WAKO WORLDWIDE ISSUE 03 IS OUT NOW! One sport. Countless stories. The world comes together. WAKO is proud to announce the release of Issue 03 of WAKO Worldwide, the official monthly magazine bringing together the people, events, achievements and developments driving kickboxing forward across the globe. The October 2026 edition puts the spotlight on the Uzbekistan Kickboxing World Cup in Tashkent, where 3,043 competition entries from 45 countries brought our international community together — offering a preview of the host city for the 2027 WAKO Seniors World Championships. But WAKO Worldwide goes far beyond the competition floor. This latest 37-page edition celebrates our heritage, explores the people shaping our sport and looks ahead to the opportunities opening up for the next generation. Inside Issue 03: 🥊 The World Comes Together – Highlights from the Uzbekistan World Cup and the people behind the competition. 🏆 Five Decades. One Future. – Reflecting on WAKO’s pioneers, leadership and legacy as we approach our 50th anniversary in 2027. 🌱 The Next Generation – Youth development, athlete representation and the GameChangers programme preparing tomorrow’s leaders. 🌍 Across the Continents – Stories from Asia, Pan-America and Europe, covering competitions, national development and referee education. 🎙️ WAKO People in Focus – A full interview with Tomaž Barada on his journey, coaching, giving back and his vision for kickboxing’s future. 👩 People & Progress – Women in sport, breast cancer awareness, Para and Inclusive Kickboxing, safeguarding, clean sport and mental health. 🏅 The International Pathway – School sport, the road from Skopje to the European Games 2027 in Istanbul, and WAKO’s work within the international sporting community. 🤝 Knowledge & Community – Membership education, global connections, a tribute to Sándor Kovács-Sada and a look ahead to the closing events of 2026. Featuring a message from WAKO President Roy Baker, this edition connects the foundations of our sport with the ambition, responsibility and shared commitment shaping its next chapter. One WAKO. One Champion. One Global Community. 📖 WAKO Worldwide – Issue 03 | October 2026 OUT NOW – Discover the stories behind the sport. #WAKO #WAKOWorldwide #Kickboxing #OneWAKO #WorldKickboxing #WAKOGameChangers #WAKO #WAKOWorldwide #Kickboxing #OneWAKO #WorldKickboxing

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!

Connect with WAKO’s Continental Federations. Explore official websites for updates on kickboxing activities across the globe. Offical websites of continental federations Connecting the World of Kickboxing WAKO’s global reach is supported by its dedicated Continental Federations, each playing a vital role in developing and promoting kickboxing across their respective regions. These federations serve as the backbone of WAKO’s international presence, fostering growth, collaboration, and excellence at every level. Explore the official websites of our Continental Federations to stay updated on regional events, news, and initiatives. Together, we are building a unified kickboxing community that spans continents and inspires athletes worldwide. Coming soon, please enjoy our video below while you wait!

