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

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)

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.

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

Understand the rights and responsibilities of athletes, support personnel, and stakeholders under the World Anti-Doping Code. Promoting fair play in kickboxing. Rights And Responsibilities Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel and other groups who are subject to anti-doping rules all have rights and responsibilities under the World Anti-Doping Code. Part Three of the Code outlines all the roles and responsibilities of each stakeholder in the anti-doping system. It is especially important that Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel know and understand Code Art. 21 (Additional Roles and Responsibilities of Athletes and Other Persons), particularly Art. 21.1 (Roles and Responsibilities of Athletes), Art. 21.2 (Roles and Responsibilities of Athlete Support Personnel) and Art. 21.3 (Roles and Responsibilities of Other Persons Subject to the Code). Athletes’ Rights This section presents a summary of the key Athlete rights. It is important that both Athletes and Athlete Support Personnel know and understand these. Ensuring that Athletes are aware of their rights and these are respected is vital to the success of clean sport. Athlete rights exist throughout the Code and International Standards and they include: Equality of opportunity Equitable and Fair Testing programs Medical treatment and protection of health rights Right to justice Right to accountability Whistleblower rights Right to education Right to data protection Rights to compensation Protected Persons Rights Rights during a Sample Collection Session Right to B sample analysis Other rights and freedoms not affected Application and standing The Athletes’ Anti-Doping Rights Act sets out these rights and responsibilities. Athletes’ Responsibilities It is equally important that Athletes are aware of their anti-doping responsibilities. Athlete Support Personnel should also familiarise themselves with these in order to be able to support their Athletes. These include: Knowing and following WAKO Anti-Doping Rules and any other applicable Anti-Doping Rules Taking full responsibility for what you ingest – make sure that no prohibited substance enters your body and that no prohibited methods are used Informing medical personnel of your obligations as an Athlete Cooperating with WAKO and other Anti-Doping Organisations (WADA, ITA, NADOs) Being available for sample collection Not working with coaches, trainers, physicians or other Athlete Support Personnel who are ineligible on account of an ADRV, or who have been criminally convicted or disciplined in relation to doping. Further details of these roles and responsibilities can be found in Code Art. 21.1. Rights and Responsibilities of Athlete Support Personnel and other groups Like Athletes, Athlete Support Personnel and other members of WAKO also have rights and responsibilities as per the Code. These include: Being knowledgeable of anti-doping policies and rules which are applicable to you or the Athlete(s) you support Using your influence on Athlete values and behaviours to foster anti-doping attitudes Complying with all anti-doping policies and rules which are applicable to you or the Athlete(s) you support Cooperating with the Athlete testing program Disclosing to WAKO and the NADO whether you have committed any Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) within the previous ten years Cooperating with anti-doping organisations investigating ADRVs Further details of these roles and responsibilities can be found in Code Art. 21.2 and 21.3. The Principle of Strict Liability Athletes are at the heart of clean sport. Their actions, behaviors and choices are fundamental as to ensure a doping-free sport. The Principle of Strict Liability stipulates that Athletes are solely responsible for the presence of any banned substance in their organisms, regardless of how the substance got there or whether there was the intention to cheat. As an Athlete it is therefore necessary to: know and respect the anti-doping sporting rules; always be willing to undergo doping controls; take responsibility for what is ingested or consumed; inform your Support Personnel that you are prohibited from using substances or methods prohibited under the WADA List; ensure that any medical treatment you receive does not lead to an anti-doping rule violations; inform NADO and your International Federation of any anti-doping rule violations committed in the last ten years; collaborate with NADO in the investigation of anti-doping rule violations; disclose the identity of its Support Personnel at the request of NADO.

Use WAKO’s confidential whistleblowing platform to report misconduct or breaches of policy, ensuring integrity and fairness in kickboxing. Whistleblowing At WAKO, we are committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in our organization. To ensure these values are maintained, we provide a secure and confidential platform for reporting any suspected misconduct or breaches of policy. Our Whistleblowing Policy, approved by the WAKO Board, allows athletes, coaches, officials, and all members to report concerns safely and anonymously if desired. Your voice matters, and this platform is here to protect the integrity of kickboxing globally. Whistleblowing Committee Members: Chairwoman Mrs. Francesca Falsoni (Italy) Members Mrs. Lucinda Edwards (Great Britain) Mr. Istvan Kiraly (Hungary) Mr. Aslam Mahomed (South Africa) Mr. Dario Alvarado (Venezuela) Contact: whistleblowing@wako.sport Report a Concern If you have concerns or wish to report misconduct, please use our dedicated Whistleblowing platform via the link below. Your report will be handled with strict confidentiality. https://it.surveymonkey.com/r/NKC6KNZ WAKO Whistleblowing Policy_FINAL.docx(187 KB) WAKO Whistleblowing Policy_FINAL.pdf (387 KB)

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

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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.

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