CONSTITUTION AND STATUTES
OF THE WORLD KICKBOXING UNION
AND
WORLD KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION
International Governing Framework for Eight Kickboxing Styles
Founder and President:
Philosopher Super Grand Master Mohammadullah Omar Iman Dost
International Representation: Africa – Americas – Asia – Europe – Oceania
Proposed Legal Framework: Swiss Association Law and applicable international sporting principles
PREAMBLE
We, the founders, members, national representatives, continental representatives, athletes, coaches, officials, referees, judges and supporters of the international Kickboxing community, hereby establish this Constitution and Statutes as the fundamental governing instrument of the:
WORLD KICKBOXING UNION (WKU)
and the
WORLD KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION (WKO),
with the purpose of promoting, developing, regulating, standardizing and safeguarding Kickboxing and its recognized disciplines throughout the five continents.
The World Kickboxing Union and World Kickboxing Organization shall operate as distinct but cooperating international sporting bodies, each possessing its own administrative identity, governance structure, responsibilities, regulations and institutional functions, while cooperating under a common international Kickboxing framework.
The organizations recognize the fundamental principles of:
- sporting integrity;
- equality and non-discrimination;
- athlete welfare and safety;
- fair competition;
- transparency;
- professional refereeing and judging;
- international cooperation;
- respect for national sovereignty;
- respect for applicable national laws;
- protection of children and vulnerable athletes;
- anti-doping principles;
- prevention of manipulation and corruption in sport;
- and peaceful international sporting relations.
The Founder and President of the international framework is:
PHILOSOPHER SUPER GRAND MASTER MOHAMMADULLAH OMAR IMAN DOST.
ARTICLE 1
NAME AND IDENTITY
1.1 World Kickboxing Union
The official name of the first institution shall be:
WORLD KICKBOXING UNION
abbreviated as:
WKU
The World Kickboxing Union shall function primarily as an international union, membership and representative federation structure, bringing together national and continental Kickboxing bodies.
1.2 World Kickboxing Organization
The official name of the second institution shall be:
WORLD KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION
abbreviated as:
WKO
The World Kickboxing Organization shall function primarily as an international sporting, technical, regulatory, promotional and organizational body for Kickboxing.
1.3 Separate Institutional Identity
The WKU and WKO are separate institutional identities.
Neither organization shall automatically be deemed to be the legal alter ego, subsidiary, branch or financial instrument of the other unless a separate written agreement expressly provides otherwise.
1.4 Cooperation
The two organizations may cooperate through:
- joint championships;
- technical commissions;
- referee and judge education;
- coaching education;
- athlete development;
- continental programs;
- national federation recognition;
- international rankings;
- certificates and licenses;
- research and development;
- and other sporting programs.
ARTICLE 2
INTERNATIONAL PURPOSE
The principal purposes of the WKU and WKO are:
- To develop Kickboxing throughout the world.
- To establish internationally consistent sporting standards.
- To regulate recognized Kickboxing disciplines.
- To establish rules for competition.
- To train and certify referees and judges.
- To establish athlete classification and ranking systems.
- To organize continental and world championships.
- To promote youth, amateur and professional Kickboxing.
- To promote women’s participation in Kickboxing.
- To support national federations and associations.
- To protect athletes and officials.
- To encourage scientific, medical and educational development of Kickboxing.
- To maintain international cooperation between the five continents.
- To preserve the technical identity of the eight recognized styles.
ARTICLE 3
THE EIGHT RECOGNIZED KICKBOXING STYLES
The international sporting framework recognizes the following Eight Principal Kickboxing Styles:
3.1 POINT FIGHTING
Point Fighting is a controlled and technically oriented discipline in which competitors seek to score valid, clean and controlled techniques against permitted target areas.
The emphasis shall be on:
- speed;
- accuracy;
- timing;
- technique;
- distance;
- controlled execution;
- and sporting discipline.
The detailed scoring system shall be established by the official Technical Rules.
3.2 SEMI-CONTACT
Semi-Contact shall be a controlled Kickboxing discipline specifically governed by the following fundamental rule:
Punches and kicks are permitted only against the body and permitted body targets. Punches and kicks to the head are prohibited.
