World Association of Kickboxing Organizations
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:
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IOC (International Olympic Committee) – Officially recognized since November 30th, 2018.
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GAISF (Global Association of International Sports Federations) – Formerly known as SportAccord.
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IWGA (International World Games Association).
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ARISF (Association of IOC Recognized International Sports Federations).
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FISU (International University Sports Federation).
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WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency).
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CIFP (International Fair Play Organization).
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OCA (Olympic Council of Asia).
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IWG (International Working Group of Women in Sport).
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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:
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2005: Adoption of WADA anti-doping code.
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2006: Merger with IAKSA and GAISF recognition.
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2007: WAKO Asia becomes a member of the OCA.
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2012: Initiated membership with AIMS.
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2014: Joined IWGA.
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2016: Partnership with Fair Play and Peace and Sport.
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2017: FISU recognition and partnerships with the International Working Group on Women in Sport and FICS.
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2018: IOC provisional recognition.
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2019: ARISF recognition.
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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.
