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.

Explore WAKO’s full calendar of events, including championships, seminars, online courses, and more. Stay updated on global kickboxing activities. WAKO Calendar 2025/2026_at December 2025 Upcoming WAKO Events December 2025 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 WAKO Age and Weight Categories 2025 WAKO Calendar 2024 at 31.12.2024 (Final)

Stay connected with WAKO on social media. Follow us for the latest updates, events, and stories from the global kickboxing community. Social Media WAKO recognizes the powerful role that social media plays in connecting athletes, fans, and the wider kickboxing community. To ensure that these platforms are used responsibly and align with the values of respect, fairness, and integrity, WAKO has established clear Social Media Policies. These policies guide how athletes, coaches, officials, and stakeholders should conduct themselves on social media platforms, helping to maintain a positive image for the sport while preventing misuse or misconduct online. The aim is to foster an environment of respectful communication, while also protecting the integrity of both individuals and the organization. This section provides guidance on: Appropriate online behavior Responsible use of personal and organizational social media accounts The consequences of violating WAKO’s social media policies Protecting personal and professional reputation online By following these policies, WAKO ensures that all members of the kickboxing community use social media in a way that reflects the spirit of sportsmanship and respect. WAKO Social Media Policy and Rules (181 KB)

Discover WAKO’s safeguarding policies and initiatives designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and rights of all kickboxing participants. Safeguarding Dear WAKO Members, We wish to inform you that, on March 12, 2022, the WAKO Board of Directors has approved the attached WAKO Safeguarding Policy aimed at protecting and safeguarding athletes and youth from harassment and abuse in sport. WAKO Safeguarding Policy applies to all WAKO Members (including the National Federation Members – “NF(s) and the Individual Affiliated Members and Minors) participating in any WAKO Event. According to the said Policy, each NF and/or promoter of any WAKO Events must acknowledge the same and undertake to implement it during each WAKO Event by appointing the WAKO Safeguarding Committee and the WAKO Minors Protection Officer before each WAKO Event. The names of the members of the WAKO Safeguarding Committee and WAKO Minors Protection Officer shall be formally communicated to WAKO Administration before each WAKO Event takes place. WAKO Safeguarding Committee shall be composed (at least) of the following persons: 1. a member of the security of the WAKO Event 2. one or more members of WAKO Organizing Committee attending the WAKO Event 3. WAKO Minors protection Officer The role of the Safeguarding Committee is to serve in a neutral, unbiased capacity to receive complaints, assist in an informal resolution of complaints and investigate formal written complaints. In carrying out its duties under the Policy, the Safeguarding Committee shall be directly responsible to the WAKO Disciplinary Committee and WAKO Legal Committee. WAKO Minors Protection Officer shall be appointed at any WAKO Event. Before each WAKO Event takes place, the name and contacts (telephone number, email) of WAKO Minors Protection Officer shall be communicated to all NFs participating in the relevant WAKO Event. NFs shall be responsible to train and inform (in writing) all Minors of their teams participating to the WAKO Events that WAKO Minors Protection Officer is available to provide with any support needed in case of occurrence of any situation which may give rise to the application of the Policy. NF or the promoter of the WAKO Event will provide to the Minors participating to the WAKO Event clear instructions on the name and modalities to contact the WAKO Minors Protection Officer. We trust that the implementation of this Policy will bring more protection to our athletes and minors during any WAKO Event. It is fundamental that each WAKO Member complies with the requirements set forth by the said Policy. WAKO Women Committee and WAKO Legal Committee are available to provide full support to WAKO Members in connection with the effective implementation of the provisions of the Policy. Yours faithfully, Roy Baker WAKO President WAKO Safeguarding Policy_19.04.2023 (260 KB) Safeguarding_General Safety (660 KB)