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183rd IIC Wales Report

February 16, 2025 by // by FABIAN ITF Leave a Comment

The 183^rd International Instructor Course (IIC) took place from February 14^th to 16^th, 2025, at the Celtic Manor Resort, Newport, Wales. Hosted by the Welsh Taekwon-Do Association, this highly anticipated event was supported by the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). A total of nearly 300 participants from twenty countries attended the seminar, representing Wales, Belgium, Bulgaria, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, England, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Scotland, Switzerland and USA.

The IIC was led by three esteemed Grand Masters from the ITF Technical Committee:

Grand Master Hector Marano (Argentina)

Grand Master Ung Kim Lan (Germany)

Grand Master Jerzy Jedut (Poland)

And we were delighted to welcome fellow technical committee member Master Virginia Dionisi (Belgium) as a special guest.

The event focused on a range of key Taekwon-Do topics, including:

Fundamental techniques

Patterns

Various forms of sparring

Self-defense

Seminar Highlights

Day 1: Friday, February 14^th, 2025

The seminar commenced at 14:00 with a warm welcome and an engaging warm-up session conducted by Grand Master Ung Kim Lan. The first day included a comprehensive review, led by Grand Masters Hector Marano and Grand Master Ung Kim Lan of colour belt patterns, providing participants with a detailed breakdown of techniques and corrections. Grand Master Jerzy Jedut also led a self-defence session focusing on practical application of fundamental movements from patterns.

After an intensive training session, participants enjoyed an evening of relaxation although for some, a more romantic Valentine’s dinner at one of the resorts many restaurants, was planned.

Day 2: Saturday, February 15^th, 2025

The second day began at 9:00 with all delegates being led by Grand Master Jerzy Jedut in a thorough review of 1^st degree patterns before 1^st Degree’s continued the day with Master Dionisi reviewing basic principles, common mistakes and applications of fundamental movement of colour belt and 1^st degree patterns.

Grand Master Ung Kim Lan led a comprehensive review of 2^nd degree patterns for all 2^nd to 9^th degree delegates. Grand Master Jerzy Jedut then led on 3^rd degree patterns including some fun and unusual exercises incorporating particular important movements from those Tuls.

The afternoon session commenced with a short introduction to Adapted Taekwon-Do led by Master John McIlvaney.

Grand Master Jerzy Jedut led a comprehensive review of 3^rd degree patterns for all 3^rd to 9^th degree delegates, followed by Grand Master Ung Kim Lan leading a session on all forms of step sparring.

Day two then concluded with a high energy session led by Grand Master Jerzy Jedut involving many flying techniques combined in exciting multi directional exercises, with the day ending at 16:30.

Throughout the day, Grand Master Hector Marano shared his knowledge and insights with all in attendance.

The evening ended with a banquet at The Celtic Manor Resort Hotel, where participants and instructors mingled and enjoyed a delicious buffet.

Day 3: Sunday, September 15, 2024

The final day of the seminar started at 9:00 with 1^st – 3^rd degrees having the opportunity to review patterns, exercises and training secrets with Grand Master Jerzy Jedut, whilst the 4^th – 9^th degrees worked through 4^th degree patterns with Grand Master Ung Kim Lan

With the dojang still split, the groups changed to enable Grand Master Jerzy Jedut to lead 1^st – 4^th degrees in a review of some common themes he had observed across the first two days.

Grand Master Hector Marano led the 5^th – 9^th degrees through the 5^th and 6^th degree patterns.

The IIC concluded with a final address from the Grand Masters, expressing their gratitude and encouragement for all participants to continue their journey in Taekwon-Do with renewed energy and focus.

Feedback and Reviews

The seminar received high praise from participants and instructors alike.

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ITF Taekwon-Do is officially recognized in Cuba

February 13, 2025 by // by FABIAN ITF Leave a Comment

Master Gato Gato, ITF Board Member and Chair of the ITF Caribbean Development Team, visited Cubaas part of the Caribbean Development Programme. And it was a resounding success.

Sbn Pedro Rodríguez, Ms Daniela Cabrera and their team were exceptional hosts, ensuring the flawless development and execution of all planned activities.

