As we approach the start of 2025, athletes and competitors around the world are preparing for a new chapter in the sport of kickboxing. WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) is making a significant change to its regulations, and these changes will affect the gear, uniforms, and safety equipment used in competitions. This post will help you understand the upcoming rule changes, why they’re important, and why investing in WAKO-approved equipment is a smart decision for your future in the sport.
The WAKO Approved Label: A Step Towards Safer, Fairer Competitions
The WAKO-approved label is being introduced as part of WAKO’s ongoing mission to ensure the highest levels of safety and fairness for athletes at all levels of competition. As WAKO works towards becoming an Olympic sport, these new regulations reflect the evolving standards of the global kickboxing community.
The label itself will be woven with UV thread, a cutting-edge feature that helps prevent counterfeiting. This ensures that athletes are wearing equipment that has been produced under strict safety guidelines. With the new regulations, referees will also be able to easily verify the equipment's authenticity, ensuring a quicker and smoother competition experience.
Key Changes in the Rules
Here’s what you can expect in the coming years:
2025: The First Phase of the Change
From January 2025, all WAKO tournaments worldwide will require that safety equipment carry the WAKO-approved label on the outside of the product. This includes items such as headgear, gloves, shin guards, and other protective gear.
However, when it comes to clothing and uniforms, the new label will initially apply only to the WAKO World & European Championships and WAKO World Cups.
2026: Full Implementation of the Label Requirement
By 2026, the WAKO-approved label will be mandatory for all safety equipment at all WAKO tournaments, no matter the level. This means that at every WAKO event, you’ll need to ensure your gear meets the new safety standards.
Additionally, clothing and uniforms will also need to carry the WAKO-approved label at all tournaments worldwide, from local competitions to the highest levels.
2026 Onwards: Ensuring Safety and Equality in Competition
By the time we reach 2026, WAKO tournaments will have been enforcing the label requirements for over two years. This period will help ensure that all athletes are competing with the highest quality and safest equipment. The clear visibility of the WAKO-approved label will enable referees to efficiently verify the safety of the equipment being used, ensuring a level playing field and reducing the risk of accidents during matches.
Why the Investment in WAKO-Approved Equipment is Worth It
It’s natural to have concerns about the additional cost of upgrading your equipment to meet the new standards. However, there are several compelling reasons why this investment is worth it:
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Safety First: The primary aim of the new label system is to improve safety for athletes. By ensuring that everyone is using approved, high-quality protective gear, the risk of injury is reduced, allowing you to focus on your performance.
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Level Playing Field: The WAKO-approved label guarantees that all competitors are using gear that meets the same rigorous safety standards. This creates a more equitable environment for athletes, where no one has an advantage based on their equipment.
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Quick and Easy Verification: The WAKO-approved label allows referees to quickly verify the authenticity of the gear. This helps keep tournaments running on time and ensures that all competitors are abiding by the rules.
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Olympic Aspirations: As WAKO works toward becoming an Olympic sport, these changes are part of the movement toward raising the sport’s profile. By getting on board with the new regulations now, you’ll be ahead of the curve and ready for the future of kickboxing.
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Investment in Your Career: As the standards for competition gear rise, athletes who choose to invest in WAKO-approved equipment will be better positioned for success. Whether you're competing in national or international tournaments, your gear will be up to the highest standards, showing your commitment to the sport.
Conclusion
While the new rules may bring about some initial investment, they’re ultimately a step toward improving the safety, fairness, and professionalism of the sport. By choosing WAKO-approved gear and uniforms, you’re not just meeting the requirements – you’re ensuring that you’re competing at your best in a safe and supportive environment.
At TOP TEN, we’re committed to providing you with the highest-quality gear that meets all WAKO standards. As the new rules come into effect, we’ll be here to help you make the transition smoothly, ensuring you're always ready for your next competition.
Embrace the change and prepare for the future of kickboxing – with TOP TEN and WAKO, you're in good hands.