Daniel Schmidt

South American Taekwon-Do Federation Achieves Major Advances

August 9, 2025 by // by Daniel Schmidt Leave a Comment

The South American Taekwon-Do Federation (Federación Sudamericana de Taekwon-Do ITF, FST), the continental federation of the ITF in South America, has announced a series of significant developments aimed at strengthening Taekwon-Do across the continent. Just a few months after the official founding of the federation, the work bears first successes. The update in August, issued from Asunción, Paraguay, reflects the FST’s commitment to strategic growth, technical excellence, and regional unity.

Continental Training Tour Confirmed

The FST Training Committee has finalised its 2025 South American tour, with Masters Marcelo Vatrano and Edgardo Villanueva from Argentina set to deliver high-level seminars in:

Lima, Peru – August 30–31
Santiago, Chile – October 25–26
Bogotá, Colombia – November 29–30

These events aim to standardise technical instruction, enhance coaching methods, and reinforce a shared South American ITF identity. In addition, the Committee has launched a regional pre-selection process for elite athletes as part of a forthcoming high-performance programme.

Expanding Health and Technical Outreach

The FST Sports and Health Committee has launched a continent-wide social media campaign sharing training tips, health advice, and technical insights for students, instructors, and athletes. National Associations are encouraged to share and contribute to the initiative to maximise its reach.

Technology Upgrade for Regional Events

To professionalise tournament management, the FST IT Committee is evaluating the adoption of the Sportdata system to unify registrations, licensing, and umpiring records. The goal is to implement a single, efficient platform for all official regional events.

New Headquarters in Paraguay

Plans are underway to establish the FST’s permanent administrative, legal, and financial headquarters in Asunción, Paraguay. This move will ensure compliance with legal, tax, and banking requirements and serve as a central hub for continental operations.

Milestones and Recognitions

Uruguay was commended for its outstanding organisation of the International Instructors Course in Montevideo.
Colombia earned praise for hosting a successful National Tournament and contributing to the Central American Championship.
Peru is finalising preparations for the 2026 South American ITF Championship.
Paraguay has secured the hosting rights for the 2027 ITF World Championship, with the contract signed and guarantees completed.

Supporting New National Federations

The FST is actively guiding Ecuador through the formation of its national Taekwon-Do federation and assisting Bolivia in completing its documentation to achieve ITF recognition.

A Vision for the Future

FST President Sbn Fernando Arrúa emphasised the collaborative spirit driving these developments:

“These achievements reflect the dedication of our member nations to the growth of Taekwon-Do in South America. We are building a stronger, more united region that embodies the values and technical excellence of the ITF.”

With these advancements, the FST continues to position South America as a key contributor to the ITF’s global mission, blending tradition with innovation and ensuring opportunities for practitioners at every level.

The FST was founded in May 2025 to further advance ITF Taekwon-Do in South America.

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ITF Open Central American and Caribbean Championship 2025 leaves its mark in the Dominican Republic

August 3, 2025 by // by Daniel Schmidt Leave a Comment

The 2025 ITF Open Central American and Caribbean Taekwon-Do Championship took place in Santiago de los Caballeros from July 25 to 27, bringing together athletes and officials from across the region in a well-organized and spirited event.

The championship welcomed 428 participants from 10 countries from North and Central America as well as the Caribbean: Canada, Colombia, the United States of America, Jamaica, Mexico, Honduras, Puerto Rico, El Salvador, Guatemala, and the host nation, the Dominican Republic. Over three days of competition, athletes demonstrated strong technical skills and competitive drive, reflecting the steady growth of ITF Taekwon-Do in Central America and the Caribbean.

Distinguished Guests in Attendance

Several respected international figures attended the event, contributing to its official and technical significance. Among them was Master Luis Gato Gato (8th Degree), a member of the ITF Board of Directors. GM Rubén Suárez (USA) and Master Kurt Ottesen (Canada) also travelled to the Caribbean, both are members of the ITF Umpire Committee. GM Gonzalo Camelo traveled from Colombia to attend, along with Master Abel Emilio Tábora of Honduras, Masters Arthur Barrows and Joleen Masters from Jamaica, Master Efraín García from El Salvador, and Master Gilberto Martínez representing the Dominican Republic.

Their presence was appreciated by all in attendance and served to motivate the athletes, instructors, and referees throughout the championship.

Organized by the Dominican National Association

The event was organized by the Dominican National Taekwon-Do Association (FETAID), under the guidance of an experienced organizing committee. The team included Sbn José Bolívar García, Sbn Daniel Vivas, Sbn Vladimil Pujols, Sbn Kelvin Almonte, and Sbn Fausto Castillo. Their collective efforts ensured the event ran smoothly and in accordance with ITF standards.

Officially sanctioned by the International Taekwon-Do Federation, the championship carried full international recognition, further validating its importance on the regional calendar.

