STATUTES OF THE WORLD KICKBOXING FEDERATION (WKBF)
WORLD KICKBOXING FEDERATION
WKBF
International Governing and Development Organization for Kickboxing Disciplines
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PREAMBLE
The World Kickboxing Federation (WKBF) is established as an international sports organization dedicated to the development, promotion, education, organization, and responsible practice of kickboxing and its recognized competitive disciplines.
The Federation respects the history, traditions, cultures, athletes, coaches, referees, masters, national organizations, and international sports institutions that have contributed to the development of kickboxing.
The WKBF seeks to serve the kickboxing community with humility, integrity, fairness, respect, transparency, sportsmanship, and international cooperation.
The Federation recognizes that kickboxing has developed through different technical traditions and competition systems. Accordingly, the WKBF provides a common international framework while allowing each discipline to maintain its own technical identity and rules.
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ARTICLE 1 — NAME
The official name of the organization shall be:
WORLD KICKBOXING FEDERATION
The official abbreviation shall be:
WKBF
The Federation may use the designation:
WKBF — World Kickboxing Federation
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ARTICLE 2 — NATURE AND STATUS
1. The WKBF is an international sports federation dedicated to kickboxing.
2. The Federation may cooperate with national federations, continental organizations, clubs, academies, schools, athletes, coaches, referees, medical professionals, and other sports organizations.
3. The Federation shall operate according to applicable laws, regulations, sporting principles, and its internal statutes and regulations.
4. The WKBF shall respect the autonomy and lawful identity of its affiliated national and continental organizations.
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ARTICLE 3 — OBJECTIVES
The principal objectives of the WKBF are:
1. To promote kickboxing internationally.
2. To develop athletes and coaches.
3. To establish and maintain competition rules.
4. To organize international championships, cups, seminars, courses, and educational programs.
5. To develop qualified referees and judges.
6. To promote athlete safety and fair competition.
7. To encourage scientific, technical, educational, and philosophical study of kickboxing.
8. To promote international friendship and cooperation through sport.
9. To preserve respect for the historical and cultural roots of kickboxing.
10. To support the responsible development of national and continental kickboxing organizations.
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ARTICLE 4 — RECOGNIZED KICKBOXING DISCIPLINES
The WKBF recognizes the following principal competitive disciplines:
4.1 Point Fighting
A controlled, speed- and precision-oriented discipline in which athletes seek scoring techniques under the applicable competition rules.
4.2 Semi Contact
A controlled-contact discipline emphasizing technical accuracy, speed, timing, control, and scoring.
4.3 Light Contact
A continuous controlled-contact discipline using punches and kicks with regulated intensity.
4.4 Kick Light
A controlled-contact discipline combining the technical structure of Light Contact with permitted low kicks to the legs, according to WKBF rules.
4.5 Full Contact
A full-contact discipline in which permitted punches and kicks are delivered with greater impact, traditionally with kicks directed above the waist.
4.6 Low Kick
A full-contact discipline that permits the authorized low kick to the thigh in addition to the techniques permitted under the applicable Full Contact rules.
4.7 K-1 Rules
A full-contact discipline permitting punches, kicks, low kicks, and authorized knee techniques under specific K-1-style competition regulations, including restrictions on clinching and other prohibited techniques.
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ARTICLE 5 — TECHNICAL DISTINCTIONS
For clarity, the Federation establishes the following general technical distinctions:
Point Fighting
Punch + Kick + Control + Scoring
Semi Contact
Punch + Kick + Controlled Contact + Scoring
Light Contact
Punch + Kick + Controlled Continuous Fighting
Kick Light
Punch + Kick + Low Kick + Controlled Continuous Fighting
Full Contact
Punch + Kick Above the Waist + Full Contact
Low Kick
Punch + Kick + Low Kick to the Thigh + Full Contact
K-1 Rules
Punch + Kick + Low Kick + Knee + Regulated Clinch
These descriptions are general classifications. The official WKBF Competition Rules shall determine the exact legal target areas, prohibited techniques, scoring criteria, protective equipment, duration, divisions, and referee procedures for each discipline.
