Kickboxing and combat-sports groups urge TDLR recognition, offer officiating training
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Summary
Representatives from WAKO/USA Kickboxing and newly formed regional combat-sports associations asked the commission to consider recognition or program support and highlighted safety and officiating training they say could benefit Texas athletes.
Representatives of WAKO USA (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) and a new USA Combat Sports Association asked the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation commission to consider including their organizations in state-level combative-sports recognition and to support officiating and safety training for athletes.
What speakers said: Tom Heniger, introduced himself as director of training for WAKO USA and USA Kickboxing and said WAKO is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and USA Kickboxing is recognized by the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. “WAKO is the only organization in the U.S. and worldwide that can bring fighters to these events,” he said, and asked the board to consider approving WAKO USA in Texas so athletes could access world competitions and standardized scoring.
Hector Vasquez and Alan Downs spoke representing a newly formed USA Combat Sports Association that would run amateur boxing and amateur MMA divisions and provide youth development, scholarships and officiating training. Vasquez said the association would offer liability insurance and youth-focused programming; Downs noted experience with Golden Gloves and outlined plans for regional-to-national competition pathways.
Why it matters: Combative sports (including boxing and mixed martial arts) are regulated activities in Texas; group representatives argued that formal recognition and approved officiating programs could provide athletes a pathway to sanctioned national and international competition while emphasizing safety.
Department response: Commissioners thanked the speakers and directed them to staff present at the meeting for follow-up; staff indicated they were available to discuss next steps and review any formal recognition or registration requirements.
Ending: The speakers left materials with staff and commissioners encouraged them to meet with agency staff to discuss formal processes for recognition and safety training.