Meet WAKO’s Board of Directors, the leaders driving the growth and development of kickboxing worldwide. Explore their roles and contributions. Honorary President Mr. Ennio Falsoni Date of Birth: 04-04-1946. Role in NF: Honorary President. Nationality: Italian. Hobbies: Tennis, golf, reading. Grade: 6th degree. Main Profession: Consultant. President Mr Roy Baker Date of Birth: 23-03-1965. Role in NF: President. Nationality: Irish. Hobbies: Table tennis, running, cross fit. Grade: 10th degree. Main Profession: Director of SSE. Vice President, General Secretary and WAKO EUROPE President Mr. Espen Lund Date of Birth: 07-09-1964. Role in NF: General Secretary. Nationality: Norwegian. Hobbies: Running, skiing and swimming. Main Profession: Sports administration. Vice President and WAKO PANAM President Mr. Paulo Zorello Date of Birth: 26-01-1960. Role in NF: President. Nationality: Brazilian. Hobbies: Bodybuilding, mountain biking, hiking and trail hike. Grade: 7th degree. Main Profession: Sports manager, businessman and farmer. Vice Presidents Mrs. Francesca Falsoni Date of Birth: 08-02-1974. Role in NF: Counselor and representative in WAKO. Nationality: Italian. Hobbies: Yoga, fitness, travels. Grade: / Main Profession: Business lawyer and entrepreneur. Mr. Donato Milano Date of Birth: 22-04-1961. Role in NF: President. Nationality: Italian. Hobbies: Sailing and Diving. Grade: 8th Dan Black Belt. Main Profession: Sport Management Director. Mr. Salim Kayici Date of Birth: 21-12-1966. Role in NF: President. Nationality: Turkish. Hobbies: Kickboxing, Taekwondo, Music. Grade: 9th Dan Black Belt. Main Profession: Government Official. Mr. Istvan Kiraly Date of Birth: 21-11-1966. Role in NF: Vice President. Nationality: Hungarian. Hobbies: Shooting and reading. Grade: 7th degree. Main Profession: Owner of companies. Board Members Mr. Carlos Ramjanali Date of Birth: 18-05-1960. Role in NF: Vice President. Nationality: Portuguese. Hobbies: Golf and Reading. Grade: 8th Dan Black Belt. Main Profession: Businessman Mrs. Lucinda Edwards Date of Birth: 09-11-1965 Role in NF: Director and General Secretary Nationality: British Hobbies: Martial Arts and working with children with special needs Grade: 7th Dan Black Belt Main Profession: Kickboxing GB Administration Mr. Nikolaus Gstattner Date of Birth: 02-11-1963. Role in NF: Management-Director (President). Nationality: Austrian. Hobbies: Kickboxing. Main Profession: Geschäftsführer der Sparte Handel der Wirtschaftskammer Kärnten. Mrs. Katarzyna Kociszewska-Palacz Date of Birth: 25-04-1964. Role in NF: Representative in WAKO, Chair of Women in Sport Committee, member of POC Women in Sport Committee. Nationality: Polish. Hobbies: Beekeeping, ecological gardening, biographies. Main Profession: Owner of SPORT MASTERS Co., president of the Foundation for Sports Champions, chair of a limited partnership SPORT MASTERS. Mr. Tomaz Barada Date of Birth: 15-11-1973 Role in NF: Board member Nationality: Slovenian Hobbies: Cycling…all sports Grade: 5th Dan Black Belt Main Profession: Sport Instructor Mr. Ali Ali Haji Mohamed Khoori Date of Birth: 07-04-1976 Role in NF: Board Member of the UAE Muay Thai and Kickboxing Federation (MKFED) Nationality: United Arab Emirates Hobbies: Chess, Running, Reading, Adventures & Travelling, Follow up with The World of Watchmaking. Grade: N/A Main Profession: Director Supply Chain, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA). Mr. Zsolt Moradi Date of Birth: 03-06-1988. Role in NF: Member of WAKO Hungary Executive Board of Directors. Nationality: Hungarian. Hobbies: Sports, Reading, Gastronomy. Grade: Master of Science in Sport Management. Main Profession: Diplomat. Mrs. Michaela Kovacova Date of Birth: 19-04-1988. Role in NF: Board member of Slovak Kickboxing Union, Chairman of Referee Committee for Tatami and Ring Sports. Nationality: Slovakya. Hobbies: Kickboxing, Refereeing. Grade: A class Referee Ring sports. Main Profession: CEO/director of company for selling fitness equipments and sports clothes. Mr. Aslam Mahomed Date of Birth: 03-12-1979. Role in NF: Executive member. Nationality: South Africa. Hobbies: Kickboxing, Swimming, Fishing and Surfing. Grade: Black belt. Main Profession: Optometrist and Businessman. Mr. Dario Alexander Alvarado Gonzalez Date of Birth: 27-02-1973 Role in NF: President Nationality: Venezuelan Grade: Graduation in international Business with postgrads studies in Logistics, Customs and foreign Trade Main Profession: Businessman