Activities began with an official welcome ceremony at the Multipurpose Hall (Sports Facilities Centre), attended by distinguished representatives, including:

• Representative of the Immigration Department.

• Provincial Director of the National Institute of Sports and Recreation of Camagüey (INDER).

• Representative of the Cuban Martial Arts Association (ACAM).

• Representative of the Cuban Institute of Friendship among Peoples.

• Commissioner of Taekwon-Do (WT).

The event was covered by provincial television and radio, highlighting the importance and impact of the visit.

The Technical Workshop and the promotion exam were held at the Rafael Fortún Chacón Palace. A total of 36 Taekwon-Doin participated, who demonstrated great enthusiasm and dedication in all the activities.

In the promotion exam, 6 candidates were promoted to 1st Dan and 1 to 2nd Dan. The test was rigorous and demanding, and all candidates met the established requirements.

As for the activities, we had the honor of having Mr. Roberto García Canino, provincial methodologist in charge of the Cuban Martial Arts Association (ACAM), and Shihan Lázaro Bravo, vice president of the same association, who attended both the classes and the promotion exam.

At the end of the activities, a meeting was held in which the affiliation of Sbn Darwin González and its instructors from the provinces of Santiago, Granma and Guantánamo was officially formalized. In March, Sbn Pedro Rodríguez will begin the process of reintegrating these new members into the ITF.

A significant moment of this visit was that Mr. Roberto García Canino took the opportunity to present Sbn Rodríguez with the document issued by the Cuban Martial Arts Association, which officially recognizes ITF Taekwon-Do in Cuba.

The ITF Taekwon-Do Organization of Cuba, in collaboration with the government of the province of Camagüey, expressed its interest in organizing an International Instructors Course as soon as the ITF authorizes it, with the aim of meeting the requirements for future rank promotions.

Master Gato Gato expressed his great appreciation for everything the representatives in Cuba have accomplished. Complying with the security protocols required by the government involves a strict process and must be managed well in advance. From his arrival to his departure, Master Gato Gato received VIP treatment from state officials, and assured that the authorities are willing and prepared to welcome foreign Grand Masters, Masters, and Instructors and make them feel at home.

Cuba needs ITF’s support to continue developing its instructors and members. The national organization has grown, has the support of the government and has shown us that it deserves it.

Text: Master Gato Gato

Carta abierta del Vicepresidente Senior de la Organización ITF Cuba Download

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ITF Expansion in the United Arab Emirates

February 9, 2025 by // by FABIAN ITF Leave a Comment

Report on the Visit of Master Leonardo Oros Duek

Date: 08-Feb-2025

Location: Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

ITF Expansion in the United Arab Emirates 1

1. Introduction

The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) has initiated steps to establish its official presence in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with Dubai as its central hub. Master Leonardo Oros Duek, ITF treasurer, visited Dubai to oversee the foundation of the UAE ITF Federation and to facilitate the expansion of ITF Taekwon-Do in the region.

2. Meeting in Abu Dhabi

Master Oros Duek, along with Sbn Ricardo Scheidegger and key stakeholders, travelled to Abu Dhabi to meet with candidates interested in converting to ITF Taekwon-Do. The meeting focused on the roles, responsibilities, and strategic plans for expansion.

Thanks to the legal expertise of Lawyer Ahmed Fattah, the team was able to establish contact with Dr. Mohamad El Karim, a prominent figure in the sports sector. As the owner of a company specializing in providing sports services to schools, Mr. El Karim expressed his support for the initiative. He committed to facilitating training venues for future ITF instructors and securing locations where Sbn Ricardo Scheidegger and his team of instructors can begin teaching ITF Taekwon-Do immediately.

3. Venue Tour and Evaluation

On February 7, Master Oros Duek was part of a tour visiting potential venues for training and instruction. During the tour, he provided valuable advice on the possible shortfalls and benefits of each location. His expertise in assessing training spaces and understanding the specific needs of ITF Taekwon-Do programs played a crucial role in evaluating these venues. His experience ensures that selected locations will support the growth and development of ITF Taekwon-Do in the UAE effectively.

