"The Legacy"

 #28 How Martial Arts Build Global Bridges By  Dr Paul Martin (HonDSc), WKA World Vice President When most people think of martial arts, they picture the clash of fists, the sharp crack of a kick meeting the pad, or the quiet discipline of a student bowing in a Dojo. The focus is often on the fight—the physical intensity, the hours of training, the pursuit of victory. But martial arts have always been far more than a contest of strength or skill. Beneath the surface, beyond the championship belts and tournament lights, martial arts carry something much deeper: a universal language that speaks across borders, generations, and ideologies. This language does not need translation. It is found in the shared rhythm of breath before a fight, in the respectful bow between opponents, and in the unspoken code of honour that transcends cultural lines. Martial arts have quietly brought together people who would otherwise have remained strangers—people separated by geography, religion, and...

 #27 Behind the Scenes of the WKA World Championships 2025: Vision, Preparation, and Legacy As Vice President of the World Kickboxing and Karate Association (WKA), I’ve had the honour of witnessing firsthand what it takes to bring a global martial arts championship to life. With the 2025 WKA World Championships just around the corner, I want to take you behind the scenes of this monumental event — one that blends elite sport, cultural unity, and a historic milestone for our organisation. From 16 to 19 October 2025 , Sheffield’s iconic Ponds Forge International Sports Centre will become the epicentre of martial arts excellence. Athletes from all corners of the world will gather to compete in Kickboxing, Muay Thai, Kata, Points Fighting, Combat Boxing, Mat Sports, and Light Contact. Months of intense preparation, international coordination, and shared dedication have brought us to this defining moment. But this year’s event is about more than just medals. It also marks the official...

 #26 Grassroots Initiatives by the WKA By  Dr Paul Martin (HonDSc), WKA World Vice President At the heart of every great tradition lies a powerful beginning. For the World Kickboxing and Karate Association (WKA), the future of martial arts begins not in professional arenas or televised championships, but in the classrooms, community centers, and dojos where young practitioners take their first steps. Through its wide-ranging grassroots initiatives, the WKA is laying down a dynamic and enduring framework to ensure that martial arts not only thrive today but continue to inspire generations to come. Empowering Youth Through Martial Arts The WKA’s grassroots mission is simple yet profound: to engage young people in kickboxing and karate through inclusive, empowering, and value-driven programs. By working closely with schools, community groups, and local clubs, the organization makes martial arts accessible to children from diverse backgrounds. These efforts aim not only to teach p...

 #25 How Modern Research Is Transforming Martial Arts By Dr. Paul Martin (HonDSc), WKA World Vice President   “We honour tradition not by resisting change, but by ensuring its integrity as we evolve.” Martial arts have always been a meeting point between discipline and instinct, strategy and spirit. But in today’s high-performance world, another force has joined this balance: science .  From biomechanics and sports psychology to recovery technology and neuroscience, we are living in a new era where the fighter’s journey is no longer measured only in bruises but in data, precision, and longevity . As Vice President of the World Kickboxing and Karate Association (WKA), I’ve been privileged to observe — and actively support — a transformation in how our athletes train, recover, and perform.  In The Legacy , I explored how the WKA evolved from grassroots events to a global platform. Today, that legacy continues — not just through championships, but through scientific in...