The WORLD ASSOCIATION of KICKBOXING ORGANISATIONS (WAKO) held its 15th World championships in Szeged Hungary from 28/11 to 04/12. New Zealands WAKO National Kickboxing team attended this competition for the first time, it was also the first time WAKO had members from all Five continents present for the World Championships. World President Ennio Falsoni was very pleased especially when this tournament had representatives from GAISF and the Olympic council attending to assess WAKO’s ability and professionalism.

The NZ team were welcomed by the World President, and the Kiwi stood out in their Black tracksuits which other countries were eager to swap their national colours with. Ennio Falsoni was also so impressed by NZ President Rick Dobson’s work in New Zealand that he also promoted Rick to Oceania President, an honour that took Rick's breath away. Rick recently won a sports award for Administrator of the Year for his relentless work with kickboxing in his area, and the world president recognised Rick's achievements over the past 12 months.

The Kiwi team didn’t win any medals but won the hearts of the teams present, which were over 50 countries present. Fighters were awarding the Kiwi team with their own national team shirts as a mark of respect for the battling Kiwi’s. The team performed the Haka at the start of the ceremony and were asked to perform in front of the Lord Mayor, the GAISF and OIC officials and National TV at the Official opening ceremony prior to the Finals. This event was a special one due to it marking WAKO 30th year as an International organisation. Also attending the competition was legendary, Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace and Don the ‘Dragon’ Wilson.

2006 World Championships are in Croatia for cadets and Juniors, then the 2007 Worlds are in Switzerland for seniors.

NZ WAKO President Rick Dobson with his idol Bill ‘Superfoot’ Wallace taken at Bill's 60th Birthday party.

Rick Dobson
Chief Coach – Phantom Kickboxing
National President – WAKO (NZ)