Medal Standings

The final country rankings were as follows:

Dominican Republic
Colombia
Puerto Rico
Honduras
Guatemala
Jamaica
Mexico
United States
El Salvador

Acknowledgments

The organizing committee extends its sincere thanks to all the delegations, referees, coaches, and volunteers who contributed to the event’s success. Special appreciation goes to ITF President GM Paul Weiler for his continued support and belief in the potential of the region, helping make this championship an official part of the ITF calendar.

Beyond the results, the event represented a valuable opportunity to strengthen the ties between member nations, foster technical progress, and promote the shared values of ITF Taekwon-Do. In doing so, it continues to honor the legacy of our Founder, General Choi Hong Hi.

Sbn José Bolívar García
Secretary General
ITF National Taekwon-Do Association – Dominican Republic (FETAID)

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Online Steering Meeting Ahead of World Championships 2025

July 23, 2025 by // by Daniel Schmidt Leave a Comment

The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and the Local Organizing Committee (LOC) of the ITF World Championships 2025 held a high-level online steering meeting this month to evaluate the latest progress in preparations for the upcoming event, scheduled for October 7–11, 2025 in Poreč, Croatia.

The meeting was attended by GM Tadeusz Łoboda (ITF Secretary General), Master Leo Oros Duek (ITF treasurer) and representatives of several ITF bodies, including the Tournament Committee, Umpire Committee, IT Committee, Communications Committee, and the Audit, Risk and Compliance Committee. From the host country, Master Slavko Jereb, Chairman of the LOC, led the briefing on operational readiness and local arrangements. He was supported by Tamara Ibric.

Key Topics Covered:

🏟️ Competition Readiness & Venue

Organizers confirmed that the Sports Hall Žatika, a modern and spacious facility in Poreč, will host all events. The 2025 edition will include the 23rd Adult World Championships, the 17th Junior World Championships, and the 2nd Pre-Junior World Championships — as well as the 2nd ITF Adapted Taekwon-Do World Cup, which will take place in the same venue and timeframe. This reflects ITF’s continued commitment to inclusion and accessibility in martial arts.

💻 Registration & IT Systems

The IT Committee reported that Sportdata, the platform managing registration, scheduling, and live results, is fully operational. Registration remains open until September 5, 2025. For the Adapted Taekwon-Do World Cup, the registration will be open one week longer. Shortly after the registrations, the IT Committee will prepare the entire event competition schedule which will be published well before the event.

🏨 Accommodation & Transportation

LOC representatives detailed accommodation packages ranging from 2-star to VIP 4+ options, all located within a short distance from the venue. Teams staying more than 2 km from the hall will benefit from free transportation to and from the competition site. A training hall will be available free of charge for national teams from October 5–7.

📣 Media, Live Coverage & Communication

The Communications Committee shared its strategy for event promotion, including global livestreaming, official press access, and digital engagement via social media and the official event website. Accredited press and photographers will be limited to ensure a professional and controlled environment.

🥋 Umpires & Coaches

The Umpire Committee confirmed the attendence of 100 umpires. Umpire meetings are scheduled for October 6 at Hotel Albatros. An online coaches meeting will take place on October 4, followed by the in-person meeting on October 7 at Hotel Plavi.

With just under three months to go, the ITF World Championships 2025 — alongside the 2nd ITF Adapted Taekwon-Do World Cup — are shaping up to be a landmark moment for the ITF community, celebrating excellence, inclusivity, and international unity in the martial art of Taekwon-Do.

Stay up to date at www.itfwtc2025.eu and www.itftkd.sport/world-championship-2025/.

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Taekwon‑Do ITF Debuts at the 2nd Edition of the European Open Combat Games

July 23, 2025 by // by Daniel Schmidt Leave a Comment

In July 2023, the European School Sport Federation (ESSF) and the All Europe Taekwon‑Do Federation, the continental body of the International Taekwon‑Do Federation, signed a memorandum of understanding. This agreement, endorsed by then-AETF President Master Leo Oros Duek and ESSF President Željko Tanasković, paved the way for the inclusion of ITF Taekwon‑Do in the ESSF’s official school sports programme.

The first event marking this collaboration was the 2nd edition of the European Open Combat Games, held in Bucharest from 10 to 17 July 2025. ITF Taekwon‑Do competitions took place on 11 and 12 July at the multifunctional venue Sala Polivalentă din București, a modern arena located near Tineretului Park that seats over 5,300 spectators and regularly hosts top-tier Romanian handball league matches.

ITF Taekwon‑Do was represented by Grand Master Tadeusz Łoboda, Secretary General of the International Taekwon‑Do Federation, who has been overseeing this initiative from the very beginning. According to GM Łoboda, the inclusion of Taekwon‑Do in the ESSF sports programme marks a significant milestone in the development of the discipline, especially in light of its aspirations for broader international recognition within the global sports framework. His visit to Bucharest was also an opportunity for numerous discussions and meetings with representatives of ESSF, the International School Sport Federation (ISF), and the local organisers. The conversations addressed future collaboration, event planning, and the long-term development of ITF Taekwon‑Do within educational sports systems.

