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The process of changing the WAKO Rules is nearing completion and the revised rules incorporating the proposed changes received during 2023 and 2024 will be implemented accordingly. However, some changes had to be made urgently, so we would like to inform you that the WAKO IF Board, at its meeting on March 20, 2026, took decision on changes to the WAKO Rules as follows:
- Changes to the rules of the K1 Style discipline (clinching, holding and grabbing are no longer allowed, there is no limit to the number of knee techniques) – effective from January 1, 2027.
- Inclusion of a new section in the rules – Gender and alignment of WAKO Rules with IOC policy regarding the protection of female competitors in the sports competition system – effective immediately.
- Changes to the rules on the nationality of members, especially members of national teams (foreign competitors cannot be members of the national team and cannot compete as part of the national team at World and Continental Championships, but they can be members of clubs and compete in all other competitions (World and Continental Cups and Open Tournaments) – effective immediately.
- Changes to the rules on the participation of WAKO members in competitions of dissident organizations (WAKO members and affiliated athletes are prohibited from participating in any match, competition, or tournament that has not been approved or sanctioned by WAKO) – effective immediately.
- Changes to the seeding and ranking list – for each victory in international open cups, the competitor will receive 2 points that are calculated for the ranking list – effective from January 1, 2026.
- Seeding for continental championships is determined according to continental ranking lists – effective from January 1, 2026.
- Changes to the Medical Rules (of which you have already been informed) with changes to the associated forms (two forms – Pregnancy declaration and Dental brace certification, which are included as questions in the Medical Certificate, are abolished. Please find herewith attached the forms related to the competition, while other changed documents will be published on WAKO’s website) – effective immediately.
- Limitation of participation of veterans in senior categories in tatami disciplines to a maximum of 45 years of age – effective immediately.
WAKO Medical Questionnaire 2026-1
WAKO Medical Certificate – kickboxer 2026-1
Changes of rules – Disident Organizations
Changes of rules – Seeding and ranking lists
Changes of rules – Nationality of member