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288 results found with an empty search

Events (39)

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Blog Posts (46)

  • World Kickboxing Day

    "On this World Kickboxing Day, November 30th, 2025, let us celebrate the strength and unity we've forged together. Thank you to every athlete, coach, president, official and supporter for your dedication and spirit. Together, we have built a vibrant community that transcends borders and inspires greatness in each other. Here’s to where we are and the incredible journey ahead!" WAKO President - Mr. Roy Baker #onewako #onechampion

  • Women in Sport Committee Meeting

    Women in Sport Committee Meeting Abu Dhabi, November 25, 2025 Athlete Corner • Updates from athletes on current projects and achievements • Discussion of challenges faced and support needed • Sharing best practices and inspirational stories Next Activities • Planning upcoming initiatives and events • Coordination with partners and stakeholders 8 March activities • Proposals: New ideas for celebrating the day • Awards: Recognition of outstanding contributions in women’s sport • Interviews: Media engagement with athletes and committee members • Celebration: Activities to highlight the day Regular Engagement • Two interviews scheduled every month with athletes, coaches, or leaders in sport • Aim: Increase visibility and promote women’s participation New technologiem Workshops • Upcoming workshop focused on AI applications in sport • Topics: Data analysis, performance tracking, and innovation in women’s sport • Opportunity for collaboration and knowledge.

  • WAKO Athlete & Coach Corner

    TO ALL WAKO MEMBERS   The WAKO Athlete & Coach Corner will be active at the ADNEC Arena Abu Dhabi (address: Al Khaleej Al Arabi St - Al Rawdah - W59 01 - Abu Dhabi - UAE) welcoming you and your national teams from Monday 24 th to Friday 28 th November 2025 , during the next WAKO Senior and Master World Championship . Please come and visit to learn and share!

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Other Pages (67)

