World Kickboxing Association

World Kickboxing and Karate Association

One of WKA logotype
Abbreviation WKA
Formation October 1976
Headquarters Italy (HQ)
Italy (Office)
Location
Region served
 Worldwide
Membership
 National associations
Official language
 English
Italian
President
 Michele Panfietti
Website http://www.wkaassociation.com/
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[1]".

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.[2] The organisation became one of the major sanctioning bodies for professional karate. Early stars of the WKA included Benny "The Jet" Urquidez, Don "The Dragon" Wilson, Kevin Rosier and Graciela Casillas. The organization went on to secure network broadcasts in the US and Japan.[2] Howard Hanson sold the WKA to Dale Floyd in 1991.[3]

WKA developed the field of low kicks thanks to strong Asian and Japanese connections. WKA is based in Massa Carrara, Italy with headquarters, prospered throughout Europe, Asia, Oceania, Africa, and in North America. In 1994, Paul Inghram took over the organization. From last 29 September 2012 WKA has a new management: Michele Panfietti World President and Cristiano Radicchi General Secretary.

The organisation became one of the major sanctioning bodies for professional karate.

References

  1. ↑ "The Chapter I of WKA Official Rulebook 2011 (Amateur) says "WKA stands for the World Kickboxing and Karate Association with its seat in Germany."" (PDF). wkaworld.com.
  2. 1 2 Corcoran, John and Farkas, Emil. Martial Arts: Traditions, History, People. Gallery Books, New York (1983) p. 60.
  3. ↑ "History of Kickboxing". prokick.com.

Further reading

External links

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