WAKO Grading Syllabus Committee
INTRODUCTION OF THE WAKO INTERNATIONAL BLACK BELT DAN CERTIFICATE AND ID CARD PROCEDURE
The new WAKO grading syllabus system has been established in 2024 by the WAKO Grading Committee with an aim to ensure the new standardized grading system in kickboxing.
The system is created to effectively appeal to both athletes and instructors and coaches, maintaining highest possible standards.
Starting from January 1st, 2025, everyone may request the official WAKO International Black Belt DAN certificate and ID card, following prescribed rules and regulations.
I. WHY WAKO DAN CERTIFICATION:
– To align with the IOC system, promoting not just athletic achievement but also the holistic development of athletes in the global kickboxing community.
– To set and raise the standard of DAN practitioners in all WAKO member countries and establish clear unified expectations of excellence and achievement in the sport of kickboxing.
– To promote a deeper understanding of the philosophy and principles underlying Kickboxing including respect, honor, and the ethical use of one’s skills.
– To Collaborate with universities, sports institutes, and martial arts academies to develop unified evidence-based training programs that can be integrated into education.
– To maintain a global registry of DAN practitioners to ensure transparency and avoid discrepancies in rank recognition between countries.
II. NATIONAL DAN CERTIFICATION
The WAKO members shall set the rules and guidelines for 1st to 3rd Dan Black Belt exam.
The National Association is allowed to release their own National 1st to 3rd Black Belt DAN certificate.
How to apply for National DAN certification: candidates may apply through the National Kickboxing Organization the WAKO International Black Belt Dan certificate and ID Card.
The grading will be charged by the settled fees approved by WAKO.
III. INTERNATIONAL DAN CERTIFICATION
DAN grading from 4th to 7th DAN is international DAN cetrification and it must be done under WAKO system.
To obtain a WAKO International Black Belt Dan certificate and ID card from 4th to 7th DAN, candidates must attend an “International WAKO Sport Seminar”.
The request for attending must be sent to WAKO administration at least 3 months before the Seminar, by written permission from their National Kickboxing Organization who shall send the request to the WAKO. To make a process much easier and transparent, the National Federation President may be invited to join the International Grading Panel
organized by WAKO Grading Committee, to enhance the credibility and give the oversight of the grading process.
Seminars might be organized at WAKO Continental/World championships.
IV. 8TH TO 10TH DAN CERTIFICATION/ WAKO BLACK BELT
8th to 10th Dan Black Belt are released by the WAKO Board of Directors according to the criteria:
– A minimum of 35 years of dedication and affiliation to Kickboxing.
– Presented only to the President of WAKO, by majority decision of the Board Directors, or, on very special occasions, to other very important and loyal WAKO Members, by majority decision by the Board of Directors.
– The Board of Directors may issue honorary Dan certificates by a majority decision by the Board of Directors.
V. REPLACEMENT OF EXISTING/ALREADY ISSUED CERTIFICATES
– Persons who already possess National Black Belt Dan Certificate (1st to 3rd Grade) may obtain, through their National Association, the official WAKO Black Belt Dan replacement Certificate. It will take a costs of issuing new certificate.
– Persons requesting a 4th Dan or above must first take part in the International WAKO Sport seminar to obtain the requested Dan level.
VI. WAITING TIME/PREPARATION PERIOD
The minimum age to become a 1° DAN Black Belt is when a candidate, in the year of birth, becomes 16 years old.
To be promoted in the next stages, candidates must wait for indicated period:
1st to 2nd Dan – 2 years
2nd to 3rd Dan – 3 years
3rd to 4th Dan – 4 years
4th to 5th Dan – 5 years
5th to 6th Dan – 6 years
6th to 7th Dan – 7 years
8th, 9th and 10th Dan – Overall minimum of 35 years of dedication and affiliation to Kickboxing and WAKO, under the criteria described in IV. Sector.
VII. INTERNATIONAL WAKO SPORT SEMINAR
International WAKO sport seminar shall explore a wide range of topics related to all aspects of a WAKO practitioner to become a better kickboxing coach.
Covered topics:
– Skill acquisition through physical, relaxing, stretching and breathing exercises.
– Specific technical training methods to prepare athletes at all levels in our various
sport combat styles.
– How to deal with Injuries.
– Sports psychology.
– When Mental Coaching assistance is needed.
– Theoretical part – WAKO History, Rules & Regulations.
– WAKO Black Belt Dan examinations/promotion.
– Other.
The International WAKO sport seminars are open to WAKO affiliated members with a minimum age of 16 years old.
Presenters at International WAKO sport seminars:
Distinguished (ex) World/Continental champions, WAKO officials and other experts in various fields of sport coordinated by the WAKO Grading Committee chairman Mr. Tomaz Barada.
VIII. FEES
FEES FOR WAKO BLACK BELT CERTIFICATES AND SEMINARS:
1st Dan € 100
2nd Dan € 150
3rd Dan € 200
4th Dan € 250
5th Dan € 300
6th Dan € 350
7th Dan € 450
International technical/theoretical seminar fee € 250
FEES FOR REPLACEMENT OF WAKO BLACK BELT CERTIFICATES
1st Dan € 50
2nd Dan € 75
3rd Dan € 100
4th Dan € 125
5th Dan € 150
6th Dan € 175
7th Dan € 225
IX. HOW TO APPLY FOR A CERTIFICATE:
The National Organization WAKO member shall send to the WAKO Administrative HQ:
– the request for DAN promotion – file WAKO International Black Belt Dan Application Form can be found at WAKO website at link https://www.wako.sport/black-belt-directory
– 60% paid of the settled WAKO certificate/card fees.
– 60% paid of the settled WAKO replacement certificate/card fees.
Promotions for 8th, 9th and 10th degree are awarded by the WAKO Board of Directors and are free of charge.
Name: WAKO Europe