Discover WAKO's official rankings powered by SportsData. Stay updated with real-time global standings, showcasing the top kickboxing athletes and their achievements across all disciplines. WAKO ranking - live via sportsdata Welcome to the official WAKO rankings, where kickboxing excellence is tracked and celebrated in real-time. Our partnership with SportsData ensures that the rankings you see are always up-to-date, reflecting the latest achievements from WAKO athletes around the globe.

Access WAKO’s Education and E-Learning resources, designed to empower athletes, coaches, and referees with knowledge and skills. Education & E-learning Anti-doping education empowers athletes with the tools and skills to comply with the anti-doping rules and avoid unintentional doping violations. It’s an essential component of an athlete’s sporting career. Anti-doping education is equally essential for Athlete Support Personnel (ASP) (like coaches or sports physicians) and other “persons” (such as those who work in sport), because they are also liable under the anti-doping rules. Athletes and their entourage must have updated, accurate knowledge about the following: Definition of doping The different categories of Anti-Doping rule violations (ADRVs) Prohibited Substances and Methods List Supplements (managing the risk) What TUEs (Therapeutic Use Exemptions) are and how to apply Testing procedures Results management Sanctions Rights and responsibilities Educational resources Click on the below subjects: Play True Quiz Anti-Doping Education and Learning Platform (ADeL) ADEL hosts six eLearning courses and many other educational resources. So, whether you’re an athlete, coach, parent, medical professional or play another role in supporting athletes ADeL has specific learning opportunities for you and your role in Kickboxing. The courses are available in several languages and certification is granted upon achieving at least an 80% pass rate. WADA – YouTube

Some info on each slide featured here.... event or page link wako.sport Use this space to share a testimonial quote about the business, its products or its services. Insert a quote from a real customer or client here to build trust and win over site visitors. Name Lastname Name Subtitle Use this space to share a testimonial quote about the business, its products or its services. Insert a quote from a real customer or client here to build trust and win over site visitors. Name Lastname Name Subtitle 1 2 3 4 5 Add a Title Breaking News FEATURED MEDIA featured media Featured Videos sample video 4 Sample Video 3 Sample Video 2 Sample Video 1 WAKO FOCUS wako focus Fri 31 Jul WAKO Mediterranean Games / PalaMazzola Details 31 Jul 2026, 08:00 – 02 Aug 2026, 19:30 PalaMazzola, Via Cesare Battisti, 74121 Taranto TA, Italy Taranto, Italy, from July 31 to August 2, 2026. Thu 27 Aug 31st Hungarian Kickboxing World Cup & Hungarian Kickboxing Open 2026 / BOK Sports and Conference Centre Details 27 Aug 2026, 19:00 – 30 Aug 2026, 23:00 BOK Sports and Conference Centre, Budapest, Dózsa György út 1, 1146 Hungary Fri 18 Sept WAKO World Championship (All Disciplines) for Children, Cadets and Juniors / Piazza Brescia 11, 30016 JESOLO LIDO (VENICE) - ITALY Details 18 Sept 2026, 08:00 – 27 Sept 2026, 19:30 Piazza Brescia 11, 30016 JESOLO LIDO (VENICE) - ITALY Tue 13 Oct Uzbekistan Kickboxing World Cup 2026 / Navoiy shoh ko'chasi 30 Details 13 Oct 2026, 07:30 – 18 Oct 2026, 18:00 Navoiy shoh ko'chasi 30, Navoiy shoh ko'chasi 30, 100129, Тоshkent, Toshkent, Uzbekistan Uzbekistan Kickboxing World Cup 2026, that will be held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, from 13th to 18th October. Load More 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. Africa WAKO Asia, under the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), represents kickboxing across Asia, functioning as a non-profit, non-political sports body. Asia WAKO Europe, part of the World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO), is a non-profit, non-political entity representing and advancing kickboxing throughout Europe. Europe 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. Oceania 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. Pan-America Subscribe to our newsletter Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Submit 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.