Accordingly:
- punches to the body may be permitted;
- kicks to the body may be permitted;
- techniques to permitted areas of the legs, including the thigh where specifically authorized by the rules, may be permitted;
- no punch to the head is permitted;
- no kick to the head is permitted.
The objective is to develop technical skill, speed, precision, discipline and controlled combat ability while expressly excluding head strikes.
The exact permitted target areas, scoring values, prohibited techniques and penalties shall be determined by the official Semi-Contact Rules.
3.3 LIGHT CONTACT
Light Contact is a continuous and technically controlled Kickboxing discipline.
The principal objectives are:
- technical superiority;
- controlled contact;
- combinations;
- movement;
- timing;
- accuracy;
- defensive skill;
- and tactical performance.
Uncontrolled or excessive force shall be prohibited.
3.4 KICK LIGHT
Kick Light is a controlled continuous discipline emphasizing kicking techniques combined with permitted punching techniques.
The technical rules shall establish:
- legal punching techniques;
- legal kicking techniques;
- permitted target areas;
- scoring;
- prohibited techniques;
- clinching limitations;
- and penalties.
The discipline shall emphasize technical ability, controlled power, speed and tactical execution.
3.5 FULL CONTACT
Full Contact is a Kickboxing discipline in which competitors use authorized punches and kicks with controlled but substantial contact under the official rules.
The objective is to determine sporting superiority through:
- effective combinations;
- clean technique;
- controlled power;
- ringcraft;
- defense;
- timing;
- conditioning;
- and tactical intelligence.
All safety requirements shall be mandatory.
3.6 LOW KICK
Low Kick is a Kickboxing discipline incorporating authorized punches and kicks, including legal low-kick techniques against permitted target areas of the legs.
The official rules shall regulate:
- low kicks;
- punches;
- body kicks;
- permitted head techniques;
- target areas;
- clinching;
- scoring;
- fouls;
- knockdowns;
- and stoppages.
3.7 K-1 / K-1 STYLE
The seventh recognized discipline shall be known as:
K-1 STYLE
or, where applicable in official publications:
K-1 Kickboxing
This discipline shall emphasize high-level combinations of punches and kicks, dynamic striking, controlled clinching where authorized, and professional combat-sport performance.
The precise competition rules shall be established by the World Technical Commission.
3.8 MUSICAL FORMS
Musical Forms shall constitute the eighth recognized discipline.
Musical Forms is a performance-based discipline in which athletes demonstrate martial arts and Kickboxing techniques through choreographed sequences performed individually or in designated categories.
Evaluation may include:
- technical precision;
- difficulty;
- speed;
- balance;
- flexibility;
- power;
- creativity;
- synchronization with music;
- presentation;
- and overall performance.
Weapons, if permitted in a particular category, shall be governed by separate safety and technical regulations.
ARTICLE 4
TECHNICAL RULES
The detailed rules for each discipline shall be contained in separate official documents known as:
WORLD KICKBOXING TECHNICAL RULES
The Technical Rules may establish:
- age divisions;
- weight categories;
- competition duration;
- round structure;
- scoring;
- permitted techniques;
- prohibited techniques;
- protective equipment;
- uniforms;
- medical requirements;
- referee procedures;
- judge procedures;
- protests;
- penalties;
- disqualifications;
- knockdown procedures;
- championship procedures;
- and ranking requirements.
Where a conflict exists between a general provision of these Statutes and a technical rule, the Statutes shall prevail unless the General Assembly has expressly delegated the matter to the Technical Commission.
ARTICLE 5
FIVE CONTINENTAL STRUCTURE
The international structure shall consist of five principal continental regions.
Each continental body shall operate as an independent regional sporting institution while remaining connected to the international framework.
5.1 ASIA
Official institutional name:
ASIA KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION
and/or, according to its constitutional structure:
ASIA KICKBOXING UNION
Abbreviation:
AKO / AKU
The Asia continental body shall be responsible for the development and representation of Kickboxing throughout Asia.
