Article: YOKKAO OPEN Officially Launches in the USA
YOKKAO OPEN Officially Launches in the USA
Table of contents
YOKKAO OPEN has officially launched in the United States, introducing a new event concept designed to bring the Muay Thai community together and create a clear pathway from gym sparring to amateur competition.
The inaugural US event will take place in Clearwater, Florida, across two days:
- November 20, 2026 — Amateur Division
- November 21, 2026 — Technical Sparring Division
Each division offers a different experience, allowing participants to compete at the level that best matches their age, skills and goals.
Technical Sparring Division: Open to Everyone
The Technical Sparring Division is open to participants of every experience level, from children to adults.
It is designed to bridge the gap between training at the gym and entering an amateur fight. Athletes can step onto the mats, test their techniques against new partners and gain valuable experience in a controlled environment where safety, respect and technical development come first.
There are no winners or losers. Every participant will receive a medal in recognition of their involvement and achievement.
For beginners, it is an opportunity to experience the atmosphere of a real Muay Thai event without the pressure of an official fight. For more experienced athletes, it offers a chance to sharpen their skills and work with different styles and opponents.
Amateur Division: Class A and B Fighters
The Amateur Division will feature official competitive bouts for experienced Class A and Class B fighters.
For the US launch event, amateur registration will be completely free and limited to a maximum of 22 bouts. All registrations must be approved by the athlete's gym owner or coach before the fighter can proceed to matchmaking.
Unlike the Technical Sparring Division, amateur bouts will be officially judged, with athletes competing for victory and beginning their journey through the YOKKAO OPEN competitive pathway.
Creating a Pathway Through Muay Thai
YOKKAO OPEN has been created to support athletes at every stage of their development—from their first controlled sparring experience to amateur competition and, eventually, regional and national championships.
The goal is not simply to organize another tournament. It is to build a community-driven experience where fighters, coaches, gyms, families and Muay Thai enthusiasts can come together through their shared passion for the sport.
“We want to provide the ultimate experience for Muay Thai enthusiasts. Technical Sparring bridges the gap between gym sparring and amateur competition, while the Amateur Division creates a pathway toward our global YOKKAO events.
“Above all, we want athletes to meet, develop, share their passion and have fun. In a world increasingly filled with artificial experiences, YOKKAO OPEN offers something authentic—a meaningful moment that participants will remember.”
— Philip Villa, Founder of YOKKAO
The Future of YOKKAO OPEN in the USA
Behind the scenes, YOKKAO is already working with gyms and promoters to expand YOKKAO OPEN across the United States, bringing Technical Sparring events, amateur competitions and championship opportunities to multiple states.
This nationwide pathway will progress from local events to regional championships, culminating in the YOKKAO OPEN USA National Championship. With strong interest already coming from gyms and promoters across the country, YOKKAO OPEN is building a connected national community and creating new opportunities for the next generation of Muay Thai athletes.
