Stay connected with WAKO on social media. Follow us for the latest updates, events, and stories from the global kickboxing community. Social Media WAKO recognizes the powerful role that social media plays in connecting athletes, fans, and the wider kickboxing community. To ensure that these platforms are used responsibly and align with the values of respect, fairness, and integrity, WAKO has established clear Social Media Policies. These policies guide how athletes, coaches, officials, and stakeholders should conduct themselves on social media platforms, helping to maintain a positive image for the sport while preventing misuse or misconduct online. The aim is to foster an environment of respectful communication, while also protecting the integrity of both individuals and the organization. This section provides guidance on: Appropriate online behavior Responsible use of personal and organizational social media accounts The consequences of violating WAKO’s social media policies Protecting personal and professional reputation online By following these policies, WAKO ensures that all members of the kickboxing community use social media in a way that reflects the spirit of sportsmanship and respect. WAKO Social Media Policy and Rules (181 KB)

Discover WAKO’s mission, history, and global impact as the leading organization for the sport of kickboxing worldwide. Historic Overview: 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.

Explore WAKO’s Media Hub for the latest kickboxing videos, photos, and articles. Stay connected with highlights from events and stories worldwide. Visit our Official Youtube Channel for more PHOTOS Visit our Official Flickr Channel for more Social Links WAKO FAQ's Heading 6 WAKO.rsportz.com Social Links WAKO.rsportz.com WAKO FAQ's World Games 2025 winners

Stay informed with messages and updates from the WAKO President, highlighting key initiatives and the future of global kickboxing. Presidents Corner nov 2024

Welcome to WAKO, the global governing body for kickboxing. Explore news, events, and resources, and join the worldwide community of kickboxing champions. wako.sport Click here for more Click here for more Add a Title Breaking News 1 2 3 4 5 WAKO FOCUS WAKO Mediterranean Games Fri 31 Jul PalaMazzola 31 Jul 2026, 08:00 – 02 Aug 2026, 19:30 PalaMazzola, Via Cesare Battisti, 74121 Taranto TA, Italy More info Details 31st Hungarian Kickboxing World Cup & Hungarian Kickboxing Open 2026 Thu 27 Aug BOK Sports and Conference Centre 27 Aug 2026, 19:00 – 30 Aug 2026, 23:00 BOK Sports and Conference Centre, Budapest, Dózsa György út 1, 1146 Hungary More info Details WAKO World Championship (All Disciplines) for Children, Cadets and Juniors Fri 18 Sept Piazza Brescia 11, 30016 JESOLO LIDO (VENICE) - ITALY 18 Sept 2026, 08:00 – 27 Sept 2026, 19:30 Piazza Brescia 11, 30016 JESOLO LIDO (VENICE) - ITALY 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.

Learn how the WAKO Coaches Committee ensures a safe and inclusive environment for athletes, free from harassment and abuse. Discover our safeguarding goals, procedures, and commitment to equality in kickboxing Coaches Committee Committed to Safe and Inclusive Kickboxing The WAKO Coaches Committee is dedicated to creating an environment where athletes can thrive with respect, dignity, and protection from any form of harassment or abuse. Our mission goes beyond training and competitions—it's about safeguarding the well-being of all participants in the sport of kickboxing. Our Commitment: WAKO is committed to providing a safe environment for athletes and members at all levels. Prevention of abusive situations is fundamental to our mission, and we aim to create a culture of respect and equality for everyone involved in kickboxing. Safeguarding Goals: Promoting and maintaining a safe environment during and beyond competitions. Raising awareness and creating standards to define boundaries between officials and athletes. Establishing clear reporting mechanisms for any concerns or violations. Structuring procedures for investigating complaints effectively and with care. Our Achievements in 2024 The Coaches Committee has made remarkable progress in 2024, setting the foundation for further growth and development: Coach Licensing System: Developed the WAKO Coach License System Level 1 in collaboration with the WAKO Education Committee. International Seminars: Conducted development seminars across Iraq, Jordan (Arabic countries), Saudi Arabia, the UAE, China, and Thailand. Championship Seminars: Hosted impactful coach seminars during the World and European Championships. Athletes Corner: Provided assistance and support during the Athletes Corner at the European Championships. Collaboration: Participated in development meetings with several WAKO Committees to ensure alignment and progress. Our Vision for 2025 Building on the success of 2024, the WAKO Coaches Committee will focus on these key areas: Coach Licensing Coordination: Oversee the implementation of the WAKO Coach License System in collaboration with the Education Committee. Advanced Licensing Development: Develop WAKO Coach License System Levels 2 and 3 in partnership with the Education Committee. Global Development Seminars: Expand international development seminars to engage and support coaches worldwide. Online Development Programs: Launch comprehensive online development programs to provide continuous education and growth opportunities for coaches. Championship Engagement: Continue organizing coach seminars during the World and European Championships. Recognizing Excellence: Propose criteria for selecting the Best Athletes, Best Referees, and Best Ethical Coach, working in collaboration with the Referees Committee. Our Mission Safe Sport: Ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants. Excellence in Coaching: Promote professional development, knowledge sharing, and ethical practices. Athlete-Centered Approach: Put athletes at the core of our initiatives, ensuring they have the best possible support for their development.

