Breaking news! Appointment of Roy Baker as ARISF Executive Board Member ARISF Executive Board has approved appointment of Mr. Roy Baker, WAKO President, as a Member of the ARISF Executive Board for the current term until 2029. Mr. Raffaele Chiuli, ARISF President, congratulated on this appointment, especially thanking M. Roy Baker for his continued commitment to ARISF and its Members. "We look forward to working closely with you and to the valuable contribution you will bring to the Executive Board," said Chiuli. WAKO President Baker said: "I am honored and sincerely grateful to the President and the ARISF Board for the trust and confidence they have placed in me through my appointment to the ARISF Executive Board. I accept this responsibility with great humility and a clear understanding that this role is one of service. To contribute to the continued growth and unity of the Olympic-recognised sports family, and to help strengthen the important role that our federations play in inspiring and serving athletes around the world. As President of WAKO, I am proud to represent the sport of kickboxing. I look forward to working collaboratively with my fellow Board members to promote good governance, innovation, solidarity, and the shared values of the Olympic Movement. It is both a privilege and an honor to serve. Together, I am confident we can continue to create meaningful opportunities for our sports, our athletes, and future generations." Roy Baker

TO ALL WAKO MEDITERRANEAN MEMBERS Dear Presidents and General Secretaries, On behalf of WAKO President Roy Baker and WAKO Mediterranean Kickboxing Federation President Salim Kayici, we are pleased to send the official invitation letter, attached herewith, containing all the information required to participate in the WAKO Mediterranean Games, which will be held in Taranto, Italy, from July 31 to August 2, 2026. Should you require any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We look forward to welcoming your delegation to Taranto! Kind regards, Barbara Falsoni WAKO Administration www.wako.sport

TO ALL WAKO MEMBERS Dear Presidents and Secretary Generals, The Uzbekistan Kickboxing Association warmly invites you ALL (Officials, Coaches, Referees, Athletes) to participate in the upcoming Uzbekistan Kickboxing World Cup 2026, that will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 13th to 18th October. Please find the Official Invitation Letter and related Forms herewith attached. This year things have been done bit differently compared to the previous World Cups to ensure maximum convenience and an even more enjoyable experience for all guests. The Opening Ceremony will take place on Wednesday, October 14, at 19:00. To create a truly unique experience, the ceremony will be organized in a separate spectacular arena - distinct from the main competition venue - and will be immediately followed by thrilling Professional Kickboxing Fights. The Uzbekistan Kickboxing Association is confident that everyone will thoroughly enjoy this magnificent show and the professional bouts.So please stay tuned; the organizer will provide more details soon regarding the fight card, including the lineup of international kickboxing stars who will be competing. For any questions or support, please feel free to contact via email - uzbka@inbox.ru - or via WhatsApp at +998 97 733 37 16. The Uzbekistan Kickboxing Association will do its absolute best to ensure you have an exceptional stay and is looking forward to welcoming you all to Tashkent! Best regards, Barbara Falsoni WAKO Administration www.wako.sport

Celebrate WAKO’s sponsors who support athletes, events, and initiatives worldwide. Join us in recognizing the partners championing the growth of kickboxing. Sponsors Championing the Future of Kickboxing WAKO is proud to partner with leading organizations that share our vision of excellence, inclusivity, and global growth in kickboxing. Our sponsors play a vital role in supporting athletes, events, and initiatives that drive the sport forward, empowering the next generation of champions. Through their commitment and collaboration, WAKO continues to expand its reach, enhance its programs, and deliver world-class events that inspire and unite the global kickboxing community. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our sponsors for their unwavering support and belief in the power of kickboxing. Explore our trusted partners below and join us in celebrating those who make it all possible.