4. Seminars Conducted by Master Leonardo Oros Duek

On the following day, Master Leonardo conducted two distinct seminars in Dubai:

Seminar 1: Advanced Technical Training

Objective: To enhance technical precision and improve instructional methods.
Audience: Sbn Ricardo Scheidegger and his students.
Content: Master Oros Duek provided in-depth insights into perfecting techniques and effective teaching methodologies.
Outcome: Participants improved their understanding of key technical aspects and instructional delivery, ensuring higher teaching standards within the UAE ITF Federation.

Seminar 2: Introduction to ITF Taekwon-Do

Objective: introduction of ITF Taekwon-Do to candidates transitioning from other martial arts disciplines.
Audience: Martial artists interested in joining the ITF expansion program.
Content: Master Oros Duek presented the fundamental principles, techniques, and philosophy of ITF Taekwon-Do.
Outcome: Candidates gained a comprehensive introduction to ITF Taekwon-Do and its structured pathway for instructor certification and participation in the federation’s expansion.

5. Instructor Recognition Ceremony

A short ceremony was held to present instructor certifications to key individuals in the UAE ITF expansion. Sbn Ricardo Scheidegger (V DAN), Aaron Taylor (III DAN) and Diego Rodriguez Wikander (I DAN) received their certificates and instructor plaques as part of the convalidation process from other federations. These certifications mark the formal recognition of their transition into ITF Taekwon-Do and their commitment to its development in the UAE.

ITF Expansion in the United Arab Emirates2

6. Future Steps and Implementation Plan

Formal Establishment: Legal registration and structural setup of the ITF UAE Federation in Dubai.
Instructor Training: Continued development and assessment of candidate instructors transitioning to ITF Taekwon-Do.
Venue Allocation: Coordination with Mr. Mohamad El Karim to secure and operationalize training venues.
Outreach & Promotion: Awareness campaigns to attract students and instructors to ITF Taekwon-Do programs.

7. Conclusion

The visit of Master Leonardo Oros Duek marked a significant milestone in the establishment of ITF Taekwon-Do in the UAE. The collaboration with key stakeholders, including Lawyer Ahmed Fattah and Mr. Mohamad El Karim, has paved the way for a strong foundation. With structured training programs, qualified instructors, and dedicated venues, ITF Taekwon-Do is set to thrive in the UAE, ensuring high-quality martial arts education and a growing community of practitioners.

A special acknowledgment is extended to the ITF General Counsel, Lawyer Efraim Barak, for his invaluable support, as well as to the ITF Executive Committee led by Grand Master Paul Weiler. Additionally, gratitude is expressed to the ITF General Secretariat in Poland for their efficient handling of administrative processes in record time. Their combined efforts have significantly contributed to the successful establishment of ITF Taekwon-Do in the UAE.

Master Leonardo’s expertise has been invaluable throughout this process. His deep understanding of ITF Taekwon-Do, combined with his ability to evaluate and optimize training environments, has provided essential guidance. His involvement ensures that the expansion in the UAE is built on a solid and sustainable foundation.

Prepared by: Ricardo Scheidegger

Director Emirates Taekwon-Do

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Biomechanics of Taekwon-Do – the latest findings from Prof. Jacek Wąsik’s team

February 7, 2025 by // by FABIAN ITF Leave a Comment

Current scientific research by the team of Prof. Jacek Wąsik (4th Dan) on the biomechanics of the yop chagi (side kick) and dollyo chagi (turning kick) kicks of Taekwon-Do provides the following scientific evidence:

The force value for the dollyo chagi kick averages 2661.53 N and for the yop chagi 4596.15 N. Foot acceleration at 150.56 m/s² for the turning kick and 74.34 m/s² for the side kick, respectively.

The interesting author’s concept of Prof. Wąsik’s effective mass, i.e. the mass involved in the impact, shows that, on average, approximately 20% of the athlete’s total body mass is involved during the execution of the dollyo chagi and 73% during the side kick. These results show a significant difference in the force generated between the two kicks, highlighting the influence of effective mass and foot acceleration on the force of the kick.

More: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/6/2339

II.

The results of the study show, among other things, that the side kick produced a significantly higher resultant impact force than the turning kick. Furthermore, the resultant force correlates with the force component of the main foot