Discover WAKO IF’s certified black belts worldwide. Explore names, ranks, and locations of elite kickboxing athletes in our global directory. WAKO IF Black Belt Certified A Global Community of Excellence and Mastery The WAKO IF Black Belt Certification Directory celebrates the exceptional athletes who have achieved the highest honor in kickboxing. This directory is a testament to their dedication, skill, and commitment to the sport, showcasing certified black belts from around the world. Each name listed here represents years of rigorous training, technical mastery, and adherence to the values of WAKO IF. These athletes and coaches are ambassadors of excellence, demonstrating the pinnacle of what it means to be part of the WAKO community. Explore our global directory of certified black belts, categorized by rank, location, and discipline, and join us in celebrating their achievements. WAKO Grading System is highly recommended but OPTIONAL for the National Federations/WAKO members. It has been approved by the WAKO IF Board in occasion of the last meeting held on 29.11.2024. Note: WAKO black belts certificates on list have been released since 2019 WAKO Grading Programme for Kickboxing by WAKO Grading and Syllabus Committee_update April 2025 WAKO Black Belt Dan certificate & seminar fees by Chairman Tomaz Barada 2024-02-10 WAKO International Black Belt ID certificate & card by Chairman Tomaz Barada Filter items by Country Austria Belgium Brasil CHILE Croatia Danish Denmark Denmark Germany Greece INDIA India Ireland Italy Japan Liechtenstein Malta Namibia Norway Poland Senegal Singapore Slovenia South Africa Taiwan Turkey Grade First Name Surname Country Date of issue 10th black belt degree Roy Baker Ireland 30/06/2022 9th black belt degree Ing. Ernst Dörr Austria 18/07/2024 9th black belt degree Kazuyoshi Ishii Japan 18/05/2024 9th black belt degree Salim Kayici Turkey 26/03/2019 9th black belt degree Espen Lund Norway 01/07/2022 9th black belt degree Donato Milano Italy 26/02/2025 8th black belt degree Andrzej Palacz Poland 14/12/2010 Honorary 8th black belt degree Bassirou Diomaye Faye Senegal 07/11/2024 7th black belt degree Rudy Van Den Bruel Belgium 28/03/2022 7th black belt degree Antonios Mavrommatis P. Greece 12/04/2023 7th black belt degree Geert Lemmens Germany 15/11/2020 7th black belt degree Tomaz Barada Slovenia 01/11/2024 7th black belt degree Marc D´Hondt Belgium 28/03/2022 6th degree black belt Jurgen Schorn Germany 29/01/2019 6th degree black belt Santosh Kumar Agrawal India 12/04/2023 6th degree black belt Henrik Fyhn Denmark 01/05/2024 6th black belt degree Tomasz Mamulski Poland 21/06/2014 6th black belt degree Piotr Siegoczyński Poland 03/07/2022 6th black belt degree Zoran Cicvara Croatia 07/01/2014 5th degree black belt Seyed Alireza Kashfizadeh Denmark 01/05/2024 5th degree black belt Aslam Mahomed South Africa 20/11/2022 5th degree black belt Alberto Borsatto Italy 14/03/2023 5th degree black belt Henryk Piwowar Poland 21/01/2024 5th degree black belt Yvonne Farley Turkey 26/03/2019 5th degree black belt Martin Jevsinek Austria 18/06/2021 5th degree black belt Lars Krusaa Denmark 23/02/2023 4th degree black belt Andreas Riem Germany 29/01/2019 4th degree black belt Rudi Brunnbauer Germany 29/01/2019 4th degree black belt Rainer Gerdenitsch Austria 26/01/2024 4th degree black belt Gerhard Tuschla Austria 01/07/1987 4th degree black belt Henrik Sejer Denmark 01/05/2024 4th degree black belt Thomas Olsen Danish 01/05/2024 4th black belt degree Nicky Van Esbroeck Belgium 01/06/2024 3rd degree black belt Daniel Pedersen Denmark 01/05/2024 3rd degree black belt Michael Madsen Denmark 01/05/2024 3rd degree black belt Frederik Yssing Denmark 01/05/2024 3rd degree black belt Elvis Kanita Topcibasic Denmark 01/05/2024 3rd black belt degree Mirosław Karwiński Poland 21/01/2024 3rd degree black belt CARLOS ALBERTO