WAKO-Approved Kickboxing Equipment

Date: 23/09/2026
Labels: WAKO, WAKO Approved, WAKO-godkjent

Sources checked on 23 September 2026. Rule version and scope are given below.

Who this WAKO guide is for

For anyone competing in kickboxing under WAKO rules. First find out whether you will compete in point fighting, light contact, kick light or a ring discipline. The approval and type of equipment must suit that discipline.

Kickboxing with TOP TEN gloves — Training and competition place different demands on equipment. Illustration from Combat Store's kickboxing page.

Label requirements from 2026

On 5 March 2026 WAKO Europe clarified that prescribed equipment and competition clothing must be approved and carry a WAKO label from 1 January 2026, at every level of competition. A missing label can lead to a warning and disqualification if the equipment is not replaced within the deadline. Read the clarification from WAKO Europe.

What needs a label?

The labelling procedure covers, among other things, headguards, gloves, shin and foot protection and specified competition clothing. Mouthguards, groin guards, chest protection and hand wraps are among the exceptions to the label requirement itself. They must still meet the equipment requirements. For equipment that comes in pairs, the procedure requires a label on one item of the pair. See the labelling procedure, revision 4.

WAKO and Norwegian NKBF events

The Norwegian Kickboxing Federation's (NKBF) 2026 overview requires a WAKO label on competition equipment and red/blue headguards and gloves from August 2026. Red/blue shin and foot protection is recommended. Internationally, the federation states label requirements for both equipment and clothing from January 2026.

Competition clothing in Norway is still being clarified: A note at the top of the NKBF page gives a postponed deadline of 20 October while the federation waits for WAKO's final wording. Further down, January 2027 is still given for the Norwegian Championships and Scandinavian Battle. Confirm the clothing requirement with the organiser before the event. The note states that the requirement for WAKO-approved equipment still applies. Read NKBF's updated information (checked on 23 September 2026).

TOP TEN and WAKO

As the exclusive Norwegian distributor of TOP TEN and main sponsor of the Norwegian Kickboxing Federation, Combat Store works closely with the needs of Norwegian clubs. Read the federation's description of the partnership.

TOP TEN is one of our key kickboxing brands. The manufacturer Budoland carries WAKO-labelled gloves, foot and shin protection and competition clothing. Examples from the manufacturer's range are the Pointfighter «Glossy Block» and the «WAKO Style» shin guard. See the manufacturer's product information.

Choose a model based on the discipline you train or compete in: point fighting gloves and boxing gloves are different types of equipment. Also check colour, size and the required WAKO label on the exact item you will use.

Clubs can collect TOP TEN equipment in an order list per discipline and class. This makes it easier to compare models and avoid mixing up training equipment with competition equipment.

Get to know TOP TEN · See our WAKO range

How to recognise the approval mark

Original photo of WAKO labels, revision 4, page 3. Source: the federation's documentation. Checked on 23 September 2026.

Compare the marking on your model with the documentation and the current competition requirements. The image shows a documented example; placement and design can vary between products. Feel free to take a photo of the label and item number when you ask your club or us.

Checklist before buying and competing

Identify the event, rule set, discipline and class together with your coach.
Check the exact model and item number, colour, size and any required label. A brand name alone is not sufficient documentation.
Compare the product information with the federation's approval and the event invitation. Ask for documentation when anything is unclear.
Find out what the organiser provides and what you need to bring yourself. Try the equipment on before the event.

For clubs and buyers

Make an equipment list per discipline and class before a group order. Record model, variant, documentation link and the date it was checked. Keep competition equipment separate from other training equipment, and check fit and wear before lending it out. If the requirements are unclear, send the organiser the model number and a photo of the label before you order.

Training, competition and product marking

For training, the choice of equipment should be agreed with the coach based on the drills and level of contact. A competition mark does not replace that assessment. The guide explains the rules; the product's own documentation must show what applies to the chosen variant. A clickable badge in the shop is a route to information, not a new certificate.