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

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)

Explore WAKO’s Anti-Doping Rules and Reports, ensuring fair competition, athlete integrity, and compliance with global anti-doping standards. Wako Anti-doping Rules and Reports WAKO/WADA work to ensure that athletes benefit from the same anti-doping protocols and protections, no matter the nationality, the sport, or the country where tested. The ultimate goal is safe and fair competition worldwide. WADA website What is WADA? video The World Anti-Doping Code (Code) is the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organizations and among public authorities around the world. In the below menu you can find the current in force WAKO Anti-doping rules and annual activity resports. WAKO Anti-Doping Rules_update_01.01.2021 (308 KB) WAKO Anti-Doping Report_2021 (200 KB) WAKO Anti-Doping Report_2017 (821 KB) WAKO Anti-Doping Report_2022 (821 KB) WAKO Anti-Doping Report_2019 (200 KB) WAKO Anti-Doping Report_2016 (308 KB)

Learn about WAKO’s anti-doping initiatives, policies, and education programs to ensure integrity and fairness in kickboxing worldwide. Introduction to Anti-doping The use of doping substances or doping methods to enhance performance is fundamentally wrong and is detrimental to the overall spirit of sport. Drug misuse can be harmful to an Athlete’s health and to other Athletes competing in the sport. It severely damages the integrity, image and value of sport, whether or not the motivation to use drugs is to improve performance. To achieve integrity and fairness in sport, a commitment to a clean field of play is critical. WAKO seeks to maintain the integrity of kickboxing by running a comprehensive anti-doping program that focuses equally on education/prevention and on testing, with consequent sanctioning of those who break the rules. Principles and values of clean sport Anti-doping programs seek to maintain the integrity of sport in terms of respect for rules, other competitors, fair competition, a level playing field, and the value of clean sport to the world. The spirit of sport is the celebration of the human spirit, body and mind. It is the essence of Olympism and is reflected in the values we find in and through sport, including: Health Ethics, fair play and honesty Athletes’ rights as set forth in the Code Excellence in performance Character and Education Fun and joy Teamwork Dedication and commitment Respect for rules and laws Respect for self and other Participants Courage Community and solidarity The spirit of sport is expressed in how we play true. The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (WAKO) embodies these values – we believe in a clean and fair play, and doping stands in direct contradiction to what kickboxing represents. We encourage all kickboxers – not just Athletes, but coaches, administrators, medical personnel and all other members of the Athlete entourage – to take the time to review this section and get informed. Why is anti-doping important? Anti-doping rules exist to ensure fairness on the field of play. All rules and the fact that they are monitored and reinforced are designed to prevent any participant from taking an unfair advantage over another. The use of doping substances or methods to enhance performance is not only wrong, but are also harmful to Athletes’ mental and physical health. What is doping? According to the World Anti-Doping Code is defined as the occurrence of one or more of the following Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs). Most commonly, this means a presence of a prohibited substance in an Athlete’s sample collected during Doping Control. However, it’s not just a positive test that can result in a sanction. In fact, there are 11 Anti-Doping Rule Violations: Presence of a prohibited substance in an Athlete’s sample Use or attempted use of a prohibited substance or method Refusal to submit to sample collection after being notified Failure to file Athlete whereabouts information & missed tests Tampering with any part of the doping control process Possession of a prohibited substance or method Trafficking a prohibited substance or method Administering or attempting to administer a prohibited substance or method to an Athlete Complicity in an ADRV Prohibited association with sanctioned Athlete Support Personnel Discourage or Retaliate other Persons from reporting relevant Anti-Doping information to the authorities. Who is subject to the anti-doping rules? The first four Anti-Doping Rule Violations on the above list apply only to Athletes since they refer to the obligation not to take banned substances and the obligation to submit to testing. However, the remaining seven types of ADRVs apply to both the Athletes and the Athlete Support Personnel, such as coaches and team doctors, or anyone else working with the Athlete. National and International Federation administrators, officials and sample collection staff may also be liable for their conduct under the World Anti-Doping Code. Everybody involved in kickboxing must respect the World Anti-Doping Code and may be liable for committing an Anti-Doping Rule Violation. Who governs anti-doping? The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) is the independent international body responsible for harmonizing anti-doping policies in all sports and all countries. The World Anti-Doping Code (Code) is the core document that harmonizes anti-doping policies, rules and regulations within sport organizations around the world. The Code is supplemented by 8 International Standards, including the Prohibited List that is updated at least annually. As a Signatory of the World Anti-Doping Code, WAKO is responsible for implementing an effective and Code-compliant anti-doping program for the sport of kickboxing. WAKO has therefore delegated the management of its clean sport activities to the International Testing Agency (ITA), an independent organisation that manages anti-doping programs on behalf of International Federations and Major Event Organisers. WAKO’s anti-doping program is not limited to doping controls, it also includes activities like Risk Assessment, management of Therapeutic Use Exemptions (TUEs) for international-level Athletes, Results Management and Education.