  • Committees - WAKO Kickboxing Leadership

    Meet the WAKO Committees driving the development and governance of kickboxing worldwide. Explore their roles and contributions. WAKO Committees WAKO’s Committees play a vital role in shaping the organization’s policies, initiatives, and growth. Comprised of experts and representatives from across the kickboxing community, each committee focuses on specific areas such as rules, athlete development, integrity, and governance. These dedicated teams ensure that WAKO operates at the highest standards, promoting fairness, inclusivity, and excellence in the sport of kickboxing worldwide. Athletes Committee Chairman Mr. Zsolt Moradi (Hungary) Members Mr. Juan Leonardo Corrales (Argentina) Mr. Andres Garcia Gandara (Guatemala) Ms. Guillermina Barat (Argentina) Mr. Mahmoud Alkhatib (Jordan) Ms. Sumaya Aldabbagh (Saudi Arabia) Mr. Kian Golpira (Norway) Ms. Paulina Aleksandra Jarzmik (Poland) Ms. Meryl Swidler (USA) Mr. Alexandra Georgieva (Bulgaria) Mr. Billy Bryce (Great Britain) Mr. Cebrail Gencoglu (Turkiye) Arbitration Committee Chairman Mr. Robert Malcolm Fox (Switzerland/Jamaica) Members Mr. Joachim Knoll (Germany) Mrs. Melissa Magliana (USA/Italy/Switzerland) Mrs. Kendra Potts (UK) Mr. Andrea Gamba (Switzerland) Coaching Committee Chairman Mr. Daimi Akin (Norway) Members Mr. Nikos Memmos (Greece) Mr. Dev Barrett (Great Britain) Mrs. Leonie Rosin (New Zealand) Mr. Dave Heffernan (Ireland) Mr. Atagana Ramirez Emmanuel (Nigeria) Mrs. Seda Duygu Aygun (Turkey) Mr. Essa Abu Nassar (Jordan) Mrs. Sabrina Sedin Roskvist (Sweden) Mr. Suresh Babu Chandra Babu (India) Development Committee Chairman Mr. Espen Lund (Norway) Vice Chairman Mr. Zsolt Moradi (Hungary) Members Mr. Nazri Sutari (Singapore) Mrs. Angelina Pelevic (Serbia) Mrs. Lucia Feckova (Slovakya) Mr. A’day Ali Abdulraheem Almaharmeh (Jordan) Mr. Elijah Everill (Great Britain) Mr. Timothy Bos (Italy) Mr. Andres Garcia (Guatemala) Mr. Parfait Doukrou (Ivory Coast) Mr. Kaan Ozgur Kayici (Turkey) Mr. Soren Koefoed (Denmark) Education & Student Committee Chairman Mr. Dino Belosevic (Croatia) Members Mr. Jake Riddell (Ireland) Mr. Cebrail Gencoglu (Turkey) Mrs. Valencia Yip (Singapore) Mr. Matej Babic (Croatia) Entourage Committee Chairman Mr. Espen Lund (Norway) Members Mr. Zsolt Moradi (Hungary) Mr. Daimi Akin (Norway) Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Mrs. Katarzyna Kociszewska-Palacz (Poland) Mr. Yury Lakhtikov (Estonia) Mr. Massimiliano Bianco (Italy) Disciplinary and Ethical Committee Chairman Mr. Nikolaus Gstaettner (Austria) Members Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Mr. Thomas Steenberg (Norway) Mr. Kiandro Lebon (Belgium) Mr. Lamija Ogric (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Mrs. Rabia Ozge Kayici (Turkey) Grading Syllabus and Standards Committee Chairman Mr. Tomaz Barada (Slovenia) Members Mr. Pablo Acuna (Chile) Mr. Willem Jacob Bos (Italy) Mr. Nizar Taleb (Palestine) Mrs. Denitsa Milenkova (Bulgaria) Mrs. Eleftheria Panagopoulou (Greece) Mr. Peter Edwards (Great Britain) Mr. Santosh Kumar Agrawal (India) Mr. Mark Greubel (USa) Innovation and Technology Committee Chairman Mrs. Francesca Falsoni (Italy) Members Mr. Dominik Hoelbling (Austria) Mr. Cebrail Gencoglu (Turkey) International Relation Committee Chairman Mr. Espen Lund (Norway) Members Mr. Roy Baker (Ireland) Mr. Donato Milano (Italy) Mr. Salim Kayici (Turkey) Mr. Antonios Mavrommatis (Greece) Legal Committee Chairwoman Mrs. Francesca Falsoni (Italy) Members Mr. Nikolaus Gstaettner (Austria) Mr. Kiandro Lebon (Belgium) Media Committee Chairwoman Mrs. Marijana Pelevic (Serbia) Members Mrs. Barbara Falsoni (Italy) Mr. Danny Slevin (Ireland) Mr. Marek Krugol (Estonia) Medical, Health & Anti Doping Committee Chairman Mr. Massimiliano Bianco (Italy) Member, Anti-Doping