKO athletes embody the spirit of perseverance and skill required at the Olympic level.

Respect

At the heart of WAKO is mutual respect. We promote fair play and ethical conduct among athletes, coaches, and federations, mirroring the Olympic ideal of respect for competitors, the sport, and the global kickboxing community.
 

Friendship
WAKO fosters global connections and camaraderie through its international events. By bringing athletes from diverse cultures together, we build friendships, encourage cultural exchange, and strengthen the spirit of unity that the Olympic movement represents.

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WAKO GEAR
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KL
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TATAMI INFO:  At Nationals we DO NOT require a red/blue gear.  Any standard Century, Top Ten etc. gear similar to the photos are permitted.  If you earn a spot on the US team and attend the Pan-American or World Championships, you will need specific colored gear.  

👊 Point fighting – gi/uniform

👊 Light contact (continuous) pants and t-shirt  

👊 Kick light (continuous with leg kicks) -shorts and sleeveless shirt

👊 Forms (with and without weapons)

REQUIRED GEAR

✅ Point fighting:  

GLOVES:  8 Oz (226 grams) standard point fighting gloves from century, top ten, etc.  Closed fingers

  • Head guard:  mandatory worn in all kickboxing disciplines
  • Face mask, mandatory in Point fighting discipline, in “only” the categories of children and younger cadets as additional face protection.
  • Elbow protection: elbow pads
  • Mouth-guard, as the teeth protection, made from soft and pliable rubber-plastic or silicone material, for only the upper teeth or on both upper and lower teeth, is mandatory for all fighting disciplines, in all age categories.
  • Breast protection, mandatory for all female competitors in older cadets, junior and senior categories and is mandatory in all fighting disciplines, made from hard plastic and it can be in one piece and cover all the chest or in two pieces for insertion into bra to cover each breast individually.
  • Groin protector, mandatory for all male and female competitors
  • Shin guards, made from hard foam-rubber material
  • Foot protection, mandatory for tatami disciplines and for full contact, which covers the upper part of the foot (instep), lateral and medial malleolus and heel – all in one piece – with open sole of the foot.

✅ Light contact (continuous) 

GLOVES: weight 10 Oz (283 grams)

  • T-shirt round neck
  • Long pants
  • No belts

✅ Kick light (continuous with leg kicks) 

GLOVES: weight 10 Oz (283 grams)

  • Head Guard similar to New Century/Top Ten
  • Mouth guard
  • Breast Guard for female competitors
  • Kickboxing gloves- no foam dipped gear
  • Groin protection for male and female
  • Shin Guards
  • Foot pads- no foam dipped gear
  • Sleeveless shirt
  • Shorts
  • Hand Wraps ⬇️

 

hand wraps black

Kumite Classic

black belt magazine wako kumite classic

Arnold Sports Festival to host The 2025 WAKO USA National Championships through Innovative Partnership with Kumite Classic.

Kumite Classic hosts the 2025 WAKO National Championships and Team Trials @ The ARNOLD SPORTS FESTIVAL Columbus, Ohio. The Arnold Sports Festival (ASF), the world’s premier sports and fitness exhibition, will host the 2025 WAKO USA National Championship and Team Trials in a strategic partnership with Kumite Classic February 28th to March 1st, 2025.

ASF is widely known as the largest multi-discipline sporting event in the world attracting over 100,000 attendees to Columbus, Ohio annually. The event, which pays homage to Arnold Schwarzenegger, has transformed from a bodybuilding show in 1989 into the mecca of the fitness industry today.  Kumite Classic, a Pittsburgh-based martial arts promotional company, is poised to present a new generation of martial arts competitions, highlighting USA Kickboxing as the anchor competition at the Ohio Expo Center.  The weekend will include kickboxing, karate, tae kwon do, tang soo do, kung fu and wide variety of combat sports.
 
Kumite Classic president, Bill Viola Jr., brokered the partnership between USA Kickboxing and the Arnold Sports Festival.  Kumite Classic is notable for hosting the most prominent sport karate-centric expo in North America from 1999-2017.  In 2023 Viola Jr. was appointed Chairman of WAKO USA tatami sports under USA Kickboxing.  Since then, he has been leading a committee to expand infrastructure and strengthen affiliations for the organization.  According to Viola Jr., “Every kid dreams about competing in the Olympics someday.  WAKO gives them hope.”  USA Kickboxing is the only U.S. organization in the sport of kickboxing to have IOC (International Olympic Committee) & AOC (American Olympic Committee) recognition.
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Kumite Classic offers competition for everyone from Novice to Black Belts in over 200 divisions from Traditional Japanese/Okinawan Kata, Traditional Weapons, Point Sparring, Korean Forms, Chinese Forms and more.  WAKO Nationals also offers 7 competitive disciplines, three ring and four tatami disciplines. The fights are controlled with a certain number of referees, which depends on the discipline. Two tournaments under one roof for a common goal.

UNDERSTANDING WAKO TERMINOLOGY

🥋 Tatami  (competition on puzzle mats/control contact sports)

🥊 RING (competition inside boxing ring/full contact sports)

 

 

🥋 TATAMI is the Japanese world for “mat.”  These divisions take place in a standard matted ring and include Point Fighting, Light Contact (continuous), Kick Light (continuous with leg kicks) and Creative forms

🥊RING sports are combat discipline that take place in a boxing ring.  These divisions include Full Contact (kickboxing), Low Kick, and K-1 style.

wako usa tatami 2025
SEE DETAILS

SPONSORS & EVENTS

SEE DETAILS

GUESTS

SEE DETAILS

SEMINARS

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WAKO USA

OLYMPIC PATHWAY

WAKO USA is the only U.S. organization in the sport of kickboxing to have IOC & AOC recognition. Our athletes compete at the highest of levels, qualifying in our National Championship Tournaments to earn their spots on the team to compete internationally at the Pan-American Championships, World Games and the World Combat Games. As we continue to grow our sport here in the States, our organization will serve as the gateway to the Olympics.

STEP 1.

Place top two (Gold or Silver) at WAKO Nationals to earn a spot of the US National Team.

STEP 2.

Represent your country at the highest level of sport karate and kickboxing in the world including Olympic level competitions.

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MOBILE+724 640 2111

E-MAILbill@kumiteclassic.com

ADDRESSOhio Expo Center
LAUSCHE BUILDING
717 E. 17th Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43211-2698

ARNOLD SPORTS FESTIVALFEB 28 - MAR 2