The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (W.A.K.O or WAKO) is an international kickboxing organization counting over 120 affiliated countries representing all five continents. WAKO is a major governing body of amateur kickboxing and is responsible for the development of kickboxing worldwide. The organization was officially recognized as an official kickboxing governing body by Sport Accord. WAKO is recognized by the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).

After winning the Arnold Classic competition in 1998, Viola Jr. met Arnold Schwarzenegger who inspired him to follow in his footsteps and establish his own version of a multi-sport convention in Pittsburgh. The Arnold Sports Festival is the largest fitness expo in the world, with bodybuilding firmly set at the cornerstone.  The show was electric, but martial arts were just window dressing. Kumite Classic followed a similar blueprint, but instead crowned karate as king of the convention center. In 2025 they join forces.