WAKO USA News Update

Triumphant Return on the World Stage for USA Kickboxing: 13 Medals, 5 Gold

DECEMBER 1, 2023

In an impressive display of skill, determination, and resilience, the USA Kickboxing team made an indelible mark at the 2023 WAKO World Championships held in Albufeira, Portugal. With 70 countries and 1,670 athletes present, USA had a formidable showing of 49 entries, with 37 athletes and 23 coaches. The team’s stellar performance resulted in a remarkable haul of 13 medals, including an impressive tally of 5 gold medals, after six days of the best kickboxing in the world.

One of the standout moments of the championship and by far the most exciting events USA Kickboxing has been a part of in a long time was on Saturday of the Championships when the USA Kickboxing Men’s Point Fighting team, comprised of Bailey Murphy, Devon Hopper, Tyreeke Pierre, and Tyson Wray, and coached by El-Java Abdul-Qadir and Jessie Wray, delivered a nailbiting spectacle on the final day. After a heart-stopping quarterfinal against the United Kingdom, which ended 21-20 in favor of the USA, the team moved on to face Hungary in the semifinals, triumphing with a score of 14-8. The ultimate showdown against Italy, a team that had bested
the USA in the 2021 WAKO World Championships, saw the American team secure victory in a double overtime sudden death, with Bailey Murphy delivering the decisive winning point. The crowd erupted in excitement, resonating with thunderous “USA” chants throughout the stadium.

Gold medals two, three, and four were secured by returning WAKO World Champion, Rashad Eugene, in Creative Forms, Creative Weapons, and Musical Weapons, making him a 5x WAKO World Champion. If you know anything about forms in WAKO, you know the name Rashad Eugene.

Another top moment of the 2023 WAKO Worlds was Bailey Murphy’s exhilarating victory in the men’s -79kg point fighting finals against Hungary. With a final score of 24-18, Murphy showcased not only technical prowess but also strategic brilliance, securing a well-deserved gold medal.

Coach and athlete, El-Java Abdul-Qadir emerged as a double medalist, clinching gold in the veteran male’s -94kg point fighting division by defeating Hungary with a razor-thin margin of 13-12. Abdul-Qadir also displayed resilience in a closely contested light contact match in the veteran male’s -94kg division against Canada, securing a silver medal with a final score of 1-2.

Additionally, John Curatolo, in a closely contested match against Italy, demonstrated exceptional skill, earning a silver medal in the men’s -63kg point fighting division with a final score of 9-8. Several bronze medalists emerged from the US Kickboxing Team this year: Joe Rhodes: -57kg, point fighting, Devon Hopper: -84kg, point fighting, Austin Bybee: -75kg, full contact, Ricky Palma: -51kg, K1, Anthony Schleicher: -75kg, K1, and Liz Helton: -60kg, K1.

Finally, a notable mention to our remarkable, hard-working USA Kickboxing coaches who helped keep our team together all week: Chris Cichon, David Bybee, El-Java Abdul-Qadir, Ryan Blackorby, Eric Lalone, Ben Locken, Austin Lewis, Annette Poteet, Jessie Wray, Dan DeArmas and many others.

The USA Kickboxing team’s triumphant return not only exemplifies their athletic prowess but also underscores the spirit of determination and sportsmanship that defines the world of kickboxing. Congratulations to all the athletes, coaches, and supporters for an outstanding performance at the 2023 WAKO World Championships.

Athletes and coaches now prepare for the 2024 WAKO USA Kickboxing National Championships
which will be in Orlando, Florida from February 8-11, 2024.