The first weekend of July 2026 demonstrated the continued growth of ITF Taekwon-Do in India, with two major series of events taking place simultaneously more than 1,500 kilometres apart. Together, they brought together over 450 participants for technical education, competition and organizational development, underlining the increasing reach of ITF Taekwon-Do across the country.
Technical Development and Historic University Partnership in Gorakhpur
The All India ITF Taekwon-Do Association (AIITA) welcomed ITF President GM Paul Weiler to Gorakhpur, Uttar Pradesh, where a busy programme of activities took place from 3–5 July 2026.
A two-day technical seminar attracted around 200 red and black belts, who trained in fundamental techniques, patterns, sparring and self-defence despite temperatures exceeding 40°C. The seminar provided valuable technical instruction while reinforcing ITF standards among senior practitioners from across India.
One of the most significant moments of the weekend was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between AIITA and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Gorakhpur University. The agreement, signed by Vice-Chancellor Professor Poonam Tandon and AIITA President Professor Vijay Chahal in the presence of GM Paul Weiler and GM Najmi Abdullah from Malaysia, establishes a framework for integrating ITF Taekwon-Do into university life.
The partnership aims to promote physical fitness, self-discipline, leadership and self-defence alongside academic studies. Students will benefit from structured training programmes, certification courses, instructor education, inter-college and national championships, and skill development initiatives. A particular emphasis will be placed on women’s self-defence and empowerment, especially significant as more than half of the university’s students are women.
At the same venue, the 55th International Umpire Course (IUC55), conducted by GM Abelardo Benzaquén, chair of the ITF Umpire Committee, brought together more than 50 participants from India, Malaysia and Sri Lanka. The course combined theoretical instruction with practical application, helping develop qualified officials for future ITF competitions.
Another highlight was the successful examination of Dr Cyril Anthony of Sri Lanka, who was promoted to VII Dan by GMs Abelardo Benzaquén and Najmi Abdullah. Dr Anthony introduced Taekwon-Do to Sri Lanka five decades ago and had the privilege of training directly under the Founder, General Choi Hong Hi, during his time in Canada.
The AIITA Annual General Meeting also took place during the weekend, attended by GMs Weiler, Benzaquén and Najmi. Delegates confirmed that the 2026 AIITA National Championship will be held on 27–29 December 2026 and welcomed three additional member clubs, while representatives from 13 Indian states participated in the meeting.
Technical Seminar and South Zonal Championship in Bengaluru
At the same time, the Association of Taekwon-Do Affiliates (ATA India) organised its ITF Technical Seminar and 2nd South Zonal Championship in Bengaluru, Karnataka.
Held at Siva Sports Academy on 4–5 July, the event brought together 208 participants, including 66 black belts, representing clubs from several Indian states.
The technical seminar was conducted by Master Yogi Chand from England, who delivered comprehensive instruction on fundamental techniques, patterns, sparring concepts and grading requirements. The sessions were designed to strengthen technical standards and provide practical guidance for instructors and students alike.
The championship programme covered two days of competition across a wide range of age categories, beginning with Under-5 through Under-14 divisions before continuing with Under-15, Under-18, senior and black belt events. Demonstration performances and the final medal and trophy presentations concluded the successful weekend.
Among the participating organisations were clubs from Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, alongside other affiliated ITF schools from across southern India. Organisers highlighted the strong participation, high technical standard of the seminar, effective work of the umpires and volunteers, and the positive atmosphere of friendship, discipline and respect that characterised the event.
Continuing Growth
Although separated by more than 1,500 kilometres, both events shared the same objective: strengthening ITF Taekwon-Do through technical education, quality instruction and opportunities for practitioners to develop both on and off the competition area.
From university partnerships and umpire education in Gorakhpur to technical training and championship competition in Bengaluru, the weekend reflected the continued enthusiasm and commitment of the Indian ITF Taekwon-Do community to developing the art throughout the country.
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