View the official results from WAKO’s global kickboxing competitions, including championships and tournaments. Official Results 2025 Results World Championships 2025 World Games 2025 2020 - 2024 2016 - 2019 2011 - 2015 2006 -2010 2001 - 2005 1991 -2000 1981 - 1990 1977 -1980

Meet the WAKO Safeguarding Committee. Dedicated to protecting athletes, coaches & officials with global policies, education, and reporting systems. Safeguarding Committee WAKO is committed to providing a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment free from all forms of harassment and abuse for everyone attending any WAKO event. Regardless of age, ability or disability, gender, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, culture, or socio-economic background, every member should enjoy a safe sport environment with equal opportunities. In 2022, WAKO adopted the General Safeguarding Policy and Safeguarding policy. These policies cover both general safety at WAKO events and safety from harrasment and abuse, the assurance that appropriate reporting mechanism and investigation exists in cases of potential incidents, mostly in interpersonal relations during the events, with particular attention to situations where minors may be involved as victims. To create, promote, and maintain safe and inclusive environment, WAKO protects the integrity of kickboxing through robust reporting mechanisms while also delivering safeguarding education to all stakeholders. The WAKO Safeguarding Committee permanent members are: · Mr. Ilija Salerno, General Safeguarding Officer · Mrs. Marijana Pelevic, Safeguarding Officer for Harassment and Abuse · Mr. Romeo Desa, WAKO Technical Director The following individuals are also members of the Safeguarding Committee for specific events: a member of the LOC of the WAKO Event one member of WAKO Organizing Committee attending the WAKO Event On March 12, 2022, the WAKO Board of Directors has approved two documents: WAKO General Safeguarding Policy WAKO Safeguarding policy to protect participants in sport from harassment, abuse, neglect and other kinds of violence It is fundamental that each WAKO member complies with the requirements set forth in both Policies and, based on these documents, adopts its own Safeguarding policies. The Safeguarding Committee serves in a neutral and impartial capacity to receive safeguarding reports and investigate reported cases during WAKO competitions. In carrying out its duties, the Committee is directly accountable to the WAKO Disciplinary Committee and the WAKO Legal Committee. Safeguarding education: Violence in sport: Principles, Categories, and Examples; Ethics of Professional Touch Violence in Sport