MACHADO HODGSON Taiwan 20/08/2022 3rd degree black belt LIN YU-SHIH (KATIA) Taiwan 20/08/2022 3rd degree black belt Murat ünüvar Denmark 01/05/2024 3rd degree black belt Michael Lampert Liechtenstein 16/12/2021 3rd black belt degree Pfeiler Stefan Austria 17/02/2024 3rd black belt degree Andrzej Śliwa Poland 20/11/2024 2nd degree black belt Jan Larsen Danish 01/05/2024 2nd black belt degree Tomasz Pasek Poland 21/01/2024 2nd black belt degree Pfeisinger Birgit Austria 18/02/2024 2nd black belt degree Ryszard Żółty Poland 21/01/2024 2nd black belt degree Rafał Tronci Poland 21/01/2024 2nd black belt degree Aleksander Religa Poland 21/01/2024 2nd Degree blackbelt Andrzej Śliwa Poland 26/01/2020 1st black belt degree MIGUEL ANGEL ARANEDA CASTRO CHILE 23/04/2023 1st black belt degree MARCELO AQUILES VERGARA DURAN CHILE 23/04/2023 1st black belt degree FERNANDA AURA MOYA CORTÉS CHILE 23/04/2023 1st black belt degree RAJESH RATHINAM INDIA 25/04/2023 1st black belt degree Lennert De Meyer Belgium 01/06/2024 1st black belt degree JASON LIM BOON KHENG Singapore 20/08/2022 1st black belt degree DANIEL EDUARDO CORDOVA FLORES CHILE 23/04/2023 1st black belt degree MUHAMMAD NAZRI BIN SUTARI Singapore 20/08/2022 1st black belt degree Kenzo Vandenbrande Belgium 01/06/2024 1st black belt degree Neyens Evelyn Belgium 01/11/2020 1st black belt degree Costel Grigoras Belgium 26/02/2022 1st black belt degree Jessica Geerinck Belgium 10/02/2023 1st black belt degree Sikora Christian Austria 14/04/2024 1st black belt degree Sorger David Austria 05/05/2024 1st black belt degree Herlich Rowena Austria 17/02/2024 1st black belt degree KANNAN SEKAR INDIA 25/04/2023 1st black belt degree Mühlböck Ralf Austria 18/02/2024 1st black belt degree Jannie Gouws Namibia 08/06/2019 1st black belt degree Anthony Blanquart Belgium 26/02/2022 1st black belt degree JASVANT SINGH INDIA 25/04/2023 1st black belt degree Terence Bewa Belgium 26/02/2022 1st black belt degree Joram Vanhoutte Belgium 26/02/2022 1st black belt degree Zsilvai Zoltan Belgium 10/02/2022 1st black belt degree Skorup Armin Austria 17/02/2024 1st black belt degree Dominik Rzepka Poland 03/07/2022 1st black belt degree SURESH BABU CHANDRA BABU INDIA 25/04/2023 1st black belt degree Bart De Meyer Belgium 01/06/2024 1st black belt degree YOORDANA DANEIS BAEZA VERDUGO CHILE 23/04/2023 1st black belt degree Gasselseder Dominik Austria 05/05/2024 1st black belt degree Herlich Matthias Austria 17/02/2024 1st black belt degree HERNÁN FRANCISCO PEREIRA DÍAZ CHILE 23/04/2023 1st black belt degree VINOTH KUMAR JANARDHANAN INDIA 25/04/2023 1st black belt degree Vincenzo Mangini Malta 01/12/2019 1st black belt degree Ecker Günter Austria 05/05/2024 1st black belt degree Ecker Dominik Austria 05/05/2024 1st black belt degree VIVEK ANILA SATHEESH INDIA 25/04/2023 1st black belt degree CHANDRU SELVAKUMAR INDIA 25/04/2023 1st black belt degree Ronny Vandenbrande Belgium 01/06/2024 1st black belt degree Vladimir Kim Belgium 26/02/2022 1st black belt degree Jason Gyselinck Belgium 26/02/2022 1st black belt degree JUAN CARLOS ROJAS ANCHUNDIA CHILE 23/04/2023 1st black belt degree EDUARDO OVIEDO CHILE 23/04/2023 1st black belt degree DALTON PARDO SANCHEZ CHILE 23/04/2023 1st black belt degree VALENCIA YIP YIN TUNG Singapore 20/08/2022 1st black belt degree Brandstätter Manuel Austria 17/02/2024 1st black belt degree Zaida Ossman Belgium 10/02/2023 1st black belt degree Roman Bushchak Poland 21/01/2024 1st black belt degree IVAN GALAZ SEPULVEDA CHILE 23/04/2023 1st black belt degree JOEL LYE JUNHAO Singapore 20/08/2022 1st black belt degree Ahmad Mahomed South Africa 10/12/2022 1st black belt degree Mahmood Mahomed South Africa 10/12/2022 1st black belt degree SATHISH THIRUMAL INDIA 25/04/2023 1st black belt degree Delano Müller Namibia 12/09/2015 1st black belt degree Corentin Besonhé Belgium 26/02/2022 1st black belt