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 full calendar of events, including championships, seminars, online courses, and more. Stay updated on global kickboxing activities. WAKO Calendar 2026 - update January 2026 Upcoming WAKO Events January 2026 Today Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 1 2 3 4 Day (1/5) WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Cup 2026 +1 more 5 Day (2/5) WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Cup 2026 +1 more 6 Day (3/5) WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Cup 2026 +1 more 7 Day (4/5) WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Cup 2026 +1 more 8 Day (5/5) WAKO India Open International Kickboxing Cup 2026 +1 more WAKO Age and Weight Categories 2025 WAKO Calendar at 31.12.2025 - FINAL

Meet the WAKO Committees driving the development and governance of kickboxing worldwide. Explore their roles and contributions. WAKO Committees WAKO’s Committees play a vital role in shaping the organization’s policies, initiatives, and growth. Comprised of experts and representatives from across the kickboxing community, each committee focuses on specific areas such as rules, athlete development, integrity, and governance. These dedicated teams ensure that WAKO operates at the highest standards, promoting fairness, inclusivity, and excellence in the sport of kickboxing worldwide. Athletes Committee Chairman Mr. Zsolt Moradi (Hungary) Members Mr. Juan Leonardo Corrales (Argentina) Mr. Andres Garcia Gandara (Guatemala) Ms. Guillermina Barat (Argentina) Mr. Mahmoud Alkhatib (Jordan) Ms. Sumaya Aldabbagh (Saudi Arabia) Mr. Kian Golpira (Norway) Ms. Paulina Aleksandra Jarzmik (Poland) Ms. Meryl Swidler (USA) Mr. Alexandra Georgieva (Bulgaria) Mr. Billy Bryce (Great Britain) Mr. Cebrail Gencoglu (Turkiye) Arbitration Committee Chairman Mr. Robert Malcolm Fox (Switzerland/Jamaica) Members Mr. Joachim Knoll (Germany) Mrs. Melissa Magliana (USA/Italy/Switzerland) Mrs. Kendra Potts (UK) Mr. Andrea Gamba (Switzerland) Coaching Committee Chairman Mr. Daimi Akin (Norway) Members Mr. Michael Gerdenitsch (Austria) Mr. Samuel Gagnon (Canada) Mrs. Julia Irmen (Germany) Mrs. Sharon Gill (Great Britain) Mr. Nikos Memmos (Greece) Mr. Mehrdad Khoshsolook (Iran) Mr. Hawbeer Abdullah Salam Salihi (Iraq) Mr. Dave Heffernan (Ireland) Mr. Roberto Capogna (Italy) Mr. Radoslaw Laskowski (Poland) Mr. Dejan Pavic (Serbia) Mrs. Seda Duygu Aygun (Turkey) Development Committee Chairman Mr. Espen Lund (Norway) Vice Chairman Mr. Zsolt Moradi (Hungary) Members Mr. Nazri Sutari (Singapore) Mrs. Angelina Pelevic (Serbia) Mrs. Lucia Feckova (Slovakya) Mr. A’day Ali Abdulraheem Almaharmeh (Jordan) Mr. Elijah Everill (Great Britain) Mr. Timothy Bos (Italy) Mr. Andres Garcia (Guatemala) Mr. Parfait Doukrou (Ivory Coast) Mr. Kaan Ozgur Kayici (Turkey) Mr. Soren Koefoed (Denmark) Education & Student Committee Chairman Mr. Dino Belosevic (Croatia) Members Mr. Jake Riddell (Ireland) Mr. Cebrail Gencoglu (Turkey) Mrs. Valencia Yip (Singapore) Mr. Matej Babic (Croatia) Entourage Committee Chairman Mr. Espen Lund (Norway) Members Mr. Zsolt Moradi (Hungary) Mr. Daimi Akin (Norway) Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Mrs. Katarzyna Kociszewska-Palacz (Poland) Mr. Yury Lakhtikov (Estonia) Mr. Massimiliano Bianco (Italy) Disciplinary and Ethical Committee Chairman Mr. Nikolaus Gstaettner (Austria) Members Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Mr. Thomas Steenberg (Norway) Mr. Kiandro Lebon (Belgium) Mr. Lamija Ogric (Bosnia and Herzegovina) Mrs. Rabia Ozge Kayici (Turkey) Grading Syllabus and Standards Committee Chairman Mr. Tomaz Barada (Slovenia) Members Mr. Pablo Acuna (Chile) Mr. Willem Jacob Bos (Italy) Mr. Nizar Taleb (Palestine) Mrs. Denitsa Milenkova (Bulgaria) Mrs. Eleftheria Panagopoulou (Greece) Mr. Peter Edwards (Great Britain) Mr. Santosh Kumar Agrawal (India) Mr. Mark Greubel (USa) Innovation and Technology Committee Chairman Mrs. Francesca Falsoni (Italy) Members Mr. Dominik Hoelbling (Austria) Mr. Cebrail Gencoglu (Turkey) International Relation Committee Chairman Mr. Espen Lund (Norway) Members Mr. Roy Baker (Ireland) Mr. Donato Milano (Italy) Mr. Salim Kayici (Turkey) Mr. Antonios Mavrommatis (Greece) Legal Committee Chairwoman Mrs. Francesca Falsoni (Italy) Members Mr. Nikolaus Gstaettner (Austria) Mr. Kiandro Lebon (Belgium) Media Committee Chairwoman Mrs. Marijana Pelevic (Serbia) Members Mrs. Barbara Falsoni (Italy) Mr. Danny Slevin (Ireland) Mr. Marek Krugol (Estonia) Medical, Health & Anti Doping Committee Chairman Mr. Massimiliano Bianco (Italy) Member, Anti-Doping Officer Mr. Gianlorenzo Daniele (USA) Members Mr. Vitale Monte (Italy) Mr. Andreas Lodrup (Norway) Mrs. Suzana Milutinovic (Serbia) Mr. Andreas Angelopoulos (Greece) Mr. Almos Gogl (Hungary) Mr. Pedro Figueiredo (Portugal) Mr. Aissar Eduardo Nassif (Brasil) Mr. Victor Hugo Garcia Camacho (Mexico) Organizing Committee Chairman Mr. Roy Baker (Ireland) Members Mr. Srdjan Bugarcic (Serbia) Mr. Nicola Traina (Italy) Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Mr. Giorgio Ceravolo (Italy) Mr. Danny Slevin (Ireland) Mr. Ilija Salerno (Ireland) Mrs. Marijana Pelevic (Serbia) Mrs. Elaine Small (Ireland) Mr. Adil Triqui (Germany) Para and Inclusive Committee Chairman Mr. Jesus Eguia Martin (Spain) Members Mrs. Seila Espinosa Alcalda (Spain) Mrs. Noemi Centeno (Spain) Mr. Daniel Lopez Alvarez (Spain) Mrs. Ana Isabel Sordo Bueno (Spain) Mr. Emmanuel Badillo (Mexico) Mr. Ahmed Alshehri (Saudi Arabia) Mr. Lucio Stella (Italy) Mr Jean-Francois Filion (Canada) Mr. Gregory (Ed) Bavelock (Australia) Professional Committee Chairman Mr. Roy Baker (Ireland) Members Mrs. Francesca Falsoni (Italy) Mr. Carlos Ramjanali (Portugal) Mr. Donato Milano (Italy) Referee Committee Ring Sports Chairman Mr. Yuri Lakhtikov (Estonia) Members Mr. Sami Savo (Finland) Mr. Zoran Simurina (Serbia) Mr. Thomas Henniger (USA) Mr. Jan Frana (Czech Republic) Mr. Mostafa Elrhannam (Morocco) Mr. Sultangali Kuandyk (Kazakhstan) Mr. Tomislav Novosel (Croatia) Ms. Michaela Kovacova (Slovakya) Mr. Gabor Szabo (Hungary) Mr. Wilson Okon (Nigeria) Mr. Vivek Sathees (India) Mr. Sahin Kocak (Turkey) Honorary Member Mr. Flavio Brivio (Italy) Referee Committee Tatami Sports Kim Kristoffersen (Norway) Chairman WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Karl Wilson Snr (Ireland) Const. Technical Director Tatami sport Jasmin Ernet (Austria) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Sean Whelan (Great Britain) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Claire Cocozza (Canada) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Ryszard Zawistowski (Poland) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Seema Saini (India) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Raymond Staut (Belgium) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Marlon Rios (Guatemala) Committee member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Thomas Steenberg (Norway) Honorary member WAKO IF Tatami Referee Committee Rules Committee Chairman Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Members Mr. Danny Slevin (Ireland) Mr. Yury Lahtikov (Estonia) Mr. Zsolt Moradi (Hungary) Mr. Kim Kristoffersen (Norway) Mr. Daimi Akin (Norway) Mr. Jesus Eguia Martin (Spain) Mr. Srdjan Bugarcic (Serbia) Event and Membership Committee Chairman Mr. Istvan Kiraly (Hungary) Members Mr. Nikolaus Gstaettner (Austria) Mr. Zsolt Moradi (Hungary) Mr. Salim Kayici (Turkey) Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Technical Committee Chairman Mr. Romeo Desa (Croatia) Members Mr. Srdjan Bugarcic (Serbia) Mr. Kai Becker (Germany) Mr. Otmar Felsberger (Austria) Mr. Santosh K. Agrawal (India) Mrs. Elaine Small (Ireland) Mr. Tom Hanniger (USA) Mr. Yury Lakhtikov (Estonia) Mr. Nizar Taleb (Palestine) Women in Sport Committee Chairwoman Mrs. Katarzyna Kociszewska (Poland) Members Mrs. Marijana Pelevic (Serbia) Mrs. Francesca Falsoni (Italy) Mrs. Sharon Gill (Great Britain) Mrs. Patrice Nadre Kevine (Ivory Coast) Mrs. Darya Strutinska (Latvia) Mrs. Valencia Yip Yin Tung (Singapore) Mrs. Alexandra Filipova (Slovakya) Mrs. Shabnum Mia (South Africa) Mrs. Christina Kostak (Ukraine) Whistleblowing Committee Chairwoman Mrs. Francesca Falsoni (Italy) Members Mrs. Lucinda Edwards (Great Britain) Mr. Istvan Kiraly (Hungary) Mr. Aslam Mahomed (South Africa) Mr. Dario Alvarado (Venezuela)

