World Association of Kickboxing Organizations

World Association of Kickboxing Organizations
AbbreviationWAKO
Formation1977
TypeFederation of national associations
Legal statusActive (as per Swiss Law as founded in Zurich on 6 February 1988)
PurposeGlobal Development and governance of the sport of Kickboxing
HeadquartersMonza, Italy
Region served
Worldwide
Membership
National association[clarification needed]
Official language
English
AffiliationsSportAccord
WADA
International World Games Association
Websitewako.sport
RemarksWAKO was established as "World All Style Karate Organization"

The World Association of Kickboxing Organizations (W.A.K.O or WAKO) is an international kickboxing organization counting over 120 affiliated countries representing all five continents.[1] WAKO is a major governing body of amateur kickboxing and is responsible for the development of kickboxing worldwide. The organization was officially recognized as an official kickboxing governing body by Sport Accord.[2] WAKO is recognized by the Global Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC).[3][4]

  1. ^ Geoff Berkeley (13 June 2021). "World Associations of Kickboxing Organizations to elect new International Women's Committee chairperson". Inside the Games.
  2. ^ Abhishek Arora (23 July 2022). "First-ever WAKO Indian Open International Kickboxing Tournament slated to begin on 10th February in capital". Sportskeeda.
  3. ^ Jackson Rudolph (31 July 2021). WAKO Fully Recognized by the International Olympic Committee. Black Belt Magazine.
  4. ^ Geoff Berkeley (13 June 2021). WAKO toasts "historic day" after gaining IOC recommendation for full recognition. Inside the Games.