68 results found with an empty search
- Disqualified Athletes - WAKO Anti-Doping Compliance
Access the list of disqualified athletes under WAKO’s anti-doping regulations, promoting transparency and fair competition in kickboxing. Disqualified Athletes Here below you can download a document containing a list of persons whose punishment for the violation of anti-doping rules is currently running. National and International sport association in charge, as well as WADA, can request data of persons whose punishment for violation of anti-doping rules has expired, in accordance with Law. Disqualified Athletes_update 25.07.2025.pdf
- Official Results - WAKO Kickboxing Competitions
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
- Board of Directors - Leadership of WAKO Kickboxing
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
- Safeguarding - Protecting Athletes in Kickboxing | WAKO
Discover WAKO’s safeguarding policies and initiatives designed to ensure the safety, well-being, and rights of all kickboxing participants. Safeguarding WAKO is dedicated to maintaining the highest standards of safeguarding within the sport of kickboxing. Our commitment to ethical conduct is fundamental in protecting the integrity of our competitions and ensuring that all participants uphold these values. In this section, you will find safeguarding policies and documents that outline the codes of conduct for all participants in sport. These materials are designed to prevent violence, harassment, abuse, and any potential risks, while promoting a safe environment, inclusiveness, and ensuring that the spirit of competition remains untarnished. General Safeguarding Policy Of the Events In WAKO WAKO Safeguarding policy to protect participants in sport from harassment, abuse, neglect and other kinds of violence
- Ethics & Disciplinary Rules - WAKO Kickboxing
Explore WAKO’s Ethics and Disciplinary Rules, ensuring fair play, integrity, and accountability across the global kickboxing community. Ethical and Disciplinary Rules: Promoting Fairness and Accountability WAKO is committed to ensuring that all participants in the sport of kickboxing adhere to the highest ethical standards. The Ethical and Disciplinary Rules serve as the foundation for maintaining fairness, respect, and accountability within the organization. These rules are in place to guide behavior, address misconduct, and ensure that the sport is practiced in a safe and honorable manner. The documents in this section provide detailed guidelines on ethical conduct and the disciplinary procedures that WAKO follows in case of violations. They cover everything from general principles of fair play to the processes for handling breaches of ethics. By adhering to these rules, WAKO ensures that all athletes, coaches, officials, and stakeholders contribute to a culture of integrity and respect, upholding the values of the sport at all levels. WAKO Code of Ethics_amended 23.07.2022 (521 KB) WAKO Dispute Resolution_amended 23.07.2022 (161 KB) WAKO Disciplinary Code_amended 25.02.2024 (253 KB) IOC code on prevention of the manipulation of competitions 2015 (84 KB) (84 KB)
- Sponsors - Driving the Future of Kickboxing | WAKO
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.
- How to Join WAKO – Become an Official Member Country or Federation
Learn how to join WAKO and represent your country. Step-by-step process to become a recognized kickboxing federation. Join WAKO Under this section it is possible to find a summary of all the required documents and information to submit a membership application as it is indicated in the WAKO Statutes. Please go through the WAKO Statutes and read especially CHAPTER II, Articles 8 and 9. Here below you can find an extract of the article 9, according to which it is necessary to submit all the information and documentation as listed below (a, b, c, d, e f, g, h) that shall be sent to: WAKO Administrative Office – administration@wako.sport Article 9. Application Procedures 1. National Federations wishing to be admitted as Provisional Members or Full Members by WAKO must pay the relevant application fee payment, which in the event of acceptance of the application will be applied as the first year’s membership fee. 2. The application shall include the following mandatory information/documentation of the applicant (if not in English, to be provided with an English certified translation) to be provided to the Administrative Office: a. a copy of the statutes, regulations and directives of the applicant; b. a chart of the applicant’s organizational structure (including staff), with detailed explanations regarding the composition of its governing bodies, and a list of all its members; c. information as to the recognition of the relevant applicant by the National Olympic Committee of the relevant country; d. information regarding the Sport of Kickboxing activities and relevant events organized by the applicant in the last two years; e. a copy of the audited financial statements of the last two years; f. declaration to accept, recognize and always comply with WAKO Statutes and WAKO regulations, as well as all directives and decisions, as adopted or resolved by the Board of directors; g. declaration to accept that any disputes have to be exclusively solved in accordance with Article 56 of these Statutes; h. any other document relevant in connection with the application and required by the Board of Directors. For information about the application fee as Full Member (in case the association/federation of the applicant has already been officially recognized by its National Olympic Committee or any other national sport authority) or as Provisional member (if not recognized yet by NOC or any other national sport authority) please contact: administration@wako.sport According to the recognition status it is necessary to provide with the payment of the membership application fee, that will be valid as first year membership, to the following bank details: Beneficiary: WAKO IF Bank: Allied Irish Bank Bank Address: Main Street, Leixlip Co Kildare, Ireland IBAN: IE14 AIBK 9336 3531 6570 54 Swift Code: AIBKIE2D WAKO’s legal address: Bahnhofstrasse 23, 6300 Zug CH, Switzerland ATTENTION Please note that the amount received must be in Euro and fully paid, any bank charges or eventual provision due to the currency exchange is on the applicant’s expenses. The annual payment of the membership fee is mandatory for participation to any WAKO IF and WAKO Continental event.