degree Jelle Van De Merlen Belgium 01/07/2022 1st black belt degree Jenifer Brusseel Belgium 26/02/2022 1st black belt degree Kevin Santon Belgium 16/02/2020 1st black belt degree Patrick Pircher Liechtenstein 29/01/2019 1st black belt degree Matteo Preys Belgium 20/05/2022 1st black belt degree Steiner Bernhard Austria 17/02/2024 1st black belt degree Axelle Deruddere Belgium 01/06/2024 1st black belt degree Paulo Ricardo Gayer Pereira Da Costa Brasil 29/01/2019 1st black belt degree Franzen Nikolaus Austria 05/05/2024 1st black belt degree Tomasz Bodzioch Poland 21/01/2024 1st black belt degree Brunner Philip Austria 18/02/2024 1st black belt degree Kinga Konieczny Poland 21/01/2024 1st black belt degree Jarosław Malinowski Poland 21/01/2024 1st black belt degree Przemysław Sobkowiak Poland 21/01/2024 1st black belt degree Julian Graboś Poland 21/01/2024 1st black belt degree Karol Winiszewski Poland 21/01/2024 1st black belt degree Patryk Jach Poland 21/01/2024 1st black belt degree Adam Chełmiński Poland 21/01/2024 1st black belt degree Patryk Matczak Poland 21/01/2024

Welcome to WAKO, the global governing body for kickboxing. Explore news, events, and resources, and join the worldwide community of kickboxing champions. Click here for more Click here for more Breaking News 1 2 3 4 5 WAKO FOCUS WAKO Senior, Master and Para-Inclusive European Championship (All Disciplines) Fri 06 Nov Skopje 06 Nov 2026, 08:50 – 15 Nov 2026, 18:00 Skopje, Skopje, North Macedonia More info Details Asian Kickboxing Championships 2026(Senior & Master Divisions) in All Disciplines Fri 11 Dec National Olympic Stadium 11 Dec 2026, 07:00 – 21 Dec 2026, 19:00 National Olympic Stadium, Charles de Gaulle Boulevard, រាជធានីភ្នំពេញ 12253, Cambodia More info Details 2026 North American Century Cup – WAKO CANADA Thu 22 Oct Markham Pan Am Centre 22 Oct 2026, 10:00 – 25 Oct 2026, 17:10 Markham Pan Am Centre, 16 Main St Unionville, Markham, ON L3R 0W7, Canada More info Details Uzbekistan Kickboxing World Cup 2026 Tue 13 Oct Navoiy shoh ko'chasi 30 13 Oct 2026, 07:30 – 18 Oct 2026, 18:00 Navoiy shoh ko'chasi 30, Navoiy shoh ko'chasi 30, 100129, Тоshkent, Toshkent, Uzbekistan More info Details Load More Africa WAKO Africa, a branch of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), is dedicated to developing kickboxing throughout Africa as a non-profit, non-political organization. Asia WAKO Asia, under the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), represents kickboxing across Asia, functioning as a non-profit, non-political sports body. Europe WAKO Europe, part of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), is a non-profit, non-political entity representing and advancing kickboxing throughout Europe. Oceania WAKO Oceania, a division of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), is a non-profit, non-political body representing kickboxing in the Oceania region. Pan-America WAKO Pan America, part of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), promotes and represents kickboxing across the Americas as a non-profit, non-political entity. Excellence WAKO is committed to developing world-class athletes, focusing on high standards in training, competition, and sportsmanship. Through rigorous discipline and a passion for excellence, WAKO athletes embody the spirit of perseverance and skill required at the Olympic level. Respect At the heart of WAKO is mutual respect. We promote fair play and ethical conduct among athletes, coaches, and federations, mirroring the Olympic ideal of respect for competitors, the sport, and the global kickboxing community. Friendship WAKO fosters global connections and camaraderie through its international events. By bringing athletes from diverse cultures together, we build friendships, encourage cultural exchange, and strengthen the spirit of unity that the Olympic movement represents.