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ARTICLE 6 — GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF COMPETITION
All WKBF competitions shall be based upon:
1. Fair play.
2. Respect for opponents.
3. Respect for officials.
4. Technical discipline.
5. Athlete safety.
6. Equality of opportunity.
7. Prohibition of intentional illegal conduct.
8. Sportsmanship.
9. Integrity of judging and officiating.
10. Compliance with WKBF competition regulations.
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ARTICLE 7 — ATHLETES
Athletes participating in WKBF competitions shall:
1. Follow the applicable rules.
2. Respect opponents and officials.
3. Use required protective equipment.
4. Maintain appropriate sporting conduct.
5. Comply with medical and safety requirements.
6. Accept legitimate decisions of officials through the procedures established by the Federation.
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ARTICLE 8 — COACHES AND CORNER PERSONNEL
Coaches and corner personnel shall:
1. Promote safe and ethical training.
2. Respect referees and judges.
3. Avoid abusive or discriminatory conduct.
4. Follow corner regulations.
5. Place athlete welfare above victory.
6. Support the technical and educational development of athletes.
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ARTICLE 9 — REFEREES AND JUDGES
The WKBF shall establish qualification and certification systems for referees and judges.
Officials shall perform their responsibilities independently, impartially, professionally, and respectfully.
The Federation may establish:
– International Referee
– International Judge
– Senior Referee
– Senior Judge
– Referee Instructor
– Judge Instructor
– Technical Official
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ARTICLE 10 — MEDICAL AND ATHLETE SAFETY
The WKBF shall promote appropriate medical and safety standards for its competitions.
Depending on the discipline and applicable regulations, competitions may require:
– Medical examination
– Qualified medical personnel
– Appropriate protective equipment
– Weight and age verification
– Injury-management procedures
– Suspension procedures following certain injuries
– Emergency medical arrangements
The detailed medical regulations shall be established separately.
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ARTICLE 11 — AGE, WEIGHT AND COMPETITION CATEGORIES
The Federation may establish divisions according to:
1. Age.
2. Sex where applicable under competition regulations.
3. Weight.
4. Experience.
5. Skill level.
6. Professional or amateur status.
The exact categories shall be established in the official WKBF Competition Rules.
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ARTICLE 12 — NATIONAL FEDERATIONS
The WKBF may recognize and affiliate national kickboxing federations.
A national federation may be responsible for the development and administration of WKBF activities within its jurisdiction, subject to applicable laws and WKBF regulations.
National federations shall respect the statutes, technical regulations, ethical principles, and decisions of the WKBF within the scope of their affiliation.
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ARTICLE 13 — CONTINENTAL ORGANIZATIONS
The WKBF may establish or recognize continental organizations representing:
– Africa
– Asia
– Europe
– North America
– South America
– Oceania
Continental organizations shall cooperate with the WKBF and support the development of kickboxing within their respective regions.
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ARTICLE 14 — INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIONS
The WKBF may organize or sanction:
1. World Championships.
2. World Cups.
3. Continental Championships.
4. International Open Championships.
5. Grand Prix competitions.
6. Professional events.
7. Amateur competitions.
8. Youth competitions.
9. Masters competitions.
10. Seminars and educational events.
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ARTICLE 15 — RANKINGS AND TITLES
The WKBF may establish official rankings and championship titles for its recognized disciplines.
Titles may include:
– World Champion
– Continental Champion
– National Champion
– International Champion
– World Cup Champion
The conditions for obtaining and defending each title shall be established in separate regulations.
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ARTICLE 16 — EDUCATION AND SCIENTIFIC DEVELOPMENT
The WKBF encourages the scientific and educational study of kickboxing, including:
– Sports science
– Exercise physiology
– Anatomy
– Biomechanics
– Kinesiology
– Sports psychology
– Sports nutrition
– Physiotherapy
– Injury prevention
– Coaching science
– Refereeing and judging
– Training theory and practice
– Martial arts philosophy
The Federation may organize international courses, seminars, conferences, academies, and educational programs.
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ARTICLE 17 — ETHICS AND SPORTSMANSHIP
The WKBF shall promote:
Respect — Integrity — Humility — Fairness — Discipline — Responsibility — Excellence — Friendship
No athlete, coach, official, or affiliated organization should use the name or authority of the Federation for discrimination, harassment, corruption, violence outside legitimate sporting activity, or other unlawful conduct.
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ARTICLE 18 — ANTI-DOPING AND FAIR COMPETITION
The WKBF supports clean sport and may establish anti-doping policies and procedures consistent with applicable international standards and the requirements of competitions under its jurisdiction.