- Official Disciplinary Decisions - WAKO Kickboxing
Access WAKO’s official disciplinary decisions, ensuring transparency and accountability in maintaining the integrity of kickboxing. Official Disciplinary Decisions Decision by DEC_Galin Dimov_25.04.2026 Decision by DEC_Galin Dimov_29.04.2026 2026_ Decisions by Disciplinary and Ethical Committee 2025_ Decisions by Disciplinary and Ethical Committee 2024_ Decisions by Disciplinary and Ethical Committee Mr. Francis Mcardle 12.2024 Chinese Taipei Association 12.2024 Mr. Imre Kovacs 12.2024 Mr. Jörg Barutzki 12.2024 OFFICIAL DISCIPLINARY DECISIONS Under this section you can find: – Official decisions taken by the WAKO Disciplinary Committee WAKO Hungary 12.2024 Mr. Nikos Memmos 12.2024 Mrs. Eleftheria Panagopoulou 12.2024 WAKO Asia / WAKO Taipei12.2024 Marek Melko_Decision 11.11.2024 (1.24 MB) Arbis Vjerdha_Decision 10.05.2023 (770 KB) Krisztian Jaroszkievic_Decision 21.08.2022 (286 KB) Ali Jafarov_Decision 06.12.2021 (148 KB) Krisztian Jaroszkievic_Decision 21.03.2023 (788 KB) WAKO Hungary_Decision 21.08.2022 (288 KB) Krisztian Jaroszkievic_Decision 17.10.2021 (154 KB)
- About WAKO - The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations
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.
- Fair Play - Promoting Integrity in Kickboxing | WAKO
Learn about WAKO’s commitment to fair play through its partnership with the International Fair Play Committee, fostering respect and integrity in kickboxing. WAKO Fair Play WAKO and the Spirit of Fair Play WAKO is a proud long-term partner of the International Fair Play Committee (CIFP) and is deeply committed to promoting the values of fair play in kickboxing and beyond. The mission of CIFP is to preserve and promote respect for the spirit of fair play, not only in elite sports but in everyday life. This means adhering to both written and unwritten rules, showing respect for opponents, and rejecting violence and doping. CIFP works closely with national governing bodies, including ministries, Olympic committees, sports federations, and media organizations, to foster the development of national fair play committees worldwide. WAKO is honored to be part of this movement, working to build a foundation for fair play in sports. Fair Play Values The CIFP and WAKO emphasize the following core values that embody fair play in sport and society: Fair Competition: Triumph must come through honesty and just play. Respect: Fair play requires unconditional respect for all, from opponents to referees and fans. Friendship: Rivalry on the field doesn’t exclude friendship off it. Team Spirit: Success is greater when shared with a team. Equality: True competition can only happen on equal terms. Integrity: Strong moral principles are essential for fair play. Solidarity: Supporting others leads to mutual success. Tolerance: Accepting decisions you may not agree with fosters self-control. Care: Champions recognize the support and care that got them where they are. Excellence: Sport pushes us toward human excellence. Joy: True joy comes not from victory, but from playing well. Fair Play in Action WAKO and CIFP collaborate to promote fair play through various initiatives, teaching young athletes, coaches, and sports professionals about the importance of integrity in sport. Fair play isn’t just for the elite—it’s for everyone. Watch inspiring examples of Fair Play in Action: Fair Play Videos Explore real-life examples of acts of fair play: Watch here WAKO Fair Play Award WAKO, in partnership with CIFP, has introduced a Fair Play Award to recognize individuals who exemplify the values of fair play. This prestigious award has been given to the following individuals: 2016: Romeo Desa, Croatia 2019: Ali Hussein, Syria Get Involved with Fair Play Stay connected and informed through Fair Play’s social media channels: Facebook Instagram Twitter LinkedIn YouTube Fair Play Resources Fair Play Handbook: Download the full handbook [here] (pdf). Test your knowledge with the Fair Play Quiz: Start the quiz . Fair Play and Society Fair play contributes to building a better society by fostering respect, tolerance, and integrity. Learn more about the impact of fair play here: Fair Play Society . Fair Play Handbook English (3 MB) WAKO Fair Play Award_4.06.2016 (918 KB) WAKO Policy Fair Play_4.06.2016 (783 KB)
- About WAKO - The Story Behind Kickboxing’s Global Leader
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.
- GameChangers - Shaping the Future of Kickboxing Leadership | WAKO
Discover WAKO’s GameChangers program, empowering young leaders with skills, innovation, and opportunities to shape the future of kickboxing. GameChangers WHAT IS WAKO GAMECHANGERS? WAKO GameChangers (WGC) is a development concept in WAKO. It is established under the Athlete Corner umbrella, WAKOs learn and share concept and it is built on the pillar to educate and develop future leaders in our sport. In addition, the concept are meant to improve the culture, to trigger the pride and curiosity among the WAKO youth and to act preventive. The future generation are the asset to secure a sustainable development of WAKO as a whole. The WGC are designed as a management development program to learn about WAKO and international sport and the Olympic movement. It is also meant to strengthen good governance, transparency, integrity, involvement and communication. To support potential and future leaders in Sport. 2 editions of this program have been organized GameChangers.Lausanne.Report.6.12.24.pdf (3.6MB) WAKO.GC.REPORT.28.10.2022.pdf (3.7 MB) GameChangers.Lausanne.Report.6.12.24 (1).pdf (3.6 MB) GameChanger.Report.Budapest.24.2.24.pdf (2.8 MB) Report GameChangers meeting Budapest 2021..pdf (2.7 MB)

