2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods  and the 2026 Monitoring Program are in force from 1 January 2026 The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) announced that the 2026 List of Prohibited Substances and Methods  and the 2026 Monitoring Program are in force from 1 January 2026. It designates which substances and methods are prohibited both in- and out-of-competition and which substances are banned in particular sports. The 2026 Monitoring Program includes substances that are not on the List, but that WADA wishes to monitor in order to detect potential patterns of misuse in sport.  The major modifications for 2026 include the following: -        Further examples or clarifications have been added to the following substance classes to help athletes and their entourage better identify prohibited substances:          S1. Anabolic agents,         S2. Peptide hormones, growth factors, related substances, and mimetics,           S4. Hormone and metabolic modulators, and         S6. Stimulants.    -        The dosing intervals of salmeterol have been changed to avoid potential ergogenic effects, though the maximum daily delivered dose remains the same. -        More details have been given about the prohibition of withdrawal of blood and blood components. -        The non-diagnostic use of carbon monoxide (CO) has been added to the Prohibited Methods as a new section, M1.4. The use of carbon monoxide for diagnostic purposes, such as total hemoglobin mass measurements or the determination of pulmonary diffusion capacity, is not prohibited. -        Cell components (e.g., nuclei and organelles such as mitochondria and ribosomes) have been added to the existing prohibition of using normal or genetically modified cells. -        It has been clarified in the Glucocorticoids Washout Table that use of sustained-release formulations may result in detectable glucocorticoid levels past the washout period due to prolonged systemic absorption.    For more info, visit link: https://www.wada-ama.org/en/resources/world-anti-doping-code-and-international-standards/prohibited-list#resource-download

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

Explore WAKO's Women in Sport Committee, dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women in kickboxing. Learn about initiatives, events, and opportunities to support female athletes worldwide. WAKO Women in Sport Committee The WAKO Women in sport Committee is one of the expert’s committees in WAKO, established in 2016, aimed for promotion of gender equality and generation equity in kickboxing. CAMPAIGNS Women in sport Committee is organizing various campaigns for promoting gender equality and raising awareness about global phenomena such as: Emowering women in sport – Her win, Our win climate changes – WAKO for Climate, health - WAKO Women against Cancer, pandemic - Be Positive, Stay Negative, breaking stereotypes about gender roles – He For She, stopping violence against women and girls – UN Orange Day, sustainable development - Plastic is NOT fantastic and many, many others, mostly the ones which affects women and girls in everyday life. All of the campaigns had accompanying actions in occasion of the World and Continental Championships. MONITORING Concerning kickboxing sport, the Committee is monitoring all legal documents of WAKO concerning the position and the representation of women in the decision making bodies of WAKO and its Committees. The focus of the Committee is attainability of the tournaments in the world to women and girls. The Committee also controls management of kickboxing tournaments if they meet the particular needs of women and girls and provide them safety in sport. INCREASE OF PARTICIPATION In WAKO, we already have participants of both genders, and Committee aims to increase the participation of women in all kickboxing disciplines, as well as referees in the ring and tatami, coaches and officials. BRIGHTON PLUS SIGNATORIES On the initiative of Women in sport Committee, in March 2017 WAKO have signed Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration on Women and Sport which is a summary document how to develop a sporting culture to grant women and girls equality in sport at all levels of participation. CONFERENCE The Committee organized The 1st WAKO Women in Sport Conference on 18th May 2018 in the occasion of WAKO World Kickboxing Cup in Budapest. The Conference was organized in two parts. The first part was separated in three sections: Introduction of the WAKO Women Committee Chairwomen Mrs. Katarzyna Kociszewska, activities and the future goals. Lecture by Ms. Alicja Sekret, presenter of "Breastfit" the OnkoCafe Foundation from Poland with "Self control- early detection of breast cancer" as the part of the global campaign "WAKO Women against cancer". Expert speaker Ms. Dorota Godzina, former kickboxing champion and expert dietitian with a lecture “Sudden weight loss and consequences for women's health”. The second part of the programme was introduction of Mrs. Marijana Pelevic, WAKO Women Committee member about ongoing Conference of International working group of women and sport (IWG) and the reflection on the activities of WAKO at the GAISF Sport Conference in Bangkok in April 2018. WORKSHOPS The Committee occasionally organizes workshops “How to involve more women in organizational structures in WAKO”. SAFEGUARDING POLICY The focus of the Committee was to create WAKO Safeguarding Policy to cover all aspects of the safeguarding policies and procedures in protecting kickboxing athletes, especially minors, from any kind of harassment during WAKO events. As a result, on March 12, 2022, the WAKO Board of Directors has approved the WAKO Safeguarding Policy of protecting and safeguarding athletes from harassment and abuse in sport. The Women in Sport Committee representatives presents the most important aspects of the Safeguarding Policy during the main WAKO events of the year. WAKO Women in Sport Committee workshop 2021_summary.pdf Brighton Plus Declaration Helsinki signed.pdf Brighton-plus-Helsinki-2014-Declaration-on-Women-and-Sport.pdf 1st WAKO Women Conference.pdf useful link: 10-principles-of-the-brighton-plus-helsinki-declaration

launching Sat Nov 30th Launching Sat Nov 30th launching Sat Nov 30th

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.