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 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.

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

Access WAKO’s official reports, highlighting key activities, decisions, and developments in the global kickboxing community. Official Reports Under this section you can find: – official reports of each WAKO Continental Division’s annual activity; – official reports of WAKO World Cups prepared by the WAKO Organizing Committee. WAKO Hungarian World Cup (Budapest) – Report 2025 WAKO Italian World Cup (Jesolo) – Report 2025 WAKO Thailand World Cup 2025 (Bangkok) – Report 2025 WAKO Turkish World Cup (Antalya) – Report 2025 Turkish Open WAKO World Cup - Report 2024 (5 MB) The World Combat Games 2023 (7 MB) WAKO AFRICA Report 2022 (670 KB) WAKO EUROPE Report 2022 (7 MB) WAKO PANAM Report 2022 (3 MB) Uzbekistan Open 2022- Official Report (5 MB) 7th International Turkish Open Kickboxing World Cup 2022 (8 MB) WAKO World Cup 2020 Irish Open Official Report (7 MB) WAKO PANAM Report 2018 (1,001 KB) WAKO Cadets & Juniors World Championships 2018 19 Result Book Compressed (4 MB) Irish Open 2016 WAKO World Cup (5 MB) WAKO Italian Kickboxing World Cup (Jesolo) - Report 2024 (9 MB) European Games 2023 - Report (7 MB) WAKO ASIA Report 2022 (5 MB) WAKO OCEANIA Report 2022 (656 KB) The World Games 2022 - Official Report (2 MB) 27th Hungarian Kickboxing World Cup 2022 (9 MB) WAKO ASIA Report 2021 (1,007 KB) WAKO EUROPE Report 2018 (6 MB) WAKO Oceania Report 2018 (648 KB) WAKO Media Report For Championships EC Maribor 2018 (495 KB) The Austrian Classics 2016 WAKO World Cup (7 MB)