A new beginning in 2019

On 22 March 1966, Turkey was one of the nine founding members of the ITF, so it could already have had a long and eventful past in the history of the organisation. Unfortunately, for various reasons, the federation did not last long and disappeared for many years.

In 2019, GM Michael Daher (ITF Vice-President) set himself the goal of changing this state of affairs permanently and already opened the first club in September of the same year with the help of Mr. Ahmad Al Halabi.
Every beginning is difficult, especially under the current conditions (pandemic, very strong WT, economic situation, etc.) and therefore it will take some time until the first successes can be seen, but the first step was made.

This year, 2021, Instructor Pasa Baylan has supported the efforts to re-establish the ITF in Turkey and has opened his martial arts school in Pendik, Istanbul after his return from Germany. His training and seminars are based on the motto that “ITF Taekwon-Do is not only a sport, but also a martial art and a philosophy of life.” He receives help from Mr. Sedat Barisci, who also runs a fitness studio in Istanbul.
We are convinced that with the energy and enthusiasm of everyone involved, something great can grow in Turkey!