Learn how WAKO manages your data and cookies in compliance with global privacy standards, ensuring transparency and user trust. Privacy & Cookies Version 1.0 The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (“WAKO”) (hereinafter, the “Association”), with registered office in Zug, Switzerland, is committed to protecting the online privacy of the users of its websites. As such, this Privacy Policy has been written, under Article 13 of EU Regulation 2016/679 (hereinafter, the “Regulation”), in order to allow you to understand WAKO’s policy regarding your privacy and how your personal information will be handled when using our websites (wakoweb.com, hereinafter, collectively, “Website”). This Privacy Policy will also provide you with information so that you are able to consent to the processing of your personal data in an explicit and informed manner, where appropriate. The information and data which you may provide, or which may otherwise be collected in the context of your use of WAKO’s services (e.g., access to news and events, etc. (hereinafter, the “Services”) – will be used by WAKO in compliance with the Regulation. This means, in particular, that any personal data processing carried out by WAKO will respect the principles of lawfulness, fairness, transparency, purpose limitation, storage limitation, data minimization, accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality. CONTENTS Data controller Personal Data processed a. Browsing data b. Special categories of Personal Data c. Data provided voluntarily by the data subject d. Cookies Purpose of the processing Legal bases and mandatory/discretionary nature of the processing Recipients of Personal Data Transfers of Personal Data Retention of Personal Data Data subjects’ rights Amendments 1. Data Controller The Data Controller regarding all personal data processing operations carried out through the Website is WAKO, as identified at the beginning of this Privacy Policy. For any information regarding the processing of Personal Data by WAKO, including a list of WAKO’s data processors, please contact: privacy@wako.sport. 2. Personal Data processed As you use the Website, we inform you that WAKO may collect and process information related to you as an individual and which allows you to be identified (either directly, or together with additional information), or which is related to other individuals (“Personal Data”), such as your name, an identification number, an online ID, or one or more characteristic elements of your physical, physiological, mental, economic, cultural, or social identity. Personal Data which may be processed by WAKO through the Website are as follows: a. Browsing Data The Website’s operation, as is standard with any website on the Internet, involves the use of computer systems and software procedures, which collect information about the Website’s users as part of their routine operation. While WAKO does not collect this information in order to link it to specific users, it is still possible to identify those users either directly via that information or by using other information collected – as such, this information is also considered Personal Data. This information includes several parameters related to your operating system and IT environment, including your IP address, location (country), the domain names of your computer, the URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) addresses of resources you request on the Website, the time of requests made, the method used to submit requests to the server, the dimensions of the file obtained in response to a request, the numerical code indicating the status of the response sent by the server (successful, error, etc.), and so on. These data are used exclusively to compile anonymous, statistical information on the use of the Website, as well as to ensure its correct operation and identify any faults and/or abuse of the Website – the data is deleted immediately after processing, unless it must be used to identify responsible parties in the event of cybercrime committed which harms the Website or third parties, in which case information on web contacts may be kept for a period of 7 (seven) days. b. Cookies Definitions, characteristics, and application of the legislation Cookies are small text files that may be sent to and registered on your computer or mobile device by the websites you visit, to then be re-sent to those same sites when you visit them again. It is thanks to these cookies that those websites can “remember” your actions and preferences (e.g., login data, language, font size, other display settings, etc.), so that you do not need to configure them again when you next visit the website or change pages within a website. 3. Purpose of the processing WAKO intends to use your Personal Data, collected through the Website, for the following purposes: a. To provide Services you request, such as granting access to reserved areas of the Website; b. For compliance with laws which impose upon WAKO the collection and/or further processing of certain kinds of Personal Data. 4. Legal basis and mandatory / discretionary nature of the processing WAKO’s legal bases to process your personal data, according to the purposes identified in Section 3, are as follows: Section 3(a) and 3(b): Processing for these purposes is necessary to provide the Services, and therefore, the applicable legal basis is the necessity of the processing for the performance of a contract with you, as well as to take steps at your request prior to entering into a contract with you – Art. 6(1)(b) of the Regulation. It is not mandatory for you to give WAKO your Personal Data for these purposes; however, if you do not, WAKO will not be able to provide any Services to you. 5. Recipients of Personal Data Your Personal Data may be shared, for the purposes listed in Section 3, with different persons/entities (hereinafter and collectively, “Recipients”): Entities acting as data processors on WAKO’s behalf, in particular: a) Persons, companies, or professional firms providing WAKO with advice and consultancy regarding accounting, administrative, legal, tax, financial, and debt collection matters related to the provision of the Services; b) Entities engaged in order to provide the Services (e.g., hosting providers or email platform providers). 6. Transfers of Personal Data Some of your Personal Data are shared with Recipients who may be located outside the European Economic Area. The Company ensures that your Personal Data are processed by these Recipients in accordance with the Regulation. Under the Regulation, these transfers can be based on an adequacy decision or on the Standard Contractual Clauses approved by the European Commission. 7. Retention of Personal Data Personal Data processed for the purposes set out in Section 3(a) and 3(b) will be kept by WAKO for the period deemed strictly necessary to fulfill such purposes – in any case, as these Personal Data are processed for the provision of the Services, WAKO will keep them for as long as the statute of limitations on liability related to the provision of the Services (as determined by the applicable law) lasts, so as to protect its interests. 8. Data subject rights Under Articles 15 and following of the Regulation, you, as a data subject, are entitled to request from WAKO, at any time, access to your Personal Data, the correction and erasure of your Personal Data, as well as to object to its processing. You are also entitled to request the restriction of the processing of your Personal Data in the cases set out in Article 18 of the Regulation, as well as to obtain the Personal Data you have provided to WAKO in a structured, commonly used, and machine-readable format. 9. Amendments This Privacy Policy entered into force on January 1st, 2020. WAKO reserves the right to partly or fully amend this Privacy Policy or simply update its content, e.g., as a result of changes in applicable law. WAKO Short Privacy Notice_January 2026 (174 KB) WAKO Privacy Notice Athletes – July 2024 (231 KB)