Officer Mr. Gianlorenzo Daniele (USA) Members Mr. Vitale Monte (Italy) Mr. Andreas Lodrup (Norway) Mrs. Suzana Milutinovic (Serbia) Mr. Andreas Angelopoulos (Greece) Mr. Almos Gogl (Hungary) Mr. Pedro Figueiredo (Portugal) Mr. Aissar Eduardo Nassif (Brasil) Mr. Victor Hugo Garcia Camacho (Mexico) Organizing Committee Chairman Mr. Roy Baker (Ireland) Members Mr. Srdjan Bugarcic (Serbia) Mr. Nicola Traina (Italy) Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Mr. Giorgio Ceravolo (Italy) Mr. Danny Slevin (Ireland) Mr. Ilija Salerno (Ireland) Mrs. Marijana Pelevic (Serbia) Mrs. Elaine Small (Ireland) Mr. Adil Triqui (Germany) Para and Inclusive Committee Chairman Mr. Jesus Eguia Martin (Spain) Members Mrs. Seila Espinosa Alcalda (Spain) Mrs. Noemi Centeno (Spain) Mr. Daniel Lopez Alvarez (Spain) Mrs. Ana Isabel Sordo Bueno (Spain) Mr. Emmanuel Badillo (Mexico) Mr. Ahmed Alshehri (Saudi Arabia) Mr. Lucio Stella (Italy) Mr Jean-Francois Filion (Canada) Mr. Gregory (Ed) Bavelock (Australia) Professional Committee Chairman Mr. Roy Baker (Ireland) Members Mrs. Francesca Falsoni (Italy) Mr. Carlos Ramjanali (Portugal) Mr. Donato Milano (Italy) Referee Committee Ring Sports Chairman Mr. Yuri Lakhtikov (Estonia) Members Mr. Sami Savo (Finland) Mr. Zoran Simurina (Serbia) Mr. Thomas Henniger (USA) Mr. Jan Frana (Czech Republic) Mr. Mostafa Elrhannam (Morocco) Mr. Sultangali Kuandyk (Kazakhstan) Mr. Tomislav Novosel (Croatia) Ms. Michaela Kovacova (Slovakya) Mr. Gabor Szabo (Hungary) Mr. Wilson Okon (Nigeria) Mr. Vivek Sathees (India) Mr. Sahin Kocak (Turkey) Honorary Member Mr. Flavio Brivio (Italy) Referee Committee Tatami Sports Kim Kristoffersen (Norway) Chairman WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Karl Wilson Snr (Ireland) Const. Technical Director Tatami sport Jasmin Ernet (Austria) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Sean Whelan (Great Britain) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Claire Cocozza (Canada) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Ryszard Zawistowski (Poland) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Seema Saini (India) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Raymond Staut (Belgium) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Marlon Rios (Guatemala) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Thomas Steenberg (Norway) Honorary member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Rules Committee Chairman Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Members Mr. Danny Slevin (Ireland) Mr. Yury Lahtikov (Estonia) Mr. Zsolt Moradi (Hungary) Mr. Kim Kristoffersen (Norway) Mr. Daimi Akin (Norway) Mr. Jesus Eguia Martin (Spain) Mr. Srdjan Bugarcic (Serbia) Event and Membership Committee Chairman Mr. Istvan Kiraly (Hungary) Members Mr. Nikolaus Gstaettner (Austria) Mr. Zsolt Moradi (Hungary) Mr. Salim Kayici (Turkey) Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Technical Committee Chairman Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Members Mr. Srdjan Bugarcic (Serbia) Mr. Kai Becker (Germany) Mr. Otmar Felsberger (Austria) Mr. Santosh K. Agrawal (India) Mrs. Elaine Small (Ireland) Mr. Tom Hanniger (USA) Mr. Yury Lakhtikov (Estonia) Mr. Nizar Taleb (Palestine) Women in Sport Committee Chairwoman Mrs. Katarzyna Kociszewska (Poland) Members Mrs. Marijana Pelevic (Serbia) Mrs. Francesca Falsoni (Italy) Mrs. Sharon Gill (Great Britain) Mrs. Patrice Nadre Kevine (Ivory Coast) Mrs. Darya Strutinska (Latvia) Mrs. Valencia Yip Yin Tung (Singapore) Mrs. Alexandra Filipova (Slovakya) Mrs. Shabnum Mia (South Africa) Mrs. Christina Kostak (Ukraine) Whistleblowing Committee Chairwoman Mrs. Francesca Falsoni (Italy) Members Mrs. Lucinda Edwards (Great Britain) Mr. Istvan Kiraly (Hungary) Mr. Aslam Mahomed (South Africa) Mr. Dario Alvarado (Venezuela)

