Kombat Taekwondo, the world's largest professional taekwondo league, has announced a major update to its ranking system and weight classes to ensure greater transparency and consistency in its global rankings.
According to an official statement signed by Rick W. Shin, president of Kombat Taekwondo, all historical fight records have been reclassified under the new weight class structure recently implemented by the organization.
In the case of male heavyweight fighters (formerly +80 kg), all athletes have been placed in the –87 kg category for official ranking purposes. This decision is based on the competition contracts and the weight divisions in effect at the time for each event sanctioned by Kombat.
The organization acknowledges that several competitors from the former +80 kg division have a natural body weight exceeding 87 kg. However, in order to preserve fairness, maintain the integrity of championship records, and ensure consistency in the global ranking system, it was decided to place all these fighters in the –87 kg category, prioritizing the continuity of their previous achievements.
Transition period
To facilitate a smooth transition to the new system, Kombat Taekwondo has established a transition period that will run through December 31, 2026. During this time, fighters who previously competed in the +80 kg division will remain eligible for world title opportunities in the new weight class, regardless of their current natural body weight.
This measure aims to safeguard the legitimacy of past competitions and ensure a smooth transition to the updated structure.
“Kombat Taekwondo remains committed to building the most professional and transparent ranking system in the sport,” Rick W. Shin concluded in the statement.
This update is part of the league's ongoing efforts to further professionalize competitive taekwondo, setting itself apart from traditional formats and attracting fighters from various taekwondo schools to a high-level global platform.
Official weight classes:
FEMININE
- Fin (-54 kg)
- Flyweight (54.1 kg – 58 kg)
- Bantamweight (58.1 kg – 63 kg)
- Featherweight (63.1 kg – 68 kg)
- Lightweight (68.1 kg – 74 kg)
FOR MEN
- Fin (-54 kg)
- Flyweight (54.1 kg – 58 kg)
- Bantamweight (58.1 kg – 63 kg)
- Featherweight (63.1 kg – 68 kg)
- Lightweight (68.1 kg – 74 kg)
- Welterweight (74.1 kg – 80 kg)
- Middleweight (80.1 kg – 87 kg)
- Heavyweight (87.1 kg – 100 kg)
- Super Heavyweight (+100.1 kg)
*The Technical Delegate of Kombat Taekwondo may approve a competitor’s move up or down a weight class with the consent of both coaches, the organizing committee, and the athletes.
Kombat Taekwondo Pro Rankings as of March 11, 2026
