WAKO WORLDWIDE ISSUE 02 IS OUT NOW! The next generation. One global community. The stories shaping the future of kickboxing. WAKO is proud to announce the release of Issue 02 of WAKO Worldwide, the official monthly magazine bringing together the people, events, achievements and developments driving kickboxing forward across the globe. The September 2026 edition puts the spotlight on the next generation of athletes, following the WAKO World Youth Kickboxing Championships in Jesolo, Italy, where 3,700 athletes from 79 nations, representing 4,874 entries, came together on one global stage. But WAKO Worldwide goes far beyond competition results. This latest 24-page edition explores the people behind the sport, the values that unite our international community and the opportunities shaping kickboxing's future. Inside Issue 02: 🥊 The Next Generation – Celebrating young athletes, their achievements and the friendships that extend beyond the medals. 🌍 Around the World – News and developments from Asia, Europe and the Americas. 🏅 The Road Ahead – Kickboxing's place at the World Games 2029 and the journey towards the European Games 2027. 👩 Women in Sport – Recognising initiatives creating more opportunities for women across kickboxing. 🤝 Beyond the Fight – Para and Inclusive Kickboxing, safeguarding, education and athlete development. 📢 Leadership & Community – Updates from the WAKO General Assembly, coaches, officials and the people helping our sport grow. Featuring a message from WAKO President Roy Baker, this edition reflects the progress, ambition and shared values of an international sporting community that continues to grow stronger. One WAKO. One Champion. One Brand Globally. 📖 WAKO Worldwide – Issue 02 | September 2026 OUT NOW – Discover the stories behind the sport. #WAKO #WAKOWorldwide #Kickboxing #OneWAKO #WorldKickboxing #YouthKickboxing

WAKO has defined the qualification criteria for the European Games 2027, which will take place in Istanbul, Türkiye, from 16–27 June 2027. As in 2023, three kickboxing disciplines have been confirmed for the Games. The official qualifying event will be the WAKO European Kickboxing Championships, taking place in Skopje, North Macedonia, from 6–15 November 2026. The road to Istanbul starts in Skopje!

TO ALL WAKO MEMBERS Dear Presidents and General Secretaries, Please be informed that the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has published the 2027 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods (List), which was approved by WADA’s Executive Committee (ExCo) during its meeting on 10 September 2026 and enters into force on 1 January 2027. You can find the major modifications for the 2027 Prohibited List in the 2027 Summary of Major Modifications and Explanatory Notes. The Therapeutic Use Exemption Program We would like to remind that Athletes who have a legitimate medical reason for using a prohibited substance or method that is on the List can apply for a Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE) to determine whether they meet the criteria outlined in the International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE). Educational resources  WADA has also provided educational resources which can be accessed on the Agency’s Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADEL), while an Athlete and ASP Guide to the 2027 List is expected in December. We kindly ask all WAKO National Federations to forward this e-mail and information to all of your affiliated clubs and members (athletes, coaches, medical personnel, team officials and other Athlete Support Personnel). Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring that all kickboxing athletes and their support personnel are properly informed about and prepared for the changes to the 2027 Prohibited List. Best regards, Barbara Falsoni WAKO Administration www.wako.sport

Learn how the WAKO Coaches Committee ensures a safe and inclusive environment for athletes, free from harassment and abuse. Discover our safeguarding goals, procedures, and commitment to equality in kickboxing Coaches Committee Committed to Safe and Inclusive Kickboxing The WAKO Coaches Committee is dedicated to creating an environment where athletes can thrive with respect, dignity, and protection from any form of harassment or abuse. Our mission goes beyond training and competitions—it's about safeguarding the well-being of all participants in the sport of kickboxing. Our Commitment: WAKO is committed to providing a safe environment for athletes and members at all levels. Prevention of abusive situations is fundamental to our mission, and we aim to create a culture of respect and equality for everyone involved in kickboxing. Safeguarding Goals: Promoting and maintaining a safe environment during and beyond competitions. Raising awareness and creating standards to define boundaries between officials and athletes. Establishing clear reporting mechanisms for any concerns or violations. Structuring procedures for investigating complaints effectively and with care. Our Achievements in 2024 The Coaches Committee has made remarkable progress in 2024, setting the foundation for further growth and development: Coach Licensing System: Developed the WAKO Coach License System Level 1 in collaboration with the WAKO Education Committee. International Seminars: Conducted development seminars across Iraq, Jordan (Arabic countries), Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, and Thailand. Championship Seminars: Hosted impactful coach seminars during the World and European Championships. Athletes Corner: Provided assistance and support during the Athletes Corner at the European Championships. Collaboration: Participated in development meetings with several WAKO Committees to ensure alignment and progress. Our Vision for 2025 Building on the success of 2024, the WAKO Coaches Committee will focus on these key areas: Coach Licensing Coordination: Oversee the implementation of the WAKO Coach License System in collaboration with the Education Committee. Advanced Licensing Development: Develop WAKO Coach License System Levels 2 and 3 in partnership with the Education Committee. Global Development Seminars: Expand international development seminars to engage and support coaches worldwide. Online Development Programs: Launch comprehensive online development programs to provide continuous education and growth opportunities for coaches. Championship Engagement: Continue organizing coach seminars during the World and European Championships. Recognizing Excellence: Propose criteria for selecting the Best Athletes, Best Referees, and Best Ethical Coach, working in collaboration with the Referees Committee. Our Mission Safe Sport: Ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. Excellence in Coaching: Promote professional development, knowledge sharing, and ethical practices. Athlete-Centered Approach: Put athletes at the core of our initiatives, ensuring they have the best possible support for their development.

Review WAKO’s comprehensive policies, ensuring fairness, safety, and integrity across all aspects of kickboxing globally. WAKO Policies and Guidelines WAKO’s Policies and Guidelines outline the core principles and best practices that guide our organization’s operations both nationally and internationally. As the world governing body for kickboxing, we align our development with the Olympic Movement, ensuring that our activities reflect the values and standards set by the IOC. These guidelines are not official rules, but recommendations aimed at supporting good governance, athlete development, and ethical conduct. They encourage national federations to adopt best practices in areas such as Integrity, Fair Play, Anti-doping, Women in Sport, Medical Awareness, and more. By working together, we create a healthy, unified environment that benefits all athletes and stakeholders. We encourage national federations to utilize these guidelines and share their expertise. Updates and revisions will be made regularly, and we welcome your input to strengthen these practices further. For any comments or suggestions, please contact WAKO HQ at administration@wako.sport. Olympic Charter English (1 MB) WAKO Social Media Policy and Rules 25.02.2024(306 KB) WAKO Policy Women in Kickboxing (627 KB) WAKO Policy Match Fixing Manipulation (774 KB) WAKO Guidelines Athletes Committee (202 KB) Olympic Movement Medical Code 31 03 2016 (90 KB) WAKO Guidelines Education (695 KB) WAKO Guidelines Good Governance (53 KB) WAKO Policy Fair Play (2 MB) WAKO Guidelines Career Development (1 MB) WAKO Policy Solidarity and Social Integration (610 KB) Kickboxing Oaths (394 KB) WAKO Policy Entourage (727 KB) WAKO Policy Constant Development (610 KB) WAKO Policy Whistle-Blower (528 KB)