WAKO Canada

Summer Smash is Almost Here!

WAKO Canada has always been a leader in competitive sport. We recognized that stepping into the ring for the first time can be intimidating. For many athletes, the leap from training in the gym to competing on the mats—or even in the ring at major events like Nationals—can feel overwhelming.

That is why WAKO Canada became the first organization to create a dedicated Development Tournament Series—a pathway designed to help athletes build confidence, gain experience, and fall in love with competition in a safe and supportive environment.

Our focus was simple: learning, growth, and fun.
By reducing contact levels to just 30% (very light touch contact), participants can experience the excitement of competition without the fear of getting hurt or feeling overwhelmed. The response from clubs across Ontario has exceeded all expectations.

Events such as Frosty Friends, Summer Smash, and Halloween Howl have become staples of the martial arts community, attracting athletes from kickboxing, Muay Thai, and other combat sports who are eager to develop their skills and confidence.

The next event - the Summer Smash is just around the corner!
175 registrations already confirmed from 19 clubs
Only 25 spots remain
Participation is capped at 200 athletes

If you have been thinking about taking your first step into competition, or your goal is to challenge yourself and begin your journey toward larger events, Summer Smash provides the perfect environment to grow.

Don’t wait—once the remaining spots are filled, registration will close.

Registration Deadline: June 21

Register today:
https://wakocanada.ca/event/summer-smash/

Bring your swimwear and join us at Summer Smash

Milton Muay Thai Boxing Academy has been a cornerstone of the Milton community since 2013. Popularly known as M-Town, the club has built an outstanding reputation within the competitive Muay Thai and Kickboxing world while also serving as an exceptional environment for individuals of all ages and abilities to learn, grow, and achieve their personal best.

The energy, passion, and dedication of Head Instructor Rommel are truly unmatched. Respected and admired by athletes and families alike, he has devoted himself to developing young athletes both inside and outside the ring. His commitment to excellence has helped produce numerous athletes who have gone on to earn medals and recognition on the international stage.

Rommel’s success is built on strong fundamentals, technical excellence, and a deep understanding of what it takes to perform at the highest levels of competition. His coaching philosophy was on full display at the 2026 WAKO Canada Nationals, where M-Town athletes delivered outstanding performances and returned home with an impressive collection of medals.

Today, Milton Muay Thai Boxing Academy stands as a leading force within the WAKO Canada community. The club consistently develops skilled athletes, positive role models, and future champions, and we look forward to seeing M-Town continue to make its mark at events across the country.
If you’re in Milton and looking to challenge yourself, build confidence, and train with one of Canada’s most respected Muay Thai and Kickboxing teams, visit M-Town and experience firsthand what makes this club so special

National Team Camp

WAKO Canada has always placed priority on our younger athletes and 2026 has been the year of youth!  The 2026 Ontario Winter Games featured 110 young participants aged 11-19 that had an incredible experience in both camps and at the Orillia Resort for the multisport games.

2026 will also feature the WAKO World Junior Championship. 79 athletes have been selected to represent Canada coming from across the country. 

From Forms performers to K1 fighters - Team Canada is on fire!
To best prepare our athletes WAKO Canada is hosting training camps across Canada. There are 3 camps scheduled in Ontario for Ring, Kick Light and Forms/Weapons disciplines; and 3 camps are scheduled in Quebec for Point.  The camps are all listed on the WAKO Canada website under evens.
Attending camps are important requirements for NT athletes, but are also open to young athletes wanting to improve their skills; learn from NT coaches; and also work with peers that are dedicated to reaching the world championship podium.
These camps are amazing for team building; learning new tactical skills; and also infusing sport psychology into preparation programs.

The next camp is scheduled for June 14.  The registration link is below:

Century Cup - Edition II

WAKO Canada is proud to be hosting the second edition of the North American Open - Century Cup.  This tournament is the only internationally sanctioned WAKO event to be held in North America. 

We have confirmation of the following countries brining National Teams- Brazil, South Africa, Australia, and Turkey.  In addition, there will be club teams from across Europe and the Americas.  Athletes are attending to gain valuable WAKO ranking points.

Clubs from across the USA and Canada will also be present to gain experience in a WAKO IF competition that features open computer scoring and the framework used in international competitions.

The tournament will be again held at the beautiful PANAM Complex in Markham and will feature an amazing competition arena, spacious warm up area, fitness center, Olympic pool and restaurant onsite.

If you are aspiring to learn, grow and be tested as an athlete, the Century Cup cannot be missed! 

The early bird deadline ends on June 29th
Register quickly and safe money!
https://wakocanada.ca/event/north-american-champion/

And the title Belts … incredible!

Tristar Montreal
 
Our country has a number of remarkable combative clubs that are having an incredible impact on the international stage.  Some have a long history of creating a global legacy.  Tristar Montreal is one prime example.

Founded by Conrad Pla, Tristar became a hotbed for kickboxing in the late ‘80s and ‘90s.  Many top amateur and professional fighters trained and fought out of this Montreal hotspot.  The club leader was none other than Conrad himself, a North American and Intercontinental champion light-heavyweight champion. He had a remarkable career including a World Title match up with Javier Mendez a renowned UFC coach.

Tristar moved ownership to the now revered Firaz Zahabi.  An accomplished Ju Jitsu and Muay Thai athlete his university education was his focus in his younger years along with learning from the best in Ju Jitsu.  His education and trained paid off as he has become perhaps the most accomplished professional MMA coach in Canada.

Firaz has trained and coached some of the most accomplished athletes including Roer Whittaker, Vitor Belfort, Rory MacDonald, Kenny Florian, Aiemann Zahabi and of course the UFC Hall of Famer Georges St-Pierre.

Tristar Montreal rekindled its history with amateur kickboxing when it joined WAKO Canada this past year.  They brought a strong team to our 2026 National Championship.  The team was led by gold medalist Gabrielle Martineau who won the -56 kg K1 division.  The entire Tristar team displayed incredible technical skills and fierce fighting spirits.  Beyond competition skills the coaching staff and leadership were wonderful examples of sportsmanship and grace.

We look forward to more of Tristar as they plan to bring a strong team to the North American Championship in October.