Explore the WAKO Athletes Corner for educational resources, safeguarding tips, and clean sport initiatives. Empowering kickboxers worldwide. WAKO Athlete Digital Corner We are excited to announce the ongoing development and expansion of the WAKO Athlete Corner App, which first launched in 2021. This app is designed to serve as a digital space where athletes, coaches, and participants can access vital information, complete mandatory sign-off modules, and register for seminars. Explore the WAKO Athlete Corner App Information Hub: Access updates and educational materials from WAKO’s committees, covering topics such as anti-doping, integrity, and fair play. Sign-off Modules: Complete mandatory modules on anti-doping, integrity, and refereeing. New sign-off modules are regularly added and will soon be required for all WAKO athletes and staff. Seminar Registration: Easily register for online and in-person seminars directly through the app, linked to SportData for seamless integration. The app is continuously evolving to better serve our community, with upcoming additions that will integrate resources from the IOC Athlete 365 platform and more educational content from WAKO committees. Key Features Interactive Learning: If you don’t answer all questions correctly in the anti-doping module, you’ll be prompted to start over. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive a personal certificate from WAKO. Olympic Values: The app emphasizes the Olympic values of Action, Excellence, Respect, Friendship, Joy, and Fair Play, and aims to educate, engage, and inspire athletes to play an active role in their communities. Join the WAKO Athlete Corner App by creating your profile here: WAKO Athlete Corner App . Stay tuned for new features and updates as we continue to enhance this exciting platform for all athletes! Report Athlete Corner 2025 (9 MB) Report Athlete Corner 2024 (4 MB) Report Athlete Corner 2019 (4 MB) Report Athlete Corner 2018 (5 MB) Material Shared At WAKO Athlete Corner 2019 (19 MB) Report Athlete Corner 2017 (6 MB) WAKO.Report.AC.Partners.2017.pdf (6.8 MB) Report Athlete Corner.2024.Athens (1).pdf (4.2 MB) Report.Athlete.Corner.2019 (4.3 MB) Report.Athlete.Corner.2018.pdf (3.9 MB)

Explore remote and global career opportunities with WAKO, the IOC-recognized kickboxing federation. Join us in shaping the future of combat sports worldwide. Jobs vacancies Part-Time Office and Marketing Administrator (Remote) – Brand Support & Development** **Role Profile: Part-Time Office and Marketing Administrator (Remote) – Brand Support & Development** Position Title: Office and Marketing Administrator (Part-Time, 2-3 days/week) Location: Remote or hybrid Duration: 2-year Fixed Term Contract Reporting To: WAKO Office Manager - President of WAKO (World Association of Kickboxing Organizations) **Overview:** WAKO is a renowned global sport organization recognized by the IOC, dedicated to promoting and developing kickboxing worldwide. We are seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Office and marketing Administrator with a passion for brand development and support. This part-time role offers a unique opportunity for a graduate in Sports management, brand management or marketing to gain invaluable experience within a prestigious international IOC recognised global organization, contributing to our global growth and brand presence. **Main Responsibilities:** - Provide efficient administrative support remotely, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations. - Assist in brand support and development activities, including coordinating campaigns, managing mass communication, and supporting promotional initiatives. - Maintain and update contact databases using modern contact management software. ( Contact Manager ) - Draft, review, and proofread correspondence, reports, and promotional content in clear, professional English. - Manage Marketing and Brand schedules, meetings, and communication with internal teams and external stakeholders. - Support WAKO Media team, social media and digital branding efforts as required. Ensure collaboration and consolidation of activities - Track and report on branding projects, surveys and campaigns. - Ensure confidentiality and data protection standards are maintained at all times. **Key Requirements:** - Proven experience in using modern contact database software (COntact Manager - HubSpot, or similar). - Exceptional written and spoken English language skills; meticulous attention to detail. - Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to work independently. - Familiarity with digital communication platforms, social media, and Brand, marketing concepts. - Demonstrated professionalism and adaptability in a remote work environment. - Adequate home-office setup with reliable internet connection. **Desirable Attributes:** - Recent graduate in brand management, marketing, communications, or Sports administration and related field. - Interest or experience within the sports industry, especially within international or Olympic-affiliated organizations. - interest and experience in the Combat sports industry Ability to support a dynamic, evolving brand development and marketing strategy on a global scale. **We Offer:** - A fair, Salary consummated with experience and role. - An engaging role within a prestigious global IOC recognised sports organization. - Flexible part-time working arrangements. That will ensure flexibility for you and your family. - Opportunity to gain experience and build a global network within the international sports community. - Supportive team environment with exposure to our Media team, brand and marketing functions at a high level. **Application Process:** Application period is open for fourteen days from 29th of May to the 12th June. Successfully applications will be contacted by return mail within 5 working days. Interested candidates should submit a CV and cover letter outlining their suitability for the role and motivation for working with WAKO to president@wako.sport