The ITF Taekwon‑Do event gathered 234 competitors from four countries: Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, and Romania. They were accompanied by 37 coaches, 35 referees, and 10 officials – including one Grand Master and five Masters. The competitions were held on five rings: three dedicated to patterns and sparring, and two to special techniques. The entire event was carried out in an atmosphere of spirited sportsmanship, mutual respect, and meaningful integration of Taekwon‑Do with other martial arts present at the Games.

The Games received particular praise from participants for their outstanding organisation. Athletes and coaches highlighted the excellent atmosphere, smooth logistics, and warm hospitality of the hosts. Local preparations were coordinated by Mr. Fedorca Stelian Victor, President of Uniunea Asociatiilor Sportive Scolare and local organiser on behalf of the ESSF. A key role was also played by Mr. Constantin Caliman, ESSF Treasurer and liaison between the Romanian Ministry of Education and the event organisers. The Romanian Taekwon‑Do Federation (Federatia Romana de Taekwon‑Do ITF) was responsible for executing the Taekwon‑Do tournament, with coordination duties carried out by Mr. Cristian Popa – Secretary and Board Member of the Federation and holder of the 5th Dan in ITF Taekwon‑Do.

The organisers also ensured that every participant received a commemorative set, including a branded bag, cap, and T-shirt with the official Games logo – a gesture warmly received by the youth and national delegations.

Romania topped the medal standings, followed by Poland, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. For the Romanian hosts, this result confirmed both athletic excellence and organisational proficiency. For the visiting teams, it provided an opportunity to showcase their skills internationally and establish new connections within this innovative competition format.

The European School Sport Federation is already preparing its next major event – the ESSF Summer Games 2026, which will also take place in Bucharest, from 6 to 14 August. ITF Taekwon‑Do will once again be included in the programme, a testament to the success of this year’s debut and the growing place of the discipline within European school sport.

The debut of ITF Taekwon‑Do at the European Open Combat Games marked a vital step towards greater integration of non-Olympic sports into youth education and physical culture. For the athletes, coaches, and officials, the Games offered not only sporting competition but also an opportunity to promote the core values of Taekwon‑Do: respect, perseverance, integrity, and self-discipline.

This event was also featured on insidethegames.biz.

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ITF Statement Addressing Recent Misinformation and Allegations

July 8, 2025 by // by Daniel Schmidt Leave a Comment

The International Taekwon‑Do Federation (ITF) has released an open letter to reaffirm its commitment to transparency, democratic governance, and unity within the global Taekwon‑Do community. In recent weeks, questions and commentary have emerged online, especially on Facebook, regarding ITF policies and leadership decisions. In the spirit of openness and constructive dialogue, the ITF has chosen to directly address these matters and clarify its positions.

This communication highlights the federation’s structured decision-making processes, its dedication to political neutrality, and its respect for the voices of all member associations. It also encourages members to seek accurate information through official channels and to continue upholding the shared values that unite practitioners around the world. The full letter follows below.

2025.122.ITF Statment-1 Download

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ITF Board of Directors Meeting – July 6, 2025

July 7, 2025 by // by Daniel Schmidt Leave a Comment

Over Six Hours of Strategic Discussions Held Online

The fifth meeting of the ITF Board of Directors was held on Sunday, July 6th, 2025, via Zoom. Beginning at 3:00 p.m. CEST and extending for over six hours, the online meeting brought together all members of the Board, along with invited guests, resp. ex officio members: GM Tadeusz Łoboda (ITF Secretary General) and Mr. Efraim Barak (ITF General Counsel)

This extensive session provided a platform for comprehensive discussions on a wide range of critical topics concerning ITF governance, development, and operations. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, professionalism, and service to the global Taekwon-Do community.

Key Topics Discussed

During the meeting, the Board addressed both ongoing matters and forward-looking initiatives. The agenda included:

Membership-related issues
Disciplinary and ethical cases
Proposed amendments to the ITF Tournament Rules and the DO Course
Updates on the Self-Defence Project
Launch of a new service platform for ITF Plaque holders
Financial summary of the first half of 2025 and projections for the remainder of the year
Ratification of decisions made previously via e-mail voting

New Service for ITF Plaque Holders

A major highlight of the meeting was the presentation of a dedicated service platform for ITF Plaque holders. This new initiative aims to provide enhanced access to resources, tools, and information, while fostering stronger communication and support for the most actively engaged instructors and members. The platform is designed to offer professional development opportunities, recognition, and direct channels for involvement in ITF activities.

Other Matters Reviewed

Under the “Miscellaneous” category, the Board also reviewed:

The Honorary Grand Master (HGM) Policy
Dress code guidelines for ITF Congresses
Potential conflict-of-interest considerations within committee structures

Ongoing Commitment to Excellence

As always, the meeting was marked by substantive discussion, collaborative spirit, and a shared dedication to the continuous growth of the ITF. The Board’s focused efforts continue to support the values and mission of our organization.

The next meeting of the ITF Board of Directors is scheduled for September 7, 2025.

We extend our sincere thanks to all Board Members for their unwavering dedication and tremendous contributions to the global Taekwon-Do community.

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