Its functions shall include:
- Asian championships;
- national federation development;
- Asian rankings;
- referee and judge education;
- coaching development;
- athlete development;
- continental licensing;
- and representation of Asian members within the World structures.
5.2 EUROPE
Official institutional name:
EUROPE KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION
and/or:
EUROPE KICKBOXING UNION
Abbreviation:
EKO / EKU
The European body shall perform equivalent continental functions throughout Europe.
5.3 AFRICA
Official institutional name:
AFRICA KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION
and/or:
AFRICA KICKBOXING UNION
Abbreviation:
AKO / AKU
The African body shall coordinate the development and representation of Kickboxing throughout Africa.
5.4 AMERICAS
Official institutional name:
AMERICAS KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION
and/or:
AMERICAS KICKBOXING UNION
Abbreviation:
AKO / AKU
The Americas body shall represent and develop Kickboxing throughout North America, Central America, South America and the Caribbean, subject to its internal regional regulations.
5.5 OCEANIA
Official institutional name:
OCEANIA KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION
and/or:
OCEANIA KICKBOXING UNION
Abbreviation:
OKO / OKU
The Oceania body shall coordinate Kickboxing development throughout Oceania.
ARTICLE 6
STATUS OF THE CONTINENTAL BODIES
Each continental organization shall be an autonomous sporting institution within the international framework.
Continental bodies may:
- establish continental offices;
- establish national memberships;
- issue continental licenses;
- organize continental championships;
- establish continental rankings;
- appoint continental technical commissions;
- appoint referees and judges;
- conduct seminars;
- conduct examinations;
- develop athlete and coach programs;
- cooperate with national sporting authorities;
- establish continental committees.
However, continental bodies shall respect:
- this Constitution;
- the international technical rules;
- applicable national law;
- applicable continental law;
- athlete safeguarding principles;
- and decisions of competent international disciplinary bodies.
ARTICLE 7
NATIONAL MEMBERS
National Kickboxing federations, unions, associations, clubs and other eligible sporting institutions may apply for membership.
Membership shall be subject to:
- an application;
- verification of legal identity;
- acceptance of these Statutes;
- acceptance of the applicable technical rules;
- payment of applicable fees;
- compliance with safeguarding standards;
- and approval by the competent authority.
Membership shall not automatically constitute recognition by a government or national Olympic authority.
ARTICLE 8
GOVERNANCE
The principal international organs shall include:
8.1 World General Assembly
The General Assembly shall be the principal representative legislative body.
8.2 World President
The President shall represent the international organization and supervise implementation of the Constitution.
8.3 Executive Council
The Executive Council shall administer international affairs between General Assembly meetings.
8.4 Secretary General
The Secretary General shall be responsible for administrative coordination, records, correspondence and implementation of decisions.
8.5 Treasurer
The Treasurer shall supervise financial administration and financial reporting.
8.6 Technical Commission
The Technical Commission shall administer sporting and technical matters.
8.7 Referee and Judges Commission
This Commission shall establish standards for:
- referees;
- judges;
- examinations;
- licensing;
- classification;
- evaluation;
- and disciplinary review.
8.8 Medical and Athlete Safety Commission
This Commission shall develop standards concerning:
- medical examinations;
- injury management;
- return-to-play procedures;
- athlete safety;
- protective equipment;
- and medical supervision.
8.9 Disciplinary and Ethics Commission
This body shall investigate and determine disciplinary matters under due-process principles.
ARTICLE 9
FOUNDER AND PRESIDENT
The founding authority of the international framework shall be:
PHILOSOPHER SUPER GRAND MASTER MOHAMMADULLAH OMAR IMAN DOST
The Founder and President shall have the honorary and institutional status established by the founding instruments of the organization.
The title shall not exempt the office-holder from applicable law, financial accountability, safeguarding obligations, disciplinary procedures or other mandatory provisions.
ARTICLE 10
PRINCIPLE OF CONTINENTAL REPRESENTATION
The World Kickboxing Union and World Kickboxing Organization shall seek balanced representation from:
- Africa;
- Americas;
- Asia;
- Europe;
- Oceania.