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!

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.

Discover WAKO’s rich history, from the first kickboxing fight in 1970 to becoming the global governing body for the sport. Learn how legends shaped the journey. The Story of WAKO WAKO's history is deeply intertwined with the evolution of kickboxing in the Western world. It all began in 1970 when the legendary Joe Lewis had what is now recognized as the first "kickboxing fight" against Greg Baines in the USA. This was a groundbreaking event—the first time boxing gloves were used, and the term "kickboxing" was mentioned. The sport gained further momentum in 1974 with the inaugural "World Championship in Full Contact" held in Los Angeles. Organized by pioneers Joe Lewis and Mike Anderson, it was a landmark moment for the sport. Kickboxing legends Bill Wallace, Jeff Smith, and Joe Lewis emerged as the first Full Contact World Champions. Building a strong and lasting world organization for kickboxing was a challenging task amidst the dynamic martial arts scene of the time. George Brueckner and Mike Anderson had the vision to create a global platform for the sport, leading to the formation of the "World All-Style Karate Organization," soon to be known as WAKO. WAKO's journey in Europe began in 1976, and the organization was officially founded in Berlin, Germany, on February 26th, 1977, by Mr. Georg Brueckner. The first-ever World Championships in semi and full-contact karate, as it was then called, took place in 1978, featuring 110 competitors from 18 countries. WAKO quickly established official rules and regulations, incorporating hand and leg techniques for amateur fights with a focus on safety. This marked the official adoption of the term "kickboxing," with WAKO positioning itself as the world’s authentic Kickboxing Federation. From 1984 to 2013, WAKO was led by Mr. Ennio Falsoni of Italy. Under his leadership, WAKO solidified its reputation as a respected international sports organization, hosting World Championships every two years across different continents. After decades of dedication, Mr. Falsoni now serves as WAKO’s Honorary President. For those interested in a deeper dive into WAKO's history, his book, "KICKBOXING: The Phenomenology of a SPORT," provides a comprehensive account. (To obtain a copy, contact WAKO HQ at administration@wako.sport or call +39 345 0135521.) Following an acting presidency from 2013 to 2015, Prof. Borislav Pelević of Serbia was elected WAKO President in November 2015 in Dublin, Ireland. Sadly, Prof. Pelević passed away in October 2018. The WAKO Board of Directors then appointed Mrs. Francesca Falsoni, Chairwoman of the WAKO Legal Committee, as Interim President in November 2018. Her leadership guided WAKO through an Extraordinary General Assembly, culminating in the election of Mr. Roy Baker of Ireland as WAKO President on February 2nd, 2019, in Milan, Italy. WAKO Kickboxing Today Kickboxing is a modern combat sport rooted in various traditional martial arts. As a distinct Western response to Eastern martial arts, kickboxing can be practiced both competitively and recreationally, promoting health, strength, and endurance. Today, WAKO proudly represents 130 affiliated nations across five continents, with 105 of these nations officially recognized by their National Olympic Committees or relevant government sports authorities.