On Saturday September 30th the organization American K-1 Kickboxing promotions hosted a World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO). Patrons enjoyed an international competition in Nashville, TN. The event packed them in and drew even more productive, positive light to the city and Mid-State. The United States National K-1 Kickboxing Team battled the Canadian National K-1 Kickboxing team at Tennessee State University’s Kean Hall.
The event got even better as one of the Music City’s own took center stage, representing the sport here in his hometown. The main event of the evening featured Nashville’s own, TSU graduate Omari Boyd (aka “The Body Snatcher”) and the undefeated Canadian kickboxing champion Adam Weber.
Boyd recently made history and became the first American kick boxer to medal at the World Games by securing the Bronze for the United States this July in Poland. This event featured 12 bouts, 5 main card with 7 undercard bouts including the highly-anticipated match-up between Pan-American kickboxing champion Royelle Gogins (out of Memphis, TN) as well as the Mixed Martial Arts National Champion Brittney Cloudy from St. Louis, MO.
This matchup of the top female athletes was one bout that stole the show! Various top athletes from six different local martial arts schools were on display competing.” I am very proud of the athletes that will be competing”, stated Rob Zbilski, President WAKO USA.
The Live Pay Per View (PPV) stream for the event was provided by Developed Over Coffee Productions (DOCP) and with United Fighting Alliance it will be broadcasted to over 110 million homes. OPACO International is the event’s main sponsor. The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations or WAKO is the largest international organization of kickboxing, and the governing body of Amateur kickboxing sport certified by SportAccord.
It was formed of two organizations: WAKO for amateur sports and WAKO PRO for professional sports. Besides holding world championships, WAKO sanctions the champions of kickboxing in six rule styles. WAKO holds a world championship every two years, with youth (18 and under) and adult categories (18–45) and on separate years only national teams are accepted.
Each member country can present only one competitor in each weight class. Competitors are commonly the national champion of their weight class in that particular kickboxing style. Many are officially recognized by their National Olympic Committees or Ministry of Sports. WAKO is leading the effort for kickboxing to receive International Olympic recognition.
WAKO National promoter Kevin Walker added “Nashville is the perfect home for Team USA Kickboxing events. It’s a great location and we have the best fans. We also have the top kick boxer in America, the Titans, and the Predators.
We have the Sounds and Music City USA and we considered to be the it city.” WAKO Team USA online platforms are on various Social Media outlets to follow or check out the official website: www.WAKOUSA.org