  • Board of Directors - Leadership of WAKO Kickboxing

    Meet WAKO’s Board of Directors, the leaders driving the growth and development of kickboxing worldwide. Explore their roles and contributions. Honorary President Mr. Ennio Falsoni Date of Birth: 04-04-1946. Role in NF: Honorary President. Nationality: Italian. Hobbies: Tennis, golf, reading. Grade: 6th degree. Main Profession: Consultant. President Mr Roy Baker Date of Birth: 23-03-1965. Role in NF: President. Nationality: Irish. Hobbies: Table tennis, running, cross fit. Grade: 10th degree. Main Profession: Director of SSE. Vice President and General Secretary Mr. Espen Lund Date of Birth: 07-09-1964. Role in NF: General Secretary. Nationality: Norwegian. Hobbies: Running, skiing and swimming. Main Profession: Sports administration. Vice President and WAKO PANAM President Mr. Paulo Zorello Date of Birth: 26-01-1960. Role in NF: President. Nationality: Brazilian. Hobbies: Bodybuilding, mountain biking, hiking and trail hike. Grade: 7th degree. Main Profession: Sports manager, businessman and farmer. Vice President and WAKO EUROPE President Mr. Istvan Kiraly Date of Birth: 21-11-1966. Role in NF: Vice President. Nationality: Hungarian. Hobbies: Shooting and reading. Grade: 7th degree. Main Profession: Owner of companies. Vice Presidents Mrs. Francesca Falsoni Date of Birth: 08-02-1974. Role in NF: Counselor and representative in WAKO. Nationality: Italian. Hobbies: Yoga, fitness, travels. Grade: / Main Profession: Business lawyer and entrepreneur. Mr. Donato Milano Date of Birth: 22-04-1961. Role in NF: President. Nationality: Italian. Hobbies: Sailing and Diving. Grade: 8th Dan Black Belt. Main Profession: Sport Management Director. Mr. Salim Kayici Date of Birth: 21-12-1966. Role in NF: President. Nationality: Turkish. Hobbies: Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Music. Grade: 9th Dan Black Belt. Main Profession: Government Official. Board Members Mr. Carlos Ramjanali Date of Birth: 18-05-1960. Role in NF: Vice President. Nationality: Portuguese. Hobbies: Golf and Reading. Grade: 8th Dan Black Belt. Main Profession: Businessman Mrs. Lucinda Edwards Date of Birth: 09-11-1965 Role in NF: Director and General Secretary Nationality: British Hobbies: Martial Arts and working with children with special needs Grade: 7th Dan Black Belt Main Profession: Kickboxing GB Administration Mr. Nikolaus Gstattner Date of Birth: 02-11-1963. Role in NF: Management-Director (President). Nationality: Austrian. Hobbies: Kickboxing. Main Profession: Geschäftsführer der Sparte Handel der Wirtschaftskammer Kärnten. Mrs. Katarzyna Kociszewska-Palacz Date of Birth: 25-04-1964. Role in NF: Representative in WAKO, Chair of Women in Sport Committee, member of POC Women in Sport Committee. Nationality: Polish. Hobbies: Beekeeping, ecological gardening, biographies. Main Profession: Owner of SPORT MASTERS Co., president of the Foundation for Sports Champions, chair of a limited partnership SPORT MASTERS. Mr. Tomaz Barada Date of Birth: 15-11-1973 Role in NF: Board member Nationality: Slovenian Hobbies: Cycling…all sports Grade: 5th Dan Black Belt Main Profession: Sport Instructor Mr. Ali Ali Haji Mohamed Khoori Date of Birth: 07-04-1976 Role in NF: Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation (MKFED) Nationality: United Arab Emirates Hobbies: Chess, Running, Reading, Adventures & Travelling, Follow up with The World of Watchmaking. Grade: N/A Main Profession: Director Supply Chain, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA). Mr. Zsolt Moradi Date of Birth: 03-06-1988. Role in NF: Member of WAKO Hungary Executive Board of Directors. Nationality: Hungarian. Hobbies: Sports, Reading, Gastronomy. Grade: Master of Science in Sport Management. Main Profession: Diplomat. Mrs. Michaela Kovacova Date of Birth: 19-04-1988. Role in NF: Board member of Slovak Kickboxing Union, Chairman of Referee Committee for Tatami and Ring Sports. Nationality: Slovakya. Hobbies: Kickboxing, Refereeing. Grade: A class Referee Ring sports. Main Profession: CEO/director of company for selling fitness equipments and sports clothes. Mr. Aslam Mahomed Date of Birth: 03-12-1979. Role in NF: Executive member. Nationality: South Africa. Hobbies: Kickboxing, Swimming, Fishing and Surfing. Grade: Black belt. Main Profession: Optometrist and Businessman. Mr. Dario Alexander Alvarado Gonzalez Date of Birth: 27-02-1973 Role in NF: President Nationality: Venezuelan Grade: Graduation in international Business with postgrads studies in Logistics, Customs and foreign Trade Main Profession: Businessman

