WAKO USA Nationals
Columbus, OH – March 2025 – The 2025 Kumite Classic at the renowned Arnold Sports Festival proved to be an electrifying spectacle of martial arts excellence, bringing together elite competitors from across the nation. This year’s event, featuring WAKO USA, solidified its status as one of the premier martial arts showcases in the country.
The Kumite Classic, a staple in combat sports, welcomed athletes of all ages and skill levels to compete in a variety of disciplines, including point fighting, continuous sparring, and full-contact kickboxing under WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) rules. With the support of WAKO USA, the tournament upheld world-class standards of competition and sportsmanship, offering an unparalleled experience for fighters and spectators alike.
“This year’s Kumite Classic at the Arnold Sports Festival exceeded expectations, highlighting the dedication, skill, and discipline of the athletes,” said Bill Viola Jr., event director. “Having WAKO USA as a featured organization reinforced the level of excellence and international recognition that this event continues to foster.”
The tournament featured high-energy matchups, showcasing emerging talents alongside seasoned champions. With divisions ranging from youth to adult and amateur to professional, the event provided a platform for martial artists to test their skills on one of the most prestigious stages in the sport.
WAKO USA’s presence at the Arnold Sports Festival continues to elevate the sport of kickboxing in the United States, paving the way for national and international opportunities for American fighters. The event also served as a qualifier for upcoming international competitions, offering top competitors a chance to represent Team USA on the world stage.
The success of the 2025 Kumite Classic reaffirms the growing popularity of martial arts within the Arnold Sports Festival, one of the largest multi-sport events in the world. With thousands of spectators in attendance, the event not only promoted the competitive spirit of kickboxing but also inspired the next generation of martial artists.
Team Championships: Ring Winners
15–17-year-old: Top Ten USA (Luis “Picky” Rivera / Ibby Abdul-Qadir)
12–14-year-old: Legend/Top Ten (Malichi Randalle / Tony Homsani)
10–11-year-old: Team Kumite (Ella & Audrina Cycak / Brayden Penska)
8- year old: Team Kumite (Will Viola / Dax Delmont)
The Black Belt Grand Championships (Open Weight) Title Belt Winners:
11- Audrina Cycak – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Team Kumite)
12-14 Malachi Randalle – Fraser, Michigan (Top Ten USA)
12-14 Gabby Viola – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (U.S. Army)
15-17 Xander Eddy – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (U.S. Army)
15-17 Raian Mayers – Columbia, South Caroline (U.S. Army)
Adult Male: Brayan Rodriguez – Caracas, Venezuela (Diamond) presented by “DOJO”
Adult Female: Ki’Tana Everett, Minneapolis, Minnesota (Team Paul Mitchell) presented by “Female Fighters Matter Too”
WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) has made significant strides toward Olympic recognition. In 2018, WAKO was granted provisional recognition by the International Olympic Committee (IOC), and in 2021, it received full recognition as an official Olympic sport governing body. This milestone marks an important step in the potential inclusion of kickboxing in future Olympic Games.
While kickboxing has not yet been officially included in the Olympic program, WAKO’s recognition paves the way for its potential debut in upcoming editions of the Games. The organization’s alignment with IOC standards and its growing international presence through events like the World Kickboxing Championships and multi-sport competitions such as The World Games reinforce its Olympic aspirations.
As the official governing body for kickboxing worldwide, WAKO continues to work toward full Olympic inclusion, ensuring that athletes have opportunities to compete at the highest levels, including the possibility of participating in the Olympic Games in the near future.
About Kumite Classic:
The Kumite Classic is one of the longest-running and most prestigious martial arts and combat sports expos in the United States. Established in the late 1990s, the event has grown into a multi-discipline showcase, featuring a mix of traditional martial arts, modern combat sports, and fitness competitions.
Originally founded at the University of Pittsburgh as a martial arts tournament, the Kumite Classic quickly expanded, incorporating various combat sports disciplines, including kickboxing, karate, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, and mixed martial arts (MMA). Over the years, it has become a platform for amateur and professional athletes to compete at a high level while also fostering sportsmanship, discipline, and martial arts culture.
The event has been associated with some of the biggest names in martial arts and combat sports, with past participants including world champions, Olympians, and UFC fighters. It has served as a proving ground for many rising stars in the industry, helping launch careers in both competitive fighting and coaching.
A key highlight of the Kumite Classic is its dedication to education, innovation, and fitness, making it more than just a tournament. The event also features seminars, exhibitions, and fitness expos that attract athletes, coaches, and spectators from around the world.
Its partnership with the Arnold Sports Festival, one of the largest multi-sport events in the world, has further cemented its reputation as a premier martial arts competition. By aligning with global governing bodies like WAKO USA, the Kumite Classic continues to uphold international competition standards and provides pathways for American fighters to compete on a global scale.
