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 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.

Explore WAKO's Women in Sport Committee, dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women in kickboxing. Learn about initiatives, events, and opportunities to support female athletes worldwide. WAKO para kickboxing The WAKO Women in sport Committee is one of the expert’s committees in WAKO, established in 2016, aimed for promotion of gender equality and generation equity in kickboxing. CAMPAIGNS Women in sport Committee is organizing various campaigns for promoting gender equality and raising awareness about global phenomena such as: Emowering women in sport – Her win, Our win climate changes – WAKO for Climate, health - WAKO Women against Cancer, pandemic - Be Positive, Stay Negative, breaking stereotypes about gender roles – He For She, stopping violence against women and girls – UN Orange Day, sustainable development - Plastic is NOT fantastic and many, many others, mostly the ones which affects women and girls in everyday life. All of the campaigns had accompanying actions in occasion of the World and Continental Championships. MONITORING Concerning kickboxing sport, the Committee is monitoring all legal documents of WAKO concerning the position and the representation of women in the decision making bodies of WAKO and its Committees. The focus of the Committee is attainability of the tournaments in the world to women and girls. The Committee also controls management of kickboxing tournaments if they meet the particular needs of women and girls and provide them safety in sport. INCREASE OF PARTICIPATION In WAKO, we already have participants of both genders, and Committee aims to increase the participation of women in all kickboxing disciplines, as well as referees in the ring and tatami, coaches and officials. BRIGHTON PLUS SIGNATORIES On the initiative of Women in sport Committee, in March 2017 WAKO have signed Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration on Women and Sport which is a summary document how to develop a sporting culture to grant women and girls equality in sport at all levels of participation. CONFERENCE The Committee organized The 1st WAKO Women in Sport Conference on 18th May 2018 in the occasion of WAKO World Kickboxing Cup in Budapest. The Conference was organized in two parts. The first part was separated in three sections: Introduction of the WAKO Women Committee Chairwomen Mrs. Katarzyna Kociszewska, activities and the future goals. Lecture by Ms. Alicja Sekret, presenter of "Breastfit" the OnkoCafe Foundation from Poland with "Self control- early detection of breast cancer" as the part of the global campaign "WAKO Women against cancer". Expert speaker Ms. Dorota Godzina, former kickboxing champion and expert dietitian with a lecture “Sudden weight loss and consequences for women's health”. The second part of the programme was introduction of Mrs. Marijana Pelevic, WAKO Women Committee member about ongoing Conference of International working group of women and sport (IWG) and the reflection on the activities of WAKO at the GAISF Sport Conference in Bangkok in April 2018. WORKSHOPS The Committee occasionally organizes workshops “How to involve more women in organizational structures in WAKO”. SAFEGUARDING POLICY The focus of the Committee was to create WAKO Safeguarding Policy to cover all aspects of the safeguarding policies and procedures in protecting kickboxing athletes, especially minors, from any kind of harassment during WAKO events. As a result, on March 12, 2022, the WAKO Board of Directors has approved the WAKO Safeguarding Policy of protecting and safeguarding athletes from harassment and abuse in sport. The Women in Sport Committee representatives presents the most important aspects of the Safeguarding Policy during the main WAKO events of the year. Manual Coach Parakickboxing_2025_english Manual Entrenadoresparakickboxing_2025_spanish WAKO Women in Sport Committee workshop 2021_summary.pdf Brighton Plus Declaration Helsinki signed.pdf Brighton-plus-Helsinki-2014-Declaration-on-Women-and-Sport.pdf 1st WAKO Women Conference.pdf useful link: 10-principles-of-the-brighton-plus-helsinki-declaration

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)