Learn about WAKO’s Whereabouts and Registered Testing Pool (RTP) programs, ensuring transparency and compliance in kickboxing. Whereabouts & RTP Whereabouts As per WADC 5.5, WAKO has established a WAKO Registered Testing Pool of those Athletes who are required to provide whereabouts information in the manner specified in the International Standard for Testing and Investigations and who shall be subject to Consequences for DC 2.4 violations as provided in DC 10.3.2. WAKO shall coordinate with National Anti-Doping Organizations to identify such Athletes and to collect their whereabouts information. As per WADC 5.5, and in accordance with the International Standard for Testing and Investigations, it is the responsibility of each Athlete in the WAKO Registered Testing Pool to: (a) advise WAKO of his or her whereabouts on a quarterly basis, update that information as necessary so that it remains accurate and complete at all times; (b) make himself or herself available for Testing at such whereabouts. Definition of International-level athlete Within the overall pool of Athletes set out above who are bound by and required to comply with these Anti-Doping Rules, the following Athletes shall be considered to be International-Level Athletes for purposes of these Anti-Doping Rules, and therefore the specific provisions in these Anti-Doping Rules applicable to International-Level Athletes (e.g. Testing, TUEs, whereabouts information, Results Management, and appeals) shall apply to such Athletes: 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. ADAMS The Web-based functionality ADAMS allows athletes to comply with the whereabouts rules of their sport by entering their information from anywhere in the world. Additionally, ADAMS supports the delegation of this responsibility to an authorized representative such as team manager, agent or other third party. Athletes can also modify their whereabouts through the use of SMS messaging to ADAMS. The system is available in various languages (English, French, Spanish, Chinese, Russian, Arabic, Dutch, German, Japanese, etc.). Athlete’s information form on ADAMS Athlete can login into ADAMS and find some help on: Website Who uses ADAMS and why? ADAMS is used by athletes, ADOs and their delegates, and WADA-accredited laboratories and WADA-approved laboratories for the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) to support their day-to-day responsibilities related to anti-doping. For athletes, ADAMS is used for submitting their whereabouts. ADAMS can also be used for athletes to manage the application and recognition of TUEs. ADAMS allows ADOs to coordinate and manage: Athletes under their jurisdiction, including accessing athlete Whereabouts TUEs Test planning and execution Results Management ABP ADAMS is essential for laboratories and Athlete Passport Management Units (APMU) reporting and interpreting results. ADAMS facilitates paperless doping control (sample collection) through the DCO Central app. The module supports: Athlete Notification Form Doping Control Form (DCF) Chain of Custody Unsuccessful attempt (related to Whereabouts) Athlete refusal Doping Control Officer (DCO) Report

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.

Discover WAKO’s safeguarding policies and initiatives designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and rights of all kickboxing participants. Safeguarding Dear WAKO Members, We wish to inform you that, on March 12, 2022, the WAKO Board of Directors has approved the attached WAKO Safeguarding Policy aimed at protecting and safeguarding athletes and youth from harassment and abuse in sport. WAKO Safeguarding Policy applies to all WAKO Members (including the National Federation Members – “NF(s) and the Individual Affiliated Members and Minors) participating in any WAKO Event. According to the said Policy, each NF and/or promoter of any WAKO Events must acknowledge the same and undertake to implement it during each WAKO Event by appointing the WAKO Safeguarding Committee and the WAKO Minors Protection Officer before each WAKO Event. The names of the members of the WAKO Safeguarding Committee and WAKO Minors Protection Officer shall be formally communicated to WAKO Administration before each WAKO Event takes place. WAKO Safeguarding Committee shall be composed (at least) of the following persons: 1. a member of the security of the WAKO Event 2. one or more members of WAKO Organizing Committee attending the WAKO Event 3. WAKO Minors protection Officer The role of the Safeguarding Committee is to serve in a neutral, unbiased capacity to receive complaints, assist in an informal resolution of complaints and investigate formal written complaints. In carrying out its duties under the Policy, the Safeguarding Committee shall be directly responsible to the WAKO Disciplinary Committee and WAKO Legal Committee. WAKO Minors Protection Officer shall be appointed at any WAKO Event. Before each WAKO Event takes place, the name and contacts (telephone number, email) of WAKO Minors Protection Officer shall be communicated to all NFs participating in the relevant WAKO Event. NFs shall be responsible to train and inform (in writing) all Minors of their teams participating to the WAKO Events that WAKO Minors Protection Officer is available to provide with any support needed in case of occurrence of any situation which may give rise to the application of the Policy. NF or the promoter of the WAKO Event will provide to the Minors participating to the WAKO Event clear instructions on the name and modalities to contact the WAKO Minors Protection Officer. We trust that the implementation of this Policy will bring more protection to our athletes and minors during any WAKO Event. It is fundamental that each WAKO Member complies with the requirements set forth by the said Policy. WAKO Women Committee and WAKO Legal Committee are available to provide full support to WAKO Members in connection with the effective implementation of the provisions of the Policy. Yours faithfully, Roy Baker WAKO President WAKO Safeguarding Policy_19.04.2023 (260 KB) Safeguarding_General Safety (660 KB)

