The offensive sport Americans known as kickboxing came about in the 1970s. According to Kickboxing.com, the rules of karate prevent the use of full contact kicks and punches in competition. Kickboxing's development was a response to this prohibition, fueled by the era's popular kung fu movies, as well as a desire for one-on-one martial arts competitions with greater intensity. Organizations governing the sport have grown from domestic enterprises to worldwide promoters of kickboxing.
Professional Karate Association/Professional Kickboxing Association
The Professional Karate Association was America's first organized kickboxing group. Its website claims to have introduced the modern sport to the world in 1974, the same year it held the first world kickboxing championships. Its acronym PKA is used interchangeably to reflect the Professional Karate Association and Professional Kickboxing Association. While it continues to conduct tournaments throughout the world, much of the PKA's 21st century focus is on karate and kickboxing education.
World Kickboxing Association
The World Kickboxing Association attempted to merge with the PKA in 1977, but disagreements between the parties kept the organizations separate. One of those differences was how to manage a significant rule difference. The WKA permits kicks to the elbows and knees during bouts, while the PKA does not. The WKA is now one of the largest kickboxing organizations in the world, with affiliates in 90 countries.
World Association of Kickboxing Organizations
The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations is the leading European kickboxing governing body. Founded in 1976, WAKO conducted its first world championship event two years later. With members in 110 countries, WAKO represents 74 national organizations. Competitions are sponsored in seven different styles, including full contact, semi contact and light contact.
International Sport Karate Association
The International Sport Karate Association was founded in 1986 and sponsors both kickboxing and mixed martial arts competitions. Its MMA brand Strikeforce is distributed internationally on pay-per-view, and premium and basic cable channels. This Florida-based organization conducts continental and world championship kickboxing events annually for men and women in multiple weight classes.
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