The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) Junior World Kickboxing Championships was held August 22nd to September 1st, 2024, at Bok Hall in Budapest, Hungary.
WAKO is the National Governing Body for the sport under the patronage of the International Olympic Committee (IOC). A record-breaking 3028 entries made the event the largest world championship league’s 47-year history. In all, 68 countries participated in the competition with the United States earning 37 medals, a new record for the United States team.
USA Kickboxing (WAKO USA) fields the official national team to compete at international events and is the only kickboxing organization with American Olympic Committee (AOC) status. WAKO USA Tatami Chairman Bill Viola Jr. explains, “This is major part of the Olympic movement and development for our sport. We brought our largest junior team to date ever for a World Championships and they didn’t disappoint. Our talent pool is deep, earning a record amount of gold, silver, and bronze medals. Not only did we earn respect in Budapest, but we also put the entire world on notice that Team USA will be a force to be reckoned with for years to come.”
WAKO Team USA partnered with Century Martial Arts who provided uniforms and support for the organization abroad. Michael Dillard, Century President, explained, “It was a big stage for Century Martial Arts as it was the first championship event that the company was featured as WAKO’s Platinum sponsor. This meant that all athletes were represented by either Century or the only other sponsor Top Ten. Team USA Kickboxing had an impressive showing, taking 56 athletes this year to compete. Being the first American company to sponsor WAKO at this level and having them represented by Century Martial Arts made for a special experience. There is nothing like seeing the pride of these young athletes representing their countries and doing so in your company’s gear.”
Viola Jr. adds, “Our coaching staff is at the core of our success. From El Java [Abul-Qadir] on down, they gave as much as the athletes on the mat. I want to give a special shoutout to Laco Villanueva from El Paso, Texas. He has consistently supported the WAKO movement and this year his individual students were able to bring home more medals than any other school or dojo.” Viola continues, David Bybee led the charge for our ring athletes. Bybee, a 2001 world champion in his own right explained, “The ring team had the best medal count in 20 years. We haven’t earned a gold since Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson earned a cruiserweight championship in 2005.”
WAKO IF President Roy Baker congratulated all the athletes stating, “Your presence this week is a testament to your and our dedication and resilience. You should be incredibly proud of yourselves and those around you. Competing at this level places you among the best kickboxers in the world, showcasing your strength and courage on the mat and in the ring.”
WAKO ceremonies were held by former Hungarian President Pal Schmitt and Dr. Raffaele Chiulli from Italy, President of ARISF (Association of IOC) Recognized International Sports Federations. The group was evaluating WAKO for inclusion to the 2026 Summer Youth Olympic Games in Africa. Kickboxing is an Olympic sport that was shortlisted for the 2028 Games in Los Angeles, and WAKO officials are hopeful for a debut at the 2032 Brisbane, Australia Olympic Games.USA Kickboxing is the only U.S. organization in the sport of kickboxing to have IOC (International Olympic Committee) recognition, serving as the gateway to the Olympics Games.
The United States earned at total of 37 medals: 10 Gold, 11 Silver, 16 Bronze in a total of 7 competition disciplines. Tatami divisions: Point, Light Contact, Kick Light, and forms. Ring divisions: Full Contact, K1, and Low Kick.
USA Medalists
Matias David Camarena Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF CH -21kg BRONZE MEDAL
Heraclio K Villanueva - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF CH -30kg BRONZE MEDAL
Reuben Spencer - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF YC -28kg SILVER MEDAL
Raymundo Elias Camarena Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF YC -37kg BRONZE MEDAL
Armando Cardenas - Legends, Florida - PF YC -42kg BRONZE MEDAL
Ricardo Madrinan - Legneds, Florida - PF YC +47kg GOLD MEDAL
Alyssa Thomas - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF YC -28kg BRONZE MEDAL
Axel Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - PF OC -57kg SILVER MEDAL
Luis Rivera - Legends, Florida - PF OC -63kg GOLD MEDAL
Eddy Xander – Viola Karate, Pennsylvania - PF OC -63kg SILVER MEDAL
William Olivares - nfinito martial arts, California - PF OC -69kg BRONZE MEDAL
Brayan Hernandez - nfinito martial arts, California - PF OC -69kg BRONZE MEDAL
Gabby Viola - Viola Karate, Pennsylvania - PF OC -50kg BRONZE MEDAL
Jaydon Holland - nfinito martial arts, California - PF J -74kg SILVER MEDAL
Sofia Rodriguez-Florez - Millenium Martial Arts, Florida - PF J -70kg BRONZE MEDAL
Axel Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - LC OC -57kg GOLD MEDAL
Heraclio K Villanueva - Alchemy Karate, Texas - CF CH SILVER MEDAL
Raymundo Camarena Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - CF YC GOLD MEDAL
Lukas Drevinskas - Amerikick, Florida - CF YC SILVER MEDAL
Lukas Drevinskas - Amerikick, Florida - CW YC SILVER MEDAL
Emily Molinar - Alchemy Karate, Texas - CF OC BRONZE MEDAL
Heraclio K Villanueva - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MF CH SILVER MEDAL
Sammy Aguilar - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MF CH BRONZE MEDAL
Raymundo Camarena Rodriguez - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MF YC GOLD MEDAL
Lukas Drevinskas - Amerikick, Florida - MF YC SILVER MEDAL
Lukas Drevinskas - Amerikick, Florida - CW YC GOLD MEDAL
Reuben Spencer - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MW YC BRONZE MEDAL
Alyssa Thomas - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MF YC GOLD MEDAL
Emily Molinar - Alchemy Karate, Texas - MF OC SILVER
MEDAL
Lionel Aguilar - Millenium Martial Arts, Florida - FC OJ -86kg GOLD MEDAL
Annikka Kimball - TCB Fight Factory, Arkansas - LK YJ +60kg BRONZE MEDAL
Alexander Kimball - TCB Fight Factory, Arkansas - LK OH -75kg GOLD MEDAL
Caleb Lewis - Poteet Martial Arts, Texas - LK OJ -91kg SILVER MEDAL
Victor Aguilar - Aldama Muay Thai, California - K1 OJ -57kg BRONZE MEDAL
Mekenna Vanyo - Vanya Martial Arts, OH - K1 OJ +70kg SILVER MEDAL
PF Child’s Men Team - Sammy Aguilar, Erik Hermosillo, Heraclio K Villanueva, Santos R Villanueva BRONZE MEDAL
PF OC Men’s Team - Xander Eddy, Axel Rodriguez, Edwin Rivera, Luis Rivera BRONZE MEDAL
USA Coaching Staff
El Java Abdul-Qadir Tatami, New York
David Bybee Ring, Florida
Bill Viola Tatami, Pennsylvania
Dawn Roffey Tatami, Florida
Davon Emil Clark Tatami, California
Aaron Kimball Ring, Arkansas
Annette Poteet Ring/Tatami, Texas
Damian Rodriguez Tatami, Florida
Mark Vanyo Ring, Ohio
Laco Villanueva Tatami, Texas.
The senior team trials will take place in March of 2025. New USA national champions will be crowned and earn a spot to travel to the 2025 WAKO Senior World Championships scheduled for November in Abu Dhabi, capital of United Arab Emirates.