Explore WAKO's Women in Sport Committee, dedicated to promoting gender equality and empowering women in kickboxing. Learn about initiatives, events, and opportunities to support female athletes worldwide. WAKO Women in Sport Committee The WAKO Women in sport Committee is one of the expert’s committees in WAKO, established in 2016, aimed for promotion of gender equality and generation equity in kickboxing. CAMPAIGNS Women in sport Committee is organizing various campaigns for promoting gender equality and raising awareness about global phenomena such as: Emowering women in sport – Her win, Our win climate changes – WAKO for Climate, health - WAKO Women against Cancer, pandemic - Be Positive, Stay Negative, breaking stereotypes about gender roles – He For She, stopping violence against women and girls – UN Orange Day, sustainable development - Plastic is NOT fantastic and many, many others, mostly the ones which affects women and girls in everyday life. All of the campaigns had accompanying actions in occasion of the World and Continental Championships. MONITORING Concerning kickboxing sport, the Committee is monitoring all legal documents of WAKO concerning the position and the representation of women in the decision making bodies of WAKO and its Committees. The focus of the Committee is attainability of the tournaments in the world to women and girls. The Committee also controls management of kickboxing tournaments if they meet the particular needs of women and girls and provide them safety in sport. INCREASE OF PARTICIPATION In WAKO, we already have participants of both genders, and Committee aims to increase the participation of women in all kickboxing disciplines, as well as referees in the ring and tatami, coaches and officials. BRIGHTON PLUS SIGNATORIES On the initiative of Women in sport Committee, in March 2017 WAKO have signed Brighton Plus Helsinki 2014 Declaration on Women and Sport which is a summary document how to develop a sporting culture to grant women and girls equality in sport at all levels of participation. CONFERENCE The Committee organized The 1st WAKO Women in Sport Conference on 18th May 2018 in the occasion of WAKO World Kickboxing Cup in Budapest. The Conference was organized in two parts. The first part was separated in three sections: Introduction of the WAKO Women Committee Chairwomen Mrs. Katarzyna Kociszewska, activities and the future goals. Lecture by Ms. Alicja Sekret, presenter of "Breastfit" the OnkoCafe Foundation from Poland with "Self control- early detection of breast cancer" as the part of the global campaign "WAKO Women against cancer". Expert speaker Ms. Dorota Godzina, former kickboxing champion and expert dietitian with a lecture “Sudden weight loss and consequences for women's health”. The second part of the programme was introduction of Mrs. Marijana Pelevic, WAKO Women Committee member about ongoing Conference of International working group of women and sport (IWG) and the reflection on the activities of WAKO at the GAISF Sport Conference in Bangkok in April 2018. WORKSHOPS The Committee occasionally organizes workshops “How to involve more women in organizational structures in WAKO”. SAFEGUARDING POLICY The focus of the Committee was to create WAKO Safeguarding Policy to cover all aspects of the safeguarding policies and procedures in protecting kickboxing athletes, especially minors, from any kind of harassment during WAKO events. As a result, on March 12, 2022, the WAKO Board of Directors has approved the WAKO Safeguarding Policy of protecting and safeguarding athletes from harassment and abuse in sport. The Women in Sport Committee representatives presents the most important aspects of the Safeguarding Policy during the main WAKO events of the year. WAKO Women in Sport Committee workshop 2021_summary.pdf Brighton Plus Declaration Helsinki signed.pdf Brighton-plus-Helsinki-2014-Declaration-on-Women-and-Sport.pdf 1st WAKO Women Conference.pdf useful link: 10-principles-of-the-brighton-plus-helsinki-declaration

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Explore WAKO’s Intelligence and Investigations initiatives, aimed at upholding fairness, integrity, and transparency in global kickboxing. Intelligence & Investigations TO ALL WAKO MEMBERS Help us protect the clean athlete and the integrity of sport. Every time someone steps forward with information on doping, we move closer to a clean and fair playing field for all. It is possibe to send anonymous information through REVEAL – ITA’s reporting platform intended for athletes and others to report: alleged Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) under the World Anti-Doping Code (Code); non-compliance violations under the Code; or, any act or omission that could undermine the fight against doping in sport. It is also possible to report or share any information about possible Antidoping Rules Violation, even anonymously, to the following email address: privacy@wako.sport Only the members of WAKO Integrity Panel will have access to this information.

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.

Meet WAKO’s Athletes’ Committee, dedicated to representing the voice of athletes, promoting their well-being, and driving positive change in kickboxing. Athletes’ Committee WAKO’s mission is to place the Athletes at the heart of the Sport of Kickboxing. We are the Athletes’ Committee (WAKO AC) that serves as a link between the most important unit of the organization, the Athletes and WAKO. We make sure that the Kickboxers’ voices are heard and taking into proper consideration. Our motto is “ATHLETES FIRST” as without the athletes, there would be no need for sports organizations at all. Our mission is to ▪ Support and protect clean and fair sport ▪ Empower and ensure Athlete representation in the WAKO decision-making processes ▪ Support Athlete development in their sporting and non-sporting careers (Dual Career) ▪ Provide advices to the WAKO Board of Directors and maintain close cooperation with the WAKO Committees ▪ Ensure direct communication between the Athletes and WAKO ▪ Maintain a link with the IOC Athletes’ Commission ▪ Engage in relevant athlete-related projects If you are an Athlete, you can directly contact your country’s WAKO National Federation for more information on the national athletes’ committee or feel free to contact us for general guidance regarding athlete related issues on ATHLETESCOMMITTEE@WAKO.SPORT #HearYourVoice #WAKOkickboxing #WAKOAC #ATHLETESFIRST Useful links Athlete365 Discover the official community for elite Athletes and Olympians & download the APP IOC Athletes’ Commission WADA Discover the website of the World Ani-Doping Agency & download the APP WAKO Committees Check out the Members of the WAKO AC WAKO Rules Including the WAKO Anti Doping Rules & Equipment Book WAKO Policies Including the WAKO Guidelines Athletes Committee

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)

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