Review WAKO’s Privacy Policy to understand how we collect, use, and protect your personal information in accordance with global standards. Privacy Policy A legal disclaimer The explanations and information provided on this page are only general and high-level explanations and information on how to write your own document of a Privacy Policy. You should not rely on this article as legal advice or as recommendations regarding what you should actually do, because we cannot know in advance what are the specific privacy policies you wish to establish between your business and your customers and visitors. We recommend that you seek legal advice to help you understand and to assist you in the creation of your own Privacy Policy. Privacy Policy - the basics Having said that, a privacy policy is a statement that discloses some or all of the ways a website collects, uses, discloses, processes, and manages the data of its visitors and customers. It usually also includes a statement regarding the website’s commitment to protecting its visitors’ or customers’ privacy, and an explanation about the different mechanisms the website is implementing in order to protect privacy. Different jurisdictions have different legal obligations of what must be included in a Privacy Policy. You are responsible to make sure you are following the relevant legislation to your activities and location. What to include in the Privacy Policy Generally speaking, a Privacy Policy often addresses these types of issues: the types of information the website is collecting and the manner in which it collects the data; an explanation about why is the website collecting these types of information; what are the website’s practices on sharing the information with third parties; ways in which your visitors an customers can exercise their rights according to the relevant privacy legislation; the specific practices regarding minors’ data collection; and much much more. To learn more about this, check out our article “Creating a Privacy Policy ”.

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 India Open International Kickboxing Cup 2026 Wed 04 Feb Delhi 04 Feb 2026, 09:10 – 08 Feb 2026, 17:30 Delhi, KD Jadhav, Wrestling Indoor Stadium, IG Indoor Stadium, ITO, Vikram Nagar, Delhi, 110002, India More info Details WAKO World Championship Fri 21 Nov Abu Dhabi 21 Nov 2025, 08:30 – 30 Nov 2025, 07:30 Abu Dhabi, Al Khaleej Al Arabi St - Al Rawdah - Al Ma'arid - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates More info Details SLOVENIA OPEN WAKO TOURNAMENT OFFICIAL INVITATION Sat 15 Nov Zagorje ob Savi 15 Nov 2025, 09:00 – 18:00 Zagorje ob Savi, Cesta 9. avgusta 44a, 1410 Zagorje ob Savi, Slovenia More info Details Uzbekistan Kickboxing World Cup Tue 07 Oct Tashkent, Uzbekistan 07 Oct 2025, 09:00 – 12 Oct 2025, 17:30 Tashkent, 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.

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.

Discover WAKO’s commitment to integrity, promoting transparency, accountability, and ethical conduct in kickboxing worldwide. Integrity: Upholding the Highest Standards in Sport WAKO is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of integrity within the sport of kickboxing. Our commitment to transparency, fairness, and ethical conduct is fundamental to safeguarding the integrity of our competitions and ensuring that all participants, from athletes to referees, uphold these values. In this section, you will find important documents and guidelines that outline the rules and codes of conduct for referees, athletes, and officials. These documents are designed to prevent manipulation, promote fairness, and ensure that the spirit of competition remains untarnished. WAKO Referee Rules 05.11.2020 (2 MB) Integrity Of Results (699 KB) WAKO Integrity Code Of Conduct (655 KB) WAKO Declaration of Integrity (505 KB) WAKO Referee’s Code Of Conduct 2020 (290 KB) IOC code on prevention of the manipulation of competitions 2015 (84 KB)

Meet the WAKO Safeguarding Committee. Dedicated to protecting athletes, coaches & officials with global policies, education, and reporting systems. Safeguarding Committee Violence in Sport