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 Events Calendar Check out the upcoming and past events of WAKO WAKO Ranking

Find WAKO’s official rules, forms, and documents, providing essential resources for athletes, coaches, and officials worldwide. Forms & Documents The Forms and Documents section provides all the necessary paperwork and resources required for athletes, coaches, and officials to participate in WAKO events. Whether you're registering for a competition, applying for a certification, or seeking official documentation, this is your go-to place for downloadable forms and essential documents. We aim to streamline processes and ensure that all participants have easy access to the materials they need. Please review the available forms to stay compliant with WAKO’s requirements. WAKO Short Privacy Notice_January 2026 (174 KB) WAKO Privacy Notice Athletes – July 2024 (231 KB) WAKO Covid 19 Questionnaire 2021 – 10.03.2021 (194 KB) WAKO Each Round Result Form 2020 (207 KB) WAKO Tournament Request Permission 2025 (727 KB) WAKO Referee’s Judges Qualification 2020 (206 KB) WAKO Medical Emergency Report 2021 (180 KB) WAKO Dental Brace Certification 2021 – 30.01.2021 (228 KB) WAKO Medical Certificate Kickboxer 2025 WAKO Medical Questionnaire 2021 – 30.01.2021 (119 KB) WAKO Parental Consent – 15.08.2021 (214 KB) WAKO Short Privacy Notice 2020 (174 KB) WAKO Referee’s Code Of Conduct 2020 (290 KB) WAKO Official Protest Form 2020 (358 KB) WAKO Seminar Request Permission 2020 (316 KB) WAKO Referee Work Order 2020 (294 KB) WAKO Head Injury Card 2021 (310 KB) WAKO Covid 19 Questionnaire 2021 -10.03.2021 (198 KB) WAKO Liability Waiver 2021 (209 KB) WAKO Medical Certificate Referee 2021 – 30.01.2021 (315 KB) WAKO Non Pregnancy Declaration 2021 – 30.01.2021 (305 KB) WAKO Scoring Papers (246 KB)

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 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 Social Links World Games 2025 winners

Review WAKO’s comprehensive policies, ensuring fairness, safety, and integrity across all aspects of kickboxing globally. WAKO Policies and Guidelines WAKO’s Policies and Guidelines outline the core principles and best practices that guide our organization’s operations both nationally and internationally. As the world governing body for kickboxing, we align our development with the Olympic Movement, ensuring that our activities reflect the values and standards set by the IOC. These guidelines are not official rules, but recommendations aimed at supporting good governance, athlete development, and ethical conduct. They encourage national federations to adopt best practices in areas such as Integrity, Fair Play, Anti-doping, Women in Sport, Medical Awareness, and more. By working together, we create a healthy, unified environment that benefits all athletes and stakeholders. We encourage national federations to utilize these guidelines and share their expertise. Updates and revisions will be made regularly, and we welcome your input to strengthen these practices further. For any comments or suggestions, please contact WAKO HQ at administration@wako.sport. Olympic Charter English (1 MB) WAKO Social Media Policy and Rules 25.02.2024(306 KB) WAKO Policy Women in Kickboxing (627 KB) WAKO Policy Match Fixing Manipulation (774 KB) WAKO Guidelines Athletes Committee (202 KB) Olympic Movement Medical Code 31 03 2016 (90 KB) WAKO Guidelines Education (695 KB) WAKO Guidelines Good Governance (53 KB) WAKO Policy Fair Play (2 MB) WAKO Guidelines Career Development (1 MB) WAKO Policy Solidarity and Social Integration (610 KB) Kickboxing Oaths (394 KB) WAKO Policy Entourage (727 KB) WAKO Policy Constant Development (610 KB) WAKO Policy Whistle-Blower (528 KB)

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 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 and General Secretary 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 President and WAKO EUROPE President 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. 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. 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