The first Open Balkan Taekwon-Do Camp was held from August 22 to 28, 2025, at the Chavdar International Sports Center in the city of Obzor, Bulgaria. The event brought together 320 participants from seven European countries – Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Slovenia, Serbia, Italy, and Greece – and marked the beginning of a new tradition of international cooperation, intensive training, and cultural exchange within the ITF Taekwon-Do family.
The training program was tailored to the needs of practitioners of all ages and levels – from pre-junior to seniors and experienced black belts.
Each day began with conditioning sessions, including beach running, balance exercises, stretching, and explosive workouts for endurance, agility, and strength. Technical training focused on speed, precision, rhythm, and control, while separate pattern sessions provided opportunities to refine accuracy and deepen the understanding of movement applications. Sparring sessions emphasized tactics, timing, and strategy through dynamic drills and friendly matches, while Hosinsul seminars offered practical self-defense, with some sessions even held on the beach for a unique experience. An Umpire Seminar was also conducted, giving current and future officials the chance to expand their knowledge of the rules and raise the level of refereeing in the region.
The camp was led by a team of experienced masters, instructors, and coaches from seven countries, who shared their knowledge, methodology, and passion for Taekwon-Do. Their collaboration created a strong sense of unity and friendship, reinforcing the values of mutual respect and international partnership. The leaders of each national delegation also transformed the camp into a Taekwon-Do forum, where they exchanged experiences and visions for future development, while addressing the challenges faced by ITF and AETF member states.
Beyond the technical part, the camp fostered an atmosphere of friendship and intercultural exchange. Evening activities included beach games and social gatherings, which gave participants the chance to connect outside the training hall.
The sparring sessions were among the most anticipated highlights of the camp, as they also served as preparation for the upcoming World Championships in Croatia. The matches were distinguished by speed, creativity, and tactical intelligence, while adhering to the principles of fair play and respect. Each competitor demonstrated perseverance and an indomitable spirit, gaining valuable experience and pushing beyond their own limits in an atmosphere of camaraderie.
The camp concluded with great enthusiasm and pride. Participants left with stronger skills, a deeper understanding of Taekwon-Do philosophy, and new lasting international friendships. The organisers expressed their sincere gratitude to all participants, instructors, and officials whose dedication made this first edition an inspiring success.
The Open Balkan Taekwon-Do Camp has already proven to be not just a training event – but a platform for education, cultural exchange, and building unity through Taekwon-Do.
This historic first edition is only the beginning. The spirit and energy of the I Open Balkan Taekwon-Do Camp 2025 guarantee that it will become a lasting tradition, with preparations for the next edition already underway.
Taekwon!
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