Carlos Ramjanali, WAKO PRO CEO, shares his vision for the future of kickboxing. 

Professional kickboxing is not simply the highest level of competition. It is the natural continuation of an athlete’s journey — the opportunity to transform talent, discipline and years of dedication into a genuine sporting career.

Young athletes need goals. They need to believe that, after their development years and amateur competitions, there is a pathway to grow, compete at the highest level, achieve international recognition and build a future within our sport.

That is precisely the role of professional kickboxing: to create opportunities, give greater value and visibility to athletes, and make our sport more attractive to sponsors, investors, media and audiences.

“Our DNA Is in the Ring”

The essence of kickboxing was born in the ring.

Modern kickboxing emerged in Japan, was subsequently developed in the United States and consolidated in Europe through Full Contact and K-1 Rules.

It was the search for a more dynamic, realistic and “full-contact fighting” system that led many of the pioneers to move beyond traditional karate and contribute to the creation and development of modern kickboxing.

“The DNA of kickboxing is in the ring.”

Historically, ring kickboxing is much closer to traditional boxing than to traditional karate. When boxing faced uncertainty regarding its Olympic future, K1 style kickboxing was naturally discussed as a potential combat-sport alternative for LA2028(next Olympic games). This demonstrates the international appeal and potential of our K1 sport (discipline).

“Develop on the Tatami, Dream of the Ring”

Tatami disciplines are extremely important. They provide children and young athletes with an excellent environment in which to develop discipline, technical skills, confidence and safety.

However, our development system should also prepare athletes for the natural progression of kickboxing.

For this reason, I believe that at younger age levels it would make sense to progressively introduce a “Light K-1 system”, allowing athletes to learn the movements, distance, combinations, strategy and dynamics of ring competition from an early age, always under carefully adapted rules that prioritize safety.

Several countries, including France, Spain, Portugal and Italy, are already developing similar approaches. Therefore, it makes perfect sense to replace the discipline "kick light" with "K1 light".

“Evolution Requires the Courage to Change”

Every major sport has evolved.

Boxing, judo, taekwondo and MMA have all adapted to the changing demands of modern sport.

Kickboxing must have the same courage.

We must respect and preserve our history while preparing for our future.

That means strengthening our ring disciplines — particularly “K-1 Rules and Full Contact” — creating a clear pathway from amateur competition to the professional level, and giving our athletes the opportunity to build sustainable careers.

Professional kickboxing is not an isolated objective.

“It is the engine that inspires thousands of young athletes to remain in our sport.”

It generates investment.

It attracts television, digital platforms, sponsors and major events.

It creates heroes and role models for the next generation.

And ultimately, it strengthens the entire kickboxing structure — from grassroots development to the highest professional level.

If we want kickboxing to continue growing as a truly global sport and strengthen its position within the international sports movement, we must continue investing in what has always defined our identity.

“The tatami develops athletes.”

“The ring creates champions.”

“Professional kickboxing builds the future of our sport.”