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ARTICLE 19 — GOVERNANCE
The governance structure of the WKBF may include:
1. General Assembly
2. Executive Board
3. President
4. Secretary General
5. Treasurer
6. Technical Committee
7. Referee and Judges Committee
8. Medical and Safety Committee
9. Athletes’ Committee
10. Coaching and Education Committee
11. Disciplinary and Ethics Committee
12. Continental Representatives
The exact powers and responsibilities of each body shall be defined by the Federation’s regulations.
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ARTICLE 20 — PRESIDENT AND EXECUTIVE BOARD
The President shall represent the Federation within the authority granted by these Statutes.
The Executive Board shall assist in the administration, development, technical governance, and international activities of the WKBF.
All officials shall perform their responsibilities with honesty, humility, impartiality, and respect for the members of the Federation.
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ARTICLE 21 — DISCIPLINARY MATTERS
The WKBF may establish disciplinary procedures concerning:
– Rule violations
– Unsportsmanlike conduct
– Misconduct by officials
– Misrepresentation
– Fraud
– Competition manipulation
– Abuse of Federation credentials
– Other violations of WKBF regulations
All disciplinary procedures shall respect applicable law and provide appropriate procedural safeguards.
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ARTICLE 22 — APPEALS
The Federation shall establish procedures through which athletes, coaches, officials, and affiliated organizations may appeal eligible decisions.
Appeals shall be considered according to the applicable regulations and within the established deadlines.
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ARTICLE 23 — FINANCIAL PRINCIPLES
The financial administration of the WKBF shall be conducted responsibly and transparently.
Possible sources of lawful revenue may include:
– Membership fees
– Affiliation fees
– Competition fees
– Educational programs
– Event revenues
– Donations
– Sponsorships
– Other lawful sources
Federation resources shall be used for legitimate organizational and sporting purposes.
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ARTICLE 24 — OFFICIAL RULES
The technical details of each discipline shall be contained in separate WKBF Competition and Technical Rules.
Where these Statutes provide a general description and the Technical Rules provide a more specific rule, the applicable Technical Rules shall govern the competition.
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ARTICLE 25 — AMENDMENTS
These Statutes may be amended in accordance with the procedures established by the WKBF General Assembly or other competent governing body.
Any amendment shall respect the fundamental objectives and principles of the Federation.
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ARTICLE 26 — INTERNATIONAL COOPERATION
The WKBF may cooperate with international, continental, national, governmental, non-governmental, educational, scientific, and sporting organizations where such cooperation is lawful and consistent with the objectives of the Federation.
Such cooperation shall not, by itself, constitute governmental, Olympic, or other external recognition unless that recognition has been formally granted by the relevant organization.
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ARTICLE 27 — OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The official administrative language of the WKBF shall be English.
The Federation may use additional languages for communication, education, competitions, and regional activities.
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ARTICLE 28 — SYMBOLS AND IDENTITY
The official name, abbreviation, emblem, flag, certificates, titles, and other identifying marks of the WKBF may be protected and regulated in accordance with applicable law.
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ARTICLE 29 — DISSOLUTION
The dissolution of the Federation shall be conducted according to applicable law and the procedures established by the competent governing body.
Any remaining assets shall be handled in accordance with applicable law and the lawful decisions of the Federation.
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ARTICLE 30 — FINAL PROVISION
These Statutes establish the general constitutional framework of the World Kickboxing Federation (WKBF).
The Federation’s detailed:
– Competition Rules
– Technical Rules
– Referee and Judges Rules
– Medical Rules
– Anti-Doping Rules
– Disciplinary Rules
– Ranking Regulations
– Championship Regulations
– Membership Regulations
– Coaching and Education Regulations
may be adopted separately and shall complement these Statutes.
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DECLARATION
The World Kickboxing Federation (WKBF) seeks to develop kickboxing not only as a competitive activity, but also as a disciplined sporting practice founded upon technical excellence, education, respect, safety, scientific development, friendship, and international cooperation.
The Federation recognizes that its responsibility is to serve the athletes and the kickboxing community with humility, while respecting the many traditions and organizations that have contributed to the development of kickboxing around the world.
WORLD KICKBOXING FEDERATION
WKBF
Respect • Discipline • Integrity • Sportsmanship • Excellence • Unity
