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!
Institutional statement
Very nice, glad that you and your membership is pushing forward.
I hope in the not too distant future we can meet or even do and exchange program.
Dankeschön Andre Murray.
Liebe Grüße aus istanbul
In My Capacity as The President of the 🇹🇷ITA in Turkey and on Behalf of The Honorable Members of The Association, we Thank all The Dear Members of The International Taekwon-Do Federation Headed by the President of the Federation, Grand Master Paul Weiler, for their interest and support.
We dedicate the Vice-President, Grand Master Michael Daher, for his Kind Visit, Assistance and Tremendous Efforts To Serve This Wonderful Art Everywhere He Can Reach.
We Look Forward to Cooperating With Our Dear Partners in Turkey, Hand By Hand, To Reach Great Results that Will Be a Source of Pride for All of Us.
Together Stronger🤝👊