The 196th International Instructor Course (IIC) was successfully held at Bedford International Stadium, England, from 4–6 September 2026, hosted by the England Taekwon-Do Association (ETA).
The event attracted close to 270 participants from 16 countries: Bulgaria, Denmark, England, Germany, Hong Kong, India, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Slovenia, Sweden and Wales, gathering for three days of intensive technical training. The IIC was officially opened by ITF Secretary General Grand Master Łoboda.
Leadership
The IIC was led by three esteemed Grand Masters from the ITF Technical Committee:
- Grand Master Hector Marano (Argentina)
- Grand Master Ung Kim Lan (Germany)
- Grand Master Jerzy Jedut (Poland)
In addition to the ITF Technical committee, we were honoured to host Grand Master Boss (Italy), Grand Master Ellis (England), Grand Master Łoboda (Poland), Grand Master Denis (England), Grand Master Dunbar (Scotland) and Grand Master Anderson (England).
Training Content
Over the course of the weekend, the Technical Committee delivered comprehensive instruction across the full range of ITF Taekwon-Do syllabus requirements, including:
- Comprehensive instructions on all 24 ITF patterns and fundamental techniques.
- Three-step, two-step and one-step sparring.
- Self-defence.
- Sparring drills and physical development.
The contents of the entire weekend allowed participants to gain valuable insight into the history and application of the patterns, deepening their understanding of the art beyond pure technique.
Learning Environment
Training was conducted in a warm, friendly and open atmosphere throughout, with participants encouraged to ask questions and engage directly with the Technical Committee on any aspect of the patterns or wider ITF Taekwon-Do topics. This interactive approach created an excellent learning environment and was greatly appreciated by all in attendance.
Facilities
The excellent facilities at Bedford International Stadium allowed the Technical Committee to divide participants according to grade across multiple training areas, ensuring instruction could be tailored to the requirements of each grade throughout the weekend.
Gala Dinner
A three-course banquet dinner took place on Saturday night at the Mercure hotel, giving participants and instructors the opportunity to socialise together and reflect on a memorable weekend of training and friendship.
Acknowledgements
The England Taekwon-Do Association would like to extend its sincere thanks to all participants for travelling to Bedford, to the organising committee for their hard work, hospitality and professionalism, to the staff of Bedford International Stadium for providing first-class facilities, to the visiting Grand Masters for their support and especially to the ITF Technical Committee for delivering an enjoyable, educational and inspiring International Instructor Course.
ITF Seminar in Hong Kong
