- George Chung
- Jan 19
- 4 min read
Columbus Becomes the Epicenter of USA Kickboxing
From February 28 to March 2, 2025, all eyes will be on Columbus, Ohio, as WAKO USA Kickboxing Nationals 2025 takes center stage at the Arnold Schwarzenegger Martial Arts Festival.
This three-day extravaganza isn’t just another event; it’s the gateway for American athletes to compete on the world stage and chase the Olympic dream. Whether you're a seasoned competitor or a martial arts enthusiast, the Nationals promise high-stakes competition, thrilling showcases, and the birth of champions.
Why This Event Matters: The Path to Global Domination
This isn’t just a national championship; it’s the starting line for a journey that could end on the world’s most prestigious stages. The stakes are monumental:
Senior and Masters Fighters: Competitors will battle for a chance to represent Team USA at the WAKO Senior & Masters World Championships in Abu Dhabi, taking place from November 21 to 30, 2025.
Cadet and Junior Fighters: These rising stars are vying for spots at the Pan American Championships in the Dominican Republic from August 27 to 31, 2025.
Victory in Columbus doesn’t just mean a medal—it means a chance to make history and shine on the global stage.
The Olympic Dream: Kickboxing’s Bright Future
Kickboxing is making waves in the global sports community, with WAKO officially recognized as the sport’s governing body by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) in 2021. This milestone solidified kickboxing’s potential for inclusion in future Summer Games, a vision WAKO President Roy Baker firmly believes in: “Kickboxing is one of the most dynamic, exciting, and modern combat sports in the world, destined to rightfully take its place at the Summer Games in the future.”
For athletes like Sophia Rodriguez-Flores, affectionately called “Pia,” this dream fuels their ambitions. Pia, who clinched a bronze medal at the 2024 WAKO Jr. World Championships in Budapest, Hungary, sees Columbus as her next step toward glory. “Competing at Worlds was life-changing,” she said. “I’m ready to qualify for Pan-Americans and bring another medal home for Team USA!”
Pia isn’t just a hopeful—she’s a rising star. WAKO USA board member Dawn Roffey, herself a former WAKO World Champion, praises Pia’s drive: “Pia has all the makings of an elite champion. She’s dedicated, poised, and relentless. I have no doubt she’ll claim a gold medal in the future.”
A Celebration of Martial Arts: More Than Nationals
The WAKO Nationals are part of the Arnold Schwarzenegger Martial Arts Festival, an event steeped in tradition and celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2025. This year, the festival is going on the road, moving its iconic Kumite Classic tournament from Pittsburgh to Columbus.
Bill Viola Jr., WAKO USA Tatami Chairman and long-time event organizer, explains the significance: “The Arnold Sports Festival is a massive platform for exposure. I’ve been involved since the 1990s, and it’s exciting to bring Kumite Classic to Columbus. This isn’t just about competition—it’s about education, growth, and introducing WAKO to a wider audience.”
To make the event even more inclusive, WAKO USA is unveiling the Ohio State Games, a new initiative aimed at fostering grassroots participation. This competition will allow athletes to compete under official WAKO rules, earn state titles, and build the confidence needed to step onto the national stage. After Ohio, the program expands to Pennsylvania in May 2025, with future plans for Florida, Texas, and beyond.
Star-Studded Features and Exciting Additions
The festival isn’t just about traditional kickboxing. Here’s what makes this event a can’t-miss experience:
Diverse Divisions: Competitions will include Kick Light, Light Contact, Point Fighting, Full-Contact, K1-Style, Low-Kick, Musical Forms, and Weapons.
Futuristic Combat: Saber Martial Arts debuts at the festival, featuring weapons-based competitions with light sabers.
Celebrity Seminars: Kickboxing champion and Century Martial Arts ambassador Devon Hopper will lead a Friday evening seminar, sharing insights on training for USA Kickboxing.
Special Guests: Wrestling legend Kurt Angle is in talks to collaborate with WAKO, adding even more star power to the event. Angle is working to promote Olympic wrestling for the 2028 Los Angeles Games, and Viola sees potential synergy between USA Wrestling and USA Kickboxing.
Viola Jr. sums it up: “We’re not just building an event; we’re building a legacy. From traditional kumite to futuristic light saber combat, this festival has something for everyone.”
A Network of Support: Building Bridges in the Martial Arts World
The success of the WAKO Nationals is made possible by partnerships with key organizations, including the Pennsylvania Karate Rating Association (PKRA), Regional Series, Sport Kickboxen League, and the National Martial Arts Circuit (NMAC). These groups bring decades of experience and ensure the event runs smoothly while offering opportunities for athletes from all backgrounds.
The Competition Schedule
The action-packed weekend unfolds as follows:
Friday, February 28: The competition kicks off at 3 PM with divisions for Kick Light, Light Contact, and Weapons.
Saturday, March 1: The spotlight shifts to Point Fighting and Forms, with divisions for youth and adults alike.
With seven different styles to choose from, every competitor has a chance to shine.
