World Kickboxing Organization (WKO)
Official Constitution of the World Kickboxing Organization
This Constitution is established to promote, develop, regulate, and govern the sport of Kickboxing at national and international levels. All members, athletes, instructors, referees, officials, and representatives of the World Kickboxing Organization (WKO) shall comply with the provisions contained herein.
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CHAPTER I
General Provisions
Article 1 – Name
The official name of the organization shall be World Kickboxing Organization (WKO), hereinafter referred to as WKO.
Article 2 – Objectives
The objectives of WKO are:
1. To promote and develop Kickboxing worldwide.
2. To establish and maintain high technical and ethical standards.
3. To organize competitions, championships, seminars, and educational programs.
4. To train and certify instructors, referees, and officials.
5. To award technical grades and Black Belt Dan ranks according to approved standards.
6. To encourage sportsmanship, discipline, respect, and fair play.
Article 3 – Core Principles
WKO shall operate according to the following principles:
Respect
Integrity
Fairness
Discipline
Professionalism
Equality and Non-Discrimination
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CHAPTER II
Membership
Article 4 – Categories of Membership
Membership shall include:
1. Athlete Member
2. Instructor Member
3. Referee/Judge Member
4. Club Owner/Manager Member
5. Regional Representative
6. National Representative
7. Honorary Member
Article 5 – Membership Requirements
Applicants must:
Complete the official application form.
Accept and comply with WKO rules and regulations.
Pay applicable membership fees.
Maintain good standing and ethical conduct.
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CHAPTER III
Student Belt Ranking System (Kyu Grades)
Article 6 – Colored Belt Ranks
Kyu Rank Belt Color
10th Kyu White Belt
9th Kyu White-Yellow Belt
8th Kyu Yellow Belt
7th Kyu Yellow-Orange Belt
6th Kyu Orange Belt
5th Kyu Orange-Green Belt
4th Kyu Green Belt
3rd Kyu Green-Blue Belt
2nd Kyu Blue Belt
1st Kyu Brown Belt
A practitioner holding the rank of 1st Kyu shall be eligible to test for 1st Dan Black Belt.
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CHAPTER IV
Black Belt Dan Ranking System
Article 7 – Official Dan Grades
1st Dan (Shodan)
Minimum age: 16 years
Minimum training experience: 3 years
Successful completion of technical and sparring examinations
2nd Dan (Nidan)
Minimum 2 years after 1st Dan
Active teaching or competitive involvement
3rd Dan (Sandan)
Minimum 3 years after 2nd Dan
Demonstrated contribution to training and development
4th Dan (Yondan)
Minimum 4 years after 3rd Dan
Proven leadership and instructor experience
5th Dan (Godan)
Minimum 5 years after 4th Dan
Recognized Master Instructor level
6th Dan (Rokudan)
Minimum 6 years after 5th Dan
Significant national contributions to Kickboxing
7th Dan (Shichidan)
Minimum 7 years after 6th Dan
Outstanding international service and leadership
8th Dan (Hachidan)
Minimum 8 years after 7th Dan
Exceptional contribution to the global development of Kickboxing
9th Dan (Kudan)
Minimum 9 years after 8th Dan
Senior Grandmaster status
10th Dan (Judan)
Highest technical rank within WKO
Awarded exclusively by the WKO World Executive Board
Reserved for founders, presidents, and individuals with extraordinary lifetime achievements
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CHAPTER V
Instructor Certification
Article 8 – Instructor Levels
Instructor Level Minimum Rank
Instructor Level III 1st Dan
Instructor Level II 2nd Dan
Instructor Level I 3rd Dan
Senior Instructor 5th Dan
Master Instructor 7th Dan and above
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CHAPTER VI
Referee and Judging System
Article 9 – Referee Grades
1. Class C Referee
2. Class B Referee
3. Class A Referee
4. National Referee
5. International Referee
6. Chief International Referee
Advancement shall be based on education, examination, experience, and performance.
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CHAPTER VII
Organizational Committees
Article 10 – Standing Committees
The following committees shall be established:
1. Technical Committee
2. Referee and Judging Committee
3. Coaching Committee
4. Competition Committee
5. Education Committee
6. Disciplinary Committee
7. International Affairs Committee
8. Women’s Development Committee
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CHAPTER VIII
Disciplinary Regulations
Article 11 – Violations
The following actions constitute disciplinary offenses:
Disrespect toward officials or members.
Unsportsmanlike conduct.
Cheating or match manipulation.
Forgery or falsification of certificates and ranks.
Use of prohibited substances.
Actions damaging the reputation of WKO.
Article 12 – Disciplinary Actions
Penalties may include:
1. Verbal Warning
2. Written Warning
3. Temporary Suspension
4. Removal of Rank or Position
5. Permanent Expulsion
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CHAPTER IX
Certificates and Official Documents
Article 13
WKO may issue:
Membership Cards
Belt Rank Certificates
Dan Grade Diplomas
Instructor Certifications
Referee Certifications
Representative Appointments
Seminar and Championship Participation Certificates
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CHAPTER X
Final Provisions
Article 14 – Amendments
Any amendment, modification, or addition to this Constitution shall require approval by the WKO World Executive Board.
Article 15 – Enforcement
This Constitution shall become effective immediately upon its approval and shall be binding upon all members and affiliated organizations.
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