WAKO is fostering participation of persons with disabilities in para-kickboxing and promoting their inclusion in sport activities as a very important segment of their life, ensuring their inclusion in all aspects of society. An estimated 1.3 billion people experience significant disability. This represents 16% of the world’s population, or 1 in 6 of us. WAKO launched the first para-kickboxing demonstration back in 2016, when  five para-kickboxers aged 15–18 young para-kickboxers from Maribor presented their skills during the European Kickboxing Championships.  That same year, Tomaž Barada, kickboxing champion and member of the WAKO Board of Directors, organized an auction of his most significant kickboxing trophies to raise funds for continuing work with inclusive groups in his sports center. In the years that followed, the development continued with the creation of rules and the formal definition of the para-kickboxing discipline, which required a multidisciplinary approach and strong involvement from WAKO’s expert committees. Soon, a dedicated Para and Inclusive Committee was established, with Jesús Equía (ESP) elected as its Chair. In 2024, demonstrations of para-kickboxing were held during the European Championships in Athens, and later during the European Junior Championships in Italy. In the Pan American region—especially in Argentina, Venezuela, and Brazil—para-kickboxing has also been actively developed, with athletes performing within continental championships since 2023. This year, at the World Championships in Abu Dhabi, para-kickboxing competition in technique performance was held for the first time, where athletes were evaluated according to the rules and medals were awarded.

"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 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.

Complete WAKO’s mandatory Integrity E-Learning Module to prevent sport manipulation and promote fairness in kickboxing championships. Integrity E-Learning WAKO is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity in sport. To ensure a culture of transparency and fairness, we have launched a new Integrity e-Learning Module focused on preventing Manipulation in Sport and raising awareness about this critical issue. In the spirit of Fair Play, it is our actions that matter most. This module is mandatory for all athletes and their teams participating in Continental and World Championships. It takes just 5 minutes to complete but plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of our sport. [Click here to start the Integrity e-Learning Module] WAKO Referee Rules 05.11.2020 (2 MB) Integrity Of Results (699 KB) WAKO Integrity Code Of Conduct (655 KB) WAKO Declaration of Integrity (505 KB) WAKO Referee’s Code Of Conduct 2020 (290 KB) IOC code on prevention of the manipulation of competitions 2015 (84 KB)

Discover WAKO’s commitment to women in kickboxing through initiatives like Women Against Cancer. Join us in promoting equality and solidarity in sport. WAKO Women Against Cancer: Fighting Together WAKO is proud to champion the WAKO Women Against Cancer campaign, a vital initiative in our ongoing commitment to social responsibility. Founded by Ms. Benedetta Teruzzi under the guidance of the WAKO Women in Sport Committee, this campaign brings the global kickboxing community together to raise awareness and support the fight against cancer. The campaign has been featured at key WAKO events, including the Athens Challenge, Point Fighting Cup in Milan, and the Yokoso Dutch Open in Amsterdam, spreading the message of solidarity and contributing to cancer research. As part of this campaign, dedicated merchandise is available at every tournament, allowing participants and spectators to make a meaningful contribution to the cause. We are committed to continuing this important fight. Stay tuned for updates on upcoming events where the WAKO Women Against Cancer campaign will be featured and how you can get involved. Thank you to everyone for your ongoing support! Report of the 3rd edition (2019) of the WAKO Women Against Cancer campaign (615 KB) Report of the 2nd edition (2018) of the WAKO Women Against Cancer campaign (2 MB) Report of the first edition (2017) of the WAKO Women Against Cancer campaign (2 MB)

Learn about WAKO’s commitment to fair play through its partnership with the International Fair Play Committee, fostering respect and integrity in kickboxing. WAKO Fair Play WAKO and the Spirit of Fair Play WAKO is a proud long-term partner of the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) and is deeply committed to promoting the values of fair play in kickboxing and beyond. The mission of CIFP is to preserve and promote respect for the spirit of fair play, not only in elite sports but in everyday life. This means adhering to both written and unwritten rules, showing respect for opponents, and rejecting violence and doping. CIFP works closely with national governing bodies, including ministries, Olympic committees, sports federations, and media organizations, to foster the development of national fair play committees worldwide. WAKO is honored to be part of this movement, working to build a foundation for fair play in sports. Fair Play Values The CIFP and WAKO emphasize the following core values that embody fair play in sport and society: Fair Competition: Triumph must come through honesty and just play. Respect: Fair play requires unconditional respect for all, from opponents to referees and fans. Friendship: Rivalry on the field doesn’t exclude friendship off it. Team Spirit: Success is greater when shared with a team. Equality: True competition can only happen on equal terms. Integrity: Strong moral principles are essential for fair play. Solidarity: Supporting others leads to mutual success. Tolerance: Accepting decisions you may not agree with fosters self-control. Care: Champions recognize the support and care that got them where they are. Excellence: Sport pushes us toward human excellence. Joy: True joy comes not from victory, but from playing well. Fair Play in Action WAKO and CIFP collaborate to promote fair play through various initiatives, teaching young athletes, coaches, and sports professionals about the importance of integrity in sport. Fair play isn’t just for the elite—it’s for everyone. Watch inspiring examples of Fair Play in Action: Fair Play Videos Explore real-life examples of acts of fair play: Watch here WAKO Fair Play Award WAKO, in partnership with CIFP, has introduced a Fair Play Award to recognize individuals who exemplify the values of fair play. This prestigious award has been given to the following individuals: 2016: Romeo Desa, Croatia 2019: Ali Hussein, Syria Get Involved with Fair Play Stay connected and informed through Fair Play’s social media channels: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Fair Play Resources Fair Play Handbook: Download the full handbook [here] (pdf). Test your knowledge with the Fair Play Quiz: Start the quiz . Fair Play and Society Fair play contributes to building a better society by fostering respect, tolerance, and integrity. Learn more about the impact of fair play here: Fair Play Society . Fair Play Handbook English (3 MB) WAKO Fair Play Award_4.06.2016 (918 KB) WAKO Policy Fair Play_4.06.2016 (783 KB)