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.

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)

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.