Access WAKO’s comprehensive overview of kickboxing rules, ensuring fairness, safety, and consistency in global competitions. Rules Overview The WAKO Rules Overview outlines the essential guidelines and regulations that govern kickboxing competitions at all levels. These rules ensure fairness, safety, and consistency across all WAKO-sanctioned events, providing a clear framework for athletes, coaches, referees, and officials. From competition rules to conduct regulations, this section serves as a comprehensive resource for understanding how WAKO maintains the integrity of the sport. Explore the specific rules for each discipline, athlete responsibilities, and procedures to ensure compliance with WAKO’s standards. Change of rules 2026 - Participation of WAKO members in other dissident organizations Changes of rules 2026 - Gender Changes of rules 2026 - Nationality of member Changes of rules 2026 - K1 Style Changes of rules 2026 - Seeding and ranking lists Change of rules 2026 - Explanations WAKO Parakickboxing rules – rev 0 – 29.11.2024 (845 KB) WAKO Equipment Book 04.05.2022 (10 MB) WAKO Rules - last revision 25.10.2022 (5 MB) WAKO Medical Rules – 30.01.2021 (2 MB) WAKO IF Board – NEW WAKO RULES Presentation – 27.06.2020 (774 KB) WAKO Referee Rules 05.11.2020 (2 MB) WAKO Anti Doping Rules – 30.09.2020 (821 KB)

Access WAKO’s Statutes and Bylaws, the foundational principles governing kickboxing’s global operations and organizational structure. Statutes and Bylaws The Statutes and Bylaws of WAKO form the legal foundation for how the organization operates. They outline the rules, structures, and procedures that govern WAKO’s activities and ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness across all levels. These documents define the roles of leadership, guide decision-making processes, and safeguard the values that WAKO upholds in promoting the sport of kickboxing globally. Please find here below attached: WAKO Statutes (approved by WAKO General Assembly on November 19th, 2023) WAKO ByLaws (approved by WAKO IF Board on April 28th, 2024) WAKO Statutes - approved on November 23, 2025 WAKO By Laws - approved on April 28, 2024 (978 KB)

Stay informed with messages and updates from the WAKO President, highlighting key initiatives and the future of global kickboxing. Presidents Corner Welcome to the President’s Corner! Each month, Roy Baker, President of WAKO, will share insights, updates, and reflections on the world of kickboxing and the exciting developments within WAKO. From international competitions to organizational growth, this corner will keep you connected to the pulse of WAKO’s mission, values, and vision for the future of kickboxing. Whether you're an athlete, coach, official, or a passionate fan, President Baker’s updates will provide you with valuable perspectives on our sport’s journey, the challenges we face, and the triumphs we celebrate. Stay tuned for stories from around the globe, important announcements, and an inside look into the continuous evolution of WAKO. Check back every month to stay informed, inspired, and engaged with everything happening in the world of WAKO kickboxing! Click here for November 2024 - International Kickboxing Day Click here for Dec 2024

WAKO Articles

Learn about WAKO’s Para and Inclusive Kickboxing programs, promoting accessibility, diversity, and empowerment for athletes of all abilities. Para & Inclusive Kickboxing Empowering Athletes of All Abilities WAKO is dedicated to making kickboxing an inclusive sport that welcomes athletes of all abilities. Our PARA Kickboxing program is designed to provide training, competition, and development opportunities tailored to the unique needs of athletes with disabilities, enabling them to showcase their skills, strength, and passion. Our Mission With PARA Kickboxing, WAKO aims to: Promote accessibility in kickboxing for athletes of all physical and intellectual abilities. Provide safe, supportive environments where PARA athletes can train and compete. Foster community and resilience through shared goals and achievements. Join the Movement Whether you are an athlete, coach, or supporter, PARA Kickboxing welcomes you. Together, we are building a sport that celebrates diversity, determination, and excellence for everyone. WAKO PARA WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025 Webinar_R_12_2024_Spanish.pdf (144 MB) Sorting protocol_2024.pdf (196 KB) GuiaDeportistas_WAKO_12_2024_spanish.pdf (174 KB) GuideAtheletes_WAKO_12_2024_english.pdf (201 KB) Guia_WAKO_12_2024_spanish.pdf (189KB) Guide_WAKO_12_2024_english.pdf (384 KB) WAKO Parakickboxing rules – rev 0 – 29.11.2024