A LEGACY NEVER TO BE FORGOTTEN
JOE TAYLOR AND THE IKF CREATE THE FIRST
AMATEUR KICKBOXING AND MUAY THAI TOURNAMENT IN NORTH AMERICA
THE IKF WORLD CLASSIC

In 1999 the IKF teamed up with Joe Taylor of Ringside Products and started the first ever Amateur Kickboxing and Muay Thai Tournament in the USA, then known as the IKF / RINGSIDE USA Nationals. As years went by, athletes from Canada and Mexico wanting to compete in the event so in 2004 it was renamed the IKF North American Classic.

That growth continued and only two years later in 2006 the name was changed again to what it is known as today, the IKF WORLD CLASSIC.

Today it's one of the Largest Amateur Kickboxing and Muay Thai Tournaments in the World that allows only True Amateur Fighters to compete in.

The dedicated commitment to Kickboxing and Muay Thai excellence by Joe Taylor of Ringside Inc., who had supported the IKF throughout the year with Gloves and other gear for all IKF Sanctioned events in North America made for an excellent connection. The relationship was successful for those who believe in offering more quality to the sport of kickboxing.

Joe Taylor's efforts in getting Ringside Inc.'s donation of quality equipment for all IKF events and their financial support of paying half the cost of over $5,000.00 in title belts the first year of the tournament was priceless in getting the tournament started. Without the help of social media back in 1999, more valuable was all the media support through Ringside's magazine and website. All of these efforts were spearheaded by one man at Ringside, Joe Taylor.

In October of 2011 Joe left Ringside and later created his own company with his wife, Taylored Consulting in Kansas City, Missouri. Taylored Consulting is a Marketing and Sales consulting agency focusing on branding, product management, direct to consumer and B to B distribution. Developed strategies using all elements of the marketing mix to drive profitable growth for all levels of organizations from start up to global organizations.

Joe Taylor places the IKF Tournament belt around Michael Ross of Detroit, Michigan
at the 2000 IKF / RINGSIDE USA NATIONAL AMATEUR TOURNAMENT.







First Ever IKF USA National Tournament Champions, The Champions and some Trainers of the
1999 IKF/RINGSIDE USA National Amateur Tournament.






Jim Heberer of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA wins the IKF Amateur Muay Thai Rules United States Heavyweight Title
on September 12th, 1998 in Milwaukee Wisconsin, USA over Steve Bass of Omaha Nebraska by TKO.
L-R: Steve Fossum (IKF President) - Jim Heberer - Joe Taylor (Ringside Inc President)