EXAMINATION REGULATIONS
WORLD FREESTYLE KICKBOXING ORGANIZATION (WFKO)
CHAPTER I – GENERAL PROVISIONS
Art. 1.1 – These Regulations establish the framework for the examination and awarding of technical grades within the World Freestyle Kickboxing Organization (WFKO).
Art. 1.2 – The grading system is structured in two main categories:
- KYU (colored belts)
- DAN (black belts)
Art. 1.3 – All examinations must be conducted in accordance with WFKO standards, official syllabus, and ethical principles.
Art. 1.4 – The grading system reflects technical ability, physical condition, mental discipline, experience, and contribution to the development of Freestyle Kickboxing.
CHAPTER II – CENTRAL GRADING AUTHORITY
Art. 2.1 – The grading system is supervised by the Technical Committee of WFKO.
Art. 2.2 – The Technical Committee establishes:
- grading standards;
- examination procedures;
- certification criteria;
- validation of grades.
Art. 2.3 – The Technical Committee has the authority to approve, validate, or invalidate any examination.
CHAPTER III – EXAMINATION AUTHORITY
Art. 3.1 – KYU examinations may be conducted by qualified instructors or coaches affiliated with WFKO.
Art. 3.2 – Examiners must:
- hold a valid WFKO-recognized rank;
- be officially registered within WFKO;
- have authorization from the Technical Committee.
Art. 3.3 – DAN examinations shall be conducted exclusively by an official Examination Board.
Art. 3.4 – The Examination Board consists of three (3) members appointed or approved by the Technical Committee.
Art. 3.5 – All examiners must demonstrate integrity, competence, and neutrality.
CHAPTER IV – EXAMINATION PROCEDURE
Art. 4.1 – Examinations must be scheduled and approved in advance.
Art. 4.2 – Candidates must meet all eligibility criteria, including minimum training period and technical preparation.
Art. 4.3 – Examination documentation must be submitted in accordance with WFKO procedures.
Art. 4.4 – All examinations must follow the official WFKO syllabus.
Art. 4.5 – Results must be documented and submitted for validation.
CHAPTER V – EVALUATION CRITERIA
Art. 5.1 – Candidates are evaluated based on:
- technical accuracy;
- coordination and control;
- balance and stability;
- power and speed;
- transitions between techniques;
- fighting spirit and determination;
- mental focus and discipline;
- breathing control;
- overall performance.
Art. 5.2 – Evaluation must be objective, consistent, and aligned with WFKO standards.
CHAPTER VI – KYU GRADING SYSTEM
Art. 6.1 – The KYU system represents the progressive development of beginners and intermediate practitioners.
Art. 6.2 – The KYU grades are:
- 10th Kyu – White Belt with Red Stripe
- 9th Kyu – Red Belt
- 8th Kyu – Yellow Belt
- 7th Kyu – Orange Belt
- 6th Kyu – Orange Belt with Green Stripe
- 5th Kyu – Green Belt
- 4th Kyu – Purple Belt
- 3rd Kyu – Blue Belt
- 2nd Kyu – Brown Belt
- 1st Kyu – Brown Belt with Black Stripe
Art. 6.3 – Progression between KYU grades requires a minimum training period and successful completion of the examination.
Art. 6.4 – The focus of KYU progression is technical development, discipline, and foundation building.
CHAPTER VII – DAN GRADING SYSTEM
Art. 7.1 – The DAN system represents advanced technical mastery and leadership within WFKO.
Art. 7.2 – The DAN grades are:
- 1st Dan – Black Belt with 1 Gold Stripe (minimum 1 year)
- 2nd Dan – Black Belt with 2 Gold Stripes (minimum 2 years)
- 3rd Dan – Black Belt with 3 Gold Stripes (minimum 3 years)
- 4th Dan – Black Belt with 4 Gold Stripes (minimum 4 years)
- 5th Dan – Black Belt with 5 Gold Stripes (minimum 5 years)
- 6th Dan – Black Belt with 6 Gold Stripes (minimum 6 years)
- 7th Dan – Black Belt with 7 Gold Stripes (minimum 7 years)
- 8th Dan – Black Belt with 8 Gold Stripes (minimum 8 years)
- 9th Dan – Black Belt with 9 Gold Stripes (minimum 9 years)
- 10th Dan – Black Belt with 10 Gold Stripes (minimum 10 years)
Art. 7.3 – Advancement in DAN ranks requires:
- technical excellence;
- teaching experience;
- leadership;
- contribution to the development of the sport.
CHAPTER VIII – VALIDATION AND RECOGNITION
Art. 8.1 – All grades must be officially validated by WFKO.
Art. 8.2 – Certificates are issued only after validation.
Art. 8.3 – Any grade obtained outside WFKO may be recognized only after official evaluation.
CHAPTER IX – ETHICS AND DISCIPLINE
Art. 9.1 – All participants must respect WFKO principles of:
- integrity;
- respect;
- discipline;
- fair play.
Art. 9.2 – Any violation may result in:
- suspension;
- invalidation of results;
- disciplinary sanctions.
CHAPTER X – FINAL PROVISIONS
Art. 10.1 – These Regulations are mandatory for all WFKO members worldwide.
Art. 10.2 – Any situation not covered by these Regulations shall be resolved by the Technical Committee.
Art. 10.3 – These Regulations enter into force upon approval by WFKO.