Discover WAKO’s rich history, from the first kickboxing fight in 1970 to becoming the global governing body for the sport. Learn how legends shaped the journey. The Story of WAKO WAKO's history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of kickboxing in the Western world. It all began in 1970 when the legendary Joe Lewis had what is now recognized as the first "kickboxing fight" against Greg Baines in the USA. This was a groundbreaking event—the first time boxing gloves were used, and the term "kickboxing" was mentioned. The sport gained further momentum in 1974 with the inaugural "World Championship in Full Contact" held in Los Angeles. Organized by pioneers Joe Lewis and Mike Anderson, it was a landmark moment for the sport. Kickboxing legends Bill Wallace, Jeff Smith, and Joe Lewis emerged as the first Full Contact World Champions. Building a strong and lasting world organization for kickboxing was a challenging task amidst the dynamic martial arts scene of the time. George Brueckner and Mike Anderson had the vision to create a global platform for the sport, leading to the formation of the "World All-Style Karate Organization," soon to be known as WAKO. WAKO's journey in Europe began in 1976, and the organization was officially founded in Berlin, Germany, on February 26th, 1977, by Mr. Georg Brueckner. The first-ever World Championships in semi and full-contact karate, as it was then called, took place in 1978, featuring 110 competitors from 18 countries. WAKO quickly established official rules and regulations, incorporating hand and leg techniques for amateur fights with a focus on safety. This marked the official adoption of the term "kickboxing," with WAKO positioning itself as the world’s authentic Kickboxing Federation. From 1984 to 2013, WAKO was led by Mr. Ennio Falsoni of Italy. Under his leadership, WAKO solidified its reputation as a respected international sports organization, hosting World Championships every two years across different continents. After decades of dedication, Mr. Falsoni now serves as WAKO’s Honorary President. For those interested in a deeper dive into WAKO's history, his book, "KICKBOXING: The Phenomenology of a SPORT," provides a comprehensive account. (To obtain a copy, contact WAKO HQ at administration@wako.sport or call +39 345 0135521.) Following an acting presidency from 2013 to 2015, Prof. Borislav Pelević of Serbia was elected WAKO President in November 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. Sadly, Prof. Pelević passed away in October 2018. The WAKO Board of Directors then appointed Mrs. Francesca Falsoni, Chairwoman of the WAKO Legal Committee, as Interim President in November 2018. Her leadership guided WAKO through an Extraordinary General Assembly, culminating in the election of Mr. Roy Baker of Ireland as WAKO President on February 2nd, 2019, in Milan, Italy. WAKO Kickboxing Today Kickboxing is a modern combat sport rooted in various traditional martial arts. As a distinct Western response to Eastern martial arts, kickboxing can be practiced both competitively and recreationally, promoting health, strength, and endurance. Today, WAKO proudly represents 130 affiliated nations across five continents, with 105 of these nations officially recognized by their National Olympic Committees or relevant government sports authorities.

Meet WAKO’s Athletes’ Committee, dedicated to representing the voice of athletes, promoting their well-being, and driving positive change in kickboxing. Athletes’ Committee WAKO’s mission is to place the Athletes at the heart of the Sport of Kickboxing. We are the Athletes’ Committee (WAKO AC) that serves as a link between the most important unit of the organization, the Athletes and WAKO. We make sure that the Kickboxers’ voices are heard and taking into proper consideration. Our motto is “ATHLETES FIRST” as without the athletes, there would be no need for sports organizations at all. Our mission is to ▪ Support and protect clean and fair sport ▪ Empower and ensure Athlete representation in the WAKO decision-making processes ▪ Support Athlete development in their sporting and non-sporting careers (Dual Career) ▪ Provide advices to the WAKO Board of Directors and maintain close cooperation with the WAKO Committees ▪ Ensure direct communication between the Athletes and WAKO ▪ Maintain a link with the IOC Athletes’ Commission ▪ Engage in relevant athlete-related projects If you are an Athlete, you can directly contact your country’s WAKO National Federation for more information on the national athletes’ committee or feel free to contact us for general guidance regarding athlete related issues on ATHLETESCOMMITTEE@WAKO.SPORT #HearYourVoice #WAKOkickboxing #WAKOAC #ATHLETESFIRST Useful links Athlete365 Discover the official community for elite Athletes and Olympians & download the APP IOC Athletes’ Commission WADA Discover the website of the World Ani-Doping Agency & download the APP WAKO Committees Check out the Members of the WAKO AC WAKO Rules Including the WAKO Anti Doping Rules & Equipment Book WAKO Policies Including the WAKO Guidelines Athletes Committee