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 health and anti-doping policies, ensuring the safety, well-being, and fairness of kickboxing athletes worldwide. Health, Medical, and Anti-Doping: Ensuring Athlete Well-Being and Fair Competition WAKO is dedicated to safeguarding the health and well-being of all athletes while promoting fair competition through strict anti-doping measures. In this section, you will find essential guidelines, protocols, and resources related to health and medical care, as well as WAKO’s comprehensive anti-doping policies. WAKO is fully aligned with international standards, including the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and works tirelessly to prevent the use of prohibited substances in sport. These rules and procedures ensure a level playing field for all athletes and promote the principles of clean sport. This section provides key information on: Medical protocols for athlete care Anti-doping rules and testing procedures Guidelines for therapeutic use exemptions (TUE) Educational resources on the consequences of doping By adhering to these health, medical, and anti-doping regulations, WAKO ensures a safe, fair, and competitive environment for athletes at all levels. WAKO Anti Doping Rules – 30.09.2020 (821 KB) Protection Athletes (878 KB) WAKO Head Injury Card 2021 (310 KB) WAKO Non Pregnancy Declaration 2021 (305 KB) WAKO Medical Rules – 30.01.2021 (2 MB) WAKO Liability Waiver 2020 (208 KB) WAKO Medical Certificate Referee 2021 (374 KB) WAKO Survey_Nutrition_2005 (309 KB) WAKO Medical Rules Covid 19 Guidelines – 10.03.2021 (395 KB) WAKO Parental Consent 2020 (213 KB) WAKO Medical Emergency Report 2021 (180 KB) WAKO Weightloss Nutrition_Dublin 2015 (12 MB) WAKO Covid 19 Questionnaire 2021 – 10.03.2021 (194 KB) WAKO Dental Brace Certification 2021 (227 KB) WAKO Medical Questionnaire 2021 (212 KB) (212 KB) WAKO Medical Events Sheet (116 KB)

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.

Learn about Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUE) and WAKO’s commitment to clean sport. Access guidelines and application details. Therapeutic Use Exemptions (Tue) What Is A Therapeutic Use Exemption (TUE)? Athletes may have illnesses or conditions that require them to take medications or undergo procedures. If the medication or method an athlete is required to use to treat an illness or condition is prohibited as per the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) Prohibited List, a TUE may give that athlete the authorization to use that substance or method while competing without invoking an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV) and applicable sanction. Applications for TUEs are evaluated by a panel of physicians, the TUE Committee (TUEC). What are the Criteria for Granting a TUE? All of the four following criteria must be met (for more details, please refer to the WADA International Standard for Therapeutic Use Exemptions (ISTUE) Article 4.2): The athlete has a clear diagnosed medical condition which requires treatment using a prohibited substance or method. The therapeutic use of the substance will not, on the balance of probabilities, produce significant enhancement of performance beyond the athlete’s normal state of health. The prohibited substance or method is an indicated treatment for the medical condition, and there is no reasonable permitted therapeutic alternative. The necessity to use that substance or method is not a consequence of the prior use (without a TUE), of a substance or method which was prohibited at the time of use. Who Should Apply for a TUE? Where and When to Apply? Athletes who are subject to anti-doping rules would need a TUE to take a prohibited substance or use a prohibited method. You should verify with WAKO to know to whom you need to apply and if you can apply retroactively. First, check if the required medication or method you intend to take or use is prohibited as per the WADA Prohibited List. You may also use a ‘check your medication’ online tool or ask your NADO if it has one. You have a responsibility to inform your physician(s) that you are an Athlete bound to anti-doping rules. You and your physician(s) should check the Prohibited List for the substance/method you are prescribed. If the substance/method is prohibited, discuss non-prohibited alternatives. If there are none, apply for a TUE. Remember, Athletes have the ultimate responsibility. Contact your NADO or WAKO if you are having difficulties. Then, contact WAKO Antidoping Officer at gianlorenzo.daniele@yahoo.it to determine your competition level and TUE application requirements. If It Is Determined That You Are an International-Level Athlete: WAKO Definition of International-Level Athlete is as follows: An Athlete who is National Champion in that given year and subsequent years where he/she is the official national Champion as recognized by the WAKO National Governing Body. An Athlete who has competed in a WAKO World Cup, or A/B class event in the last two years as defined in the WAKO Calendar. You must apply to WAKO in advance, as soon as the need arises, unless there are emergency or exceptional circumstances. For substances prohibited in-competition only, you should apply for a TUE at least 30 days before your next competition unless one of the exceptions on retroactive TUEs (see below) applies. If You Already Have a TUE Granted by Your National Anti-Doping Organization (NADO): National-level athletes must apply for a TUE to the NADO of their home country. WAKO will automatically recognize any TUE granted by any NADO declared compliant by WADA, in accordance with Article 7.1 (a) of the World Anti-Doping Code. Can I Get a Retroactive TUE? You may only apply retroactively for a TUE to WAKO if: You required emergency or urgent treatment of a medical condition. There was insufficient time, opportunity, or other exceptional circumstances that prevented you from submitting the TUE application, or having it evaluated, before getting tested. You are a lower-level athlete who is not under the jurisdiction of WAKO or NADO and were tested. You tested positive after using a substance Out-of-Competition that is only prohibited In-Competition (e.g., glucocorticoids). How to Apply to WAKO for a TUE? WAKO encourages submitting TUE applications via ADAMS, together with the required medical information. If you do not have an ADAMS account yet, please contact gianlorenzo.daniele@yahoo.it to have it set up. What Happens at Major Events? A Major Event Organization (MEO) requires athletes to apply for the recognition of their TUE if they wish to use a prohibited substance or method in connection with the Event. Will My Medical Information Be Treated in a Confidential Manner? All the information contained in a TUE application, including the supporting medical information and any other information related to the evaluation of your TUE request, is kept strictly confidential and treated in accordance with the Athlete’s Declaration contained in the ADAMS TUE process and the WAKO TUE Application Form. Contact Information For any further information and questions in relation to WAKO’s personal information practices, please contact WAKO’s Data Protection Officer at v.cocca@crclex.com . If you have doubts about which organization you should apply for a TUE or the recognition process, or any other questions about TUEs, please contact WAKO Antidoping Officer at gianlorenzo.daniele@yahoo.it .