  • Kickboxing Today - The Evolution of Modern Combat Sport | WAKO

    Explore the dynamic world of kickboxing, blending traditional martial arts with modern athleticism. Learn about WAKO’s seven competitive disciplines. Why We Stand Out Kickboxing is not just another combat sport—it’s a dynamic blend of traditional martial arts and modern athleticism. What sets kickboxing apart is its unique Western adaptation of Eastern martial arts, creating a sport that caters to everyone, whether you’re aiming for high-level competition or simply looking to boost your fitness. At its core, kickboxing is designed to improve your health, strength, and endurance, offering both physical and mental challenges. WAKO kickboxing takes this even further, with a diverse range of seven competitive disciplines that test a wide variety of skills. We offer three ring disciplines and four tatami disciplines, each with its own unique flavor and set of rules: Ring Disciplines: Full Contact, Low Kick, K-1 Rules In our ring disciplines, bouts take place in a boxing ring, where kickboxers engage in three intense rounds, each lasting two minutes, with a minute to regroup between rounds. The goal is simple: to outmatch your opponent using legal techniques delivered with full power and precision. This is where strategy, strength, and skill come together to create the ultimate test of endurance and combat ability. Tatami Disciplines: Point fighting, Light contact, Kick light and Musical forms (with and without weapons) In our ring disciplines, bouts take place in a boxing ring, where kickboxers engage in three intense rounds, each lasting two minutes, with a minute to regroup between rounds. The goal is simple: to outmatch your opponent using legal techniques delivered with full power and precision. This is where strategy, strength, and skill come together to create the ultimate test of endurance and combat ability. Global Reach and Influence Today, WAKO is a truly global organization, representing 135 affiliated nations across five continents. Of these, 106 countries are officially recognized by their respective National Olympic Committees or Government Sports Authorities. With over 4 million practitioners training in more than 40,000 clubs worldwide, WAKO has grown into a powerhouse of kickboxing, promoting biennial Continental and World Championships, along with numerous World and Continental Cups and Open Tournaments. Official Recognitions: A Testament to Excellence WAKO has earned widespread recognition from prestigious sports bodies around the world. Some of its notable affiliations include: IOC (International Olympic Committee) – Officially recognized since November 30th, 2018. GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations) – Formerly known as SportAccord. IWGA (International World Games Association). ARISF (Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations). FISU (International University Sports Federation). WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency). CIFP (International Fair Play Organization). OCA (Olympic Council of Asia). IWG (International Working Group of Women in Sport). Peace and Sport. Milestones in WAKO’s Olympic Journey A defining moment in WAKO's history came on November 30th, 2018, when kickboxing was granted provisional recognition by the IOC in Tokyo, Japan. This was the culmination of a journey that began in 2016 when WAKO applied for recognition as an IOC sport. The recognition was solidified on July 20th, 2021, when the 138th IOC Session in Tokyo granted WAKO full recognition, underlining its commitment to promoting and upholding the values of the Olympic movement. WAKO's continued growth and alignment with Olympic principles led to its shortlisting for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles and confirmed participation in the 2023 European Olympic Games in Krakow. Key Achievements and Partnerships WAKO’s path to global recognition has been marked by several key milestones: 2005: Adoption of WADA anti-doping code. 2006: Merger with IAKSA and GAISF recognition. 2007: WAKO Asia becomes a member of the OCA. 2012: Initiated membership with AIMS. 2014: Joined IWGA. 2016: Partnership with Fair Play and Peace and Sport. 2017: FISU recognition and partnerships with the International Working Group on Women in Sport and FICS. 2018: IOC provisional recognition. 2019: ARISF recognition. 2021: Full IOC recognition and confirmation of participation in the 2023 European Olympic Games in Krakow. WAKO continues to evolve, aligning its growth with the Olympic Movement, integrating its values and principles into every facet of the organization’s policies and activities. As the world governing body for kickboxing, WAKO stands at the forefront of the sport, ensuring its development, integrity, and international success.

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