No continental body shall be considered subordinate in dignity or sporting representation merely because of geographical location.
The international structure shall seek equitable participation in:
- governance;
- technical committees;
- championships;
- judging;
- refereeing;
- athlete development;
- coaching;
- and international decision-making.
ARTICLE 11
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN UNION AND ORGANIZATION
The World Kickboxing Union (WKU) and World Kickboxing Organization (WKO) shall maintain separate institutional functions.
The Union shall principally focus on:
- membership;
- representation;
- international federation relations;
- continental coordination;
- national affiliation;
- governance;
- and international institutional development.
The Organization shall principally focus on:
- sporting events;
- technical organization;
- championships;
- athlete competition;
- professional development;
- rankings;
- promotion;
- licensing;
- and technical implementation.
The two entities may conclude written cooperation agreements.
ARTICLE 12
WORLD PARTNER STATUS
Where a formal partnership agreement exists, the World Kickboxing Union or World Kickboxing Organization may use the designation:
WORLD PARTNER OF THE WORLD KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION
or another formally approved partnership designation.
No partnership, affiliation, accreditation or recognition shall be represented as official unless supported by a valid written agreement or competent institutional decision.
ARTICLE 13
INTERNATIONAL SPORTS AFFILIATIONS
The organizations may seek membership, affiliation, cooperation, recognition or partnership with:
- international sports confederations;
- continental sports organizations;
- national sports authorities;
- martial arts organizations;
- combat sports organizations;
- educational institutions;
- medical organizations;
- anti-doping bodies;
- and other legitimate sporting institutions.
Where the organizations are formally admitted to or recognized by a World Sports Confederation or other international sports body, such status shall be recorded in official organizational documents.
Until formal recognition is granted, the organization shall not represent an application, negotiation, cooperation or intended affiliation as completed membership.
ARTICLE 14
SWISS LEGAL FRAMEWORK
Where the competent organization is established in Switzerland as an association, its constitutional and administrative operation shall be conducted in accordance with applicable Swiss law, including the provisions applicable to associations under the Swiss Civil Code.
The organization’s internal regulations shall be interpreted consistently with mandatory Swiss law.
The organization shall maintain appropriate:
- statutes;
- membership records;
- financial records;
- minutes;
- governance records;
- conflict-of-interest declarations;
- and other documentation required by applicable law.
The official Swiss legal seat, if established, shall be stated in the organization’s registration and founding documents.
ARTICLE 15
FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION
The organization shall maintain transparent financial administration.
Sources of lawful income may include:
- membership fees;
- affiliation fees;
- competition fees;
- licensing fees;
- educational fees;
- sponsorship;
- donations;
- grants;
- merchandising;
- media rights;
- event revenues;
- and other lawful sources.
No funds shall be used for unlawful purposes.
Financial resources shall be applied toward the sporting and institutional purposes of the organization.
ARTICLE 16
ATHLETE RIGHTS
Every athlete participating under the organization shall be entitled to:
- fair treatment;
- equal sporting opportunity;
- safe competition;
- appropriate medical safeguards;
- impartial officiating;
- clear rules;
- disciplinary due process;
- appeal rights;
- and respect for personal dignity.
Discrimination on prohibited grounds shall not be permitted.
ARTICLE 17
CHILD AND YOUTH PROTECTION
Special safeguards shall apply to athletes under eighteen years of age.
The organization shall establish separate regulations for:
- parental consent;
- medical clearance;
- youth weight categories;
- youth protective equipment;
- safeguarding;
- supervision;
- coach conduct;
- transportation;
- accommodation;
- and prevention of abuse.
ARTICLE 18
ANTI-DOPING AND SPORTING INTEGRITY
The organization shall promote clean sport.
Athletes, coaches, officials and members shall comply with applicable anti-doping rules adopted by the competent sporting authority.
The organization shall prohibit:
- doping;
- match manipulation;
- bribery;
- corruption;
- illegal betting related to competitions;
- deliberate falsification of sporting records;
- and manipulation of rankings.
