If you are entering a WAKO-sanctioned kickboxing event, your gear is part of your entry. The officials check it, and if something isn't approved, you can't compete. It is a dull way to end a competition weekend, and it is entirely avoidable.
Here you'll find what WAKO approval means, which gear is required in which discipline, what the UV label is, and what you should check before you travel.
What is WAKO?
WAKO, the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations, is the international federation for kickboxing. It sets the rules, disciplines and requirements for competition gear, and sanctions championships at every level from national events to world championships.
For you as an athlete it means one thing in practice: at a WAKO-sanctioned event, WAKO's gear requirements apply – not your club's habits and not what you are used to at home.
What does approved mean?
An approved product has been tested against the federation's specifications for design, padding and materials, and the manufacturer has been permitted to label it. The label is what the officials look for in the gear check.
Approval is about safety and about all athletes competing on equal terms. A glove with more padding than allowed gives an advantage in taking punches, one with less gives an advantage in throwing them. That is why it isn't enough for the glove to be good – it has to be correct.
The UV label
Several WAKO-approved products have a mark that is only visible under UV light. It makes it quick to check authenticity in the gear check, and it makes copies harder to get through.
If you see «m/UV-label» or «med UV-merke» (with UV label) in the product name, this is what it means. If you are buying gear for competition, it is worth choosing a model with this label.
What is required in which discipline
| Discipline | Gloves | Legs and feet | Head |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pointfighting | Pointfighter | Kicks | Headguard |
| Light contact | Pointfighter or light glove | Kicks | Headguard |
| Kick light | Boxing glove | Kicks and shin guard | Headguard |
| Full contact | Boxing glove | Kicks | Headguard |
| Low kick | Boxing glove | Shin guard | Headguard |
| K-1 style | Boxing glove | Shin guard | Headguard |
In addition, a mouthguard and a groin guard are required in all disciplines, and a chest guard or sports bra according to the rules for the class. Elbow pads are used where elbow work is part of the rule set.
The table shows the main points. Details such as glove weight and age-specific exceptions are in the organiser's invitation and in the current rules. Read both.
Colours and labelling
In WAKO competition, athletes compete in the red or blue corner, and the gear must match the corner. That is why a lot of competition gear is sold in pairs with one red and one blue side, or as reversible models.
Reversible gear is a good buy for athletes who compete regularly: one set covers both corners, and you don't have to pack double.
Checklist before the event
- Read the invitation carefully. It lists the discipline, class and gear requirements. It is the authority, not this article.
- Check that the labels are intact. Worn labels can cause discussion in the gear check.
- Have both colours. Or reversible gear, so you are covered whichever corner you get.
- Check weight and size. The glove weight must match your class.
- Have spares of the small things. An extra mouthguard and extra hand wraps weigh nothing in your bag.
- Buy in good time. Not the week before. Gear should be broken in before you compete in it.
Our recommendations
Competition glove
Approved model for the full-contact disciplines. Buy in good time before the event.
Headguard
Approved headguard with a good field of vision. Can be combined with the SAFESTRIKE visor.
Frequently asked questions
Does all my gear have to be WAKO-approved?
In sanctioned competition, yes, for the items the rules require. No such requirements apply to club training.
What is the UV label?
An authenticity mark that is only visible under UV light, used to check gear quickly in the gear check.
What colour should the gear be?
Red or blue, depending on the corner. Reversible gear covers both.
Can I use my competition gloves for training?
You can, but they will last much longer if you keep them as competition gear and train in another pair.
Where can I find the current rules?
In the organiser's invitation and in WAKO's own rules. Ask your coach if anything is unclear.
Which glove suits which discipline?
See our guide to choosing a kickboxing glove.