ARTICLE 19
REFEREES AND JUDGES
Referees and judges shall be licensed according to a structured international system.
Possible levels may include:
- National Official;
- Continental Official;
- International Official;
- Senior International Official;
- International A-Class Official;
- and other levels established by the Technical Commission.
All officials shall be required to demonstrate:
- technical knowledge;
- impartiality;
- professional conduct;
- physical and mental fitness where applicable;
- continuing education;
- and knowledge of the current rules.
ARTICLE 20
COACHES AND INSTRUCTORS
The organization may establish international coaching certification.
Certification levels may include:
- Level 1 – National Coach;
- Level 2 – Continental Coach;
- Level 3 – International Coach;
- Master Coach;
- International Senior Master Coach.
Certification shall be based on education, experience, examination and continuing professional development.
ARTICLE 21
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
The organization may organize:
- World Championships;
- World Cups;
- Continental Championships;
- Continental Cups;
- National Championships;
- Open International Championships;
- Youth Championships;
- Masters Championships;
- Professional Championships;
- and Musical Forms Championships.
Each event shall operate under published event regulations.
ARTICLE 22
RANKINGS
The organization may maintain official rankings for each discipline.
Ranking systems may consider:
- championship results;
- sanctioned international events;
- quality of opposition;
- wins and losses;
- titles;
- participation;
- disciplinary status;
- and other approved sporting criteria.
The ranking methodology shall be publicly available where practicable.
ARTICLE 23
DISCIPLINARY PROCEDURE
Any disciplinary action shall respect fundamental principles of fairness and due process.
Possible sanctions include:
- warning;
- reprimand;
- fine where legally permissible;
- suspension;
- removal from an event;
- withdrawal of license;
- withdrawal of membership;
- disqualification;
- temporary prohibition from competition;
- permanent exclusion in serious cases.
The accused party shall normally have the right to:
- receive notice;
- respond to allegations;
- present evidence;
- receive a reasoned decision;
- and appeal according to applicable regulations.
ARTICLE 24
APPEALS
An Appeals Commission may be established to review disciplinary, technical or administrative decisions.
Appeal procedures shall establish:
- deadlines;
- filing requirements;
- evidence standards;
- hearing procedures;
- decision-making authority;
- and finality of decisions.
ARTICLE 25
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS AND CERTIFICATION
The organization may issue:
- athlete licenses;
- coach certificates;
- referee certificates;
- judge certificates;
- instructor certificates;
- national federation certificates;
- continental recognition certificates;
- championship certificates;
- diplomas;
- medals;
- rankings;
- and official identification cards.
No certificate shall be represented as a governmental qualification unless separately recognized by the relevant government authority.
ARTICLE 26
OFFICIAL LANGUAGE
The principal international language of the organization shall be:
English.
Official documents may additionally be translated into:
- Arabic;
- Persian;
- French;
- Spanish;
- Russian;
- Chinese;
- and other languages as approved.
In the event of conflicting translations, the officially adopted English version shall prevail unless applicable law provides otherwise.
ARTICLE 27
SYMBOLS, LOGO AND BRAND
The names:
WORLD KICKBOXING UNION
WKU
WORLD KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION
WKO
and the names of the recognized continental bodies may constitute protected institutional names and brands to the extent permitted by applicable law.
No member may use an official logo, title, championship designation or certification without authorization.
ARTICLE 28
INDEPENDENCE OF NATIONAL AND CONTINENTAL BODIES
National and continental organizations retain their lawful institutional autonomy.
Membership in the World framework shall not authorize any international body to interfere unlawfully in:
- governmental affairs;
- national legislation;
- national sovereignty;
- taxation;
- criminal law;
- or matters reserved by law to national authorities.
ARTICLE 29
INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
The organization may pursue recognition by legitimate international sporting institutions.
Recognition may include:
- membership;
- provisional recognition;
- full recognition;
- partnership;
- technical cooperation;
- observer status;
- or other forms established by the relevant institution.
All recognition claims shall be supported by documentary evidence.
ARTICLE 30
AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION
This Constitution may be amended by the competent General Assembly.
Amendments shall:
- be submitted in writing;
- be circulated to members in advance;
- be discussed according to the prescribed procedure;
- receive the required majority;
- be recorded in official minutes;
- and, where required, be filed or registered with the competent authority.
Mandatory provisions of applicable law shall prevail over conflicting internal provisions.
ARTICLE 31
DISSOLUTION
Dissolution shall occur only through the procedure established by these Statutes and applicable law.
Upon dissolution, remaining assets shall be transferred according to applicable legal requirements and the lawful decision of the competent governing body.
Assets shall not be distributed unlawfully among members or officers.
ARTICLE 32
GOVERNING PRINCIPLES
The following principles are declared fundamental:
Unity – Discipline – Respect – Fair Play – Safety – Equality – Integrity – Excellence – International Friendship.
The organization shall seek to develop Kickboxing not merely as a combat sport but also as a vehicle for:
- discipline;
- physical education;
- personal development;
- cultural exchange;
- international friendship;
- youth development;
- and peaceful sporting cooperation.
ARTICLE 33
OFFICIAL INTERNATIONAL STRUCTURE
The institutional structure shall therefore be understood as follows:
WORLD LEVEL
WORLD KICKBOXING UNION (WKU)
International Union / Membership / Representation
WORLD KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION (WKO)
International Organization / Competition / Technical & Sporting Operations
↓
CONTINENTAL LEVEL
ASIA KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION / ASIA KICKBOXING UNION
EUROPE KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION / EUROPE KICKBOXING UNION
AFRICA KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION / AFRICA KICKBOXING UNION
AMERICAS KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION / AMERICAS KICKBOXING UNION
OCEANIA KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION / OCEANIA KICKBOXING UNION
↓
NATIONAL LEVEL
National Kickboxing Federations / Unions / Organizations
↓
LOCAL LEVEL
Clubs / Academies / Schools / Coaches / Athletes
ARTICLE 34
THE EIGHT-STYLE INTERNATIONAL SYSTEM
For the avoidance of doubt, the international framework recognizes the following eight principal disciplines:
| No. | Official Style |
|---|---|
| 1 | Point Fighting |
| 2 | Semi-Contact |
| 3 | Light Contact |
| 4 | Kick Light |
| 5 | Full Contact |
| 6 | Low Kick |
| 7 | K-1 Style |
| 8 | Musical Forms |
The Technical Commission may issue detailed regulations for each discipline, provided that such regulations remain consistent with this Constitution.
ARTICLE 35
SPECIAL FUNDAMENTAL RULE OF SEMI-CONTACT
For purposes of international standardization, the following principle is expressly incorporated into the Constitution:
SEMI-CONTACT IS A CONTROLLED DISCIPLINE IN WHICH PUNCHES AND KICKS MAY BE USED ONLY AGAINST THE PERMITTED BODY TARGETS. HEAD STRIKES ARE PROHIBITED: NO PUNCH AND NO KICK MAY BE DELIVERED TO THE HEAD.
This rule shall be prominently stated in the official Semi-Contact Competition Rules and referee manuals.
Any future amendment to this fundamental definition shall require formal approval through the competent international rule-making procedure.
ARTICLE 36
FINAL DECLARATION
The World Kickboxing Union and World Kickboxing Organization are established with the objective of creating a professional, transparent, disciplined and internationally cooperative structure for the development of Kickboxing across the five continents.
The organizations recognize the importance of maintaining a clear distinction between:
Union functions,
Organization functions,
Continental functions,
National functions,
and
technical sporting functions.
The Founder and President, Philosopher Super Grand Master Mohammadullah Omar Iman Dost, together with the founding members and authorized representatives, shall seek to develop the international system in accordance with this Constitution, applicable law and the principles of fair and safe sport.
Founder & President:
Philosopher Super Grand Master Mohammadullah Omar Iman Dost
Continental Representatives:
Africa Kickboxing Organization(AKO)
Americas Kickboxing Organization (AKO)
Asian Kickboxing Organization (AKO)
Europe Kickboxing Organization (EKO)
Oceania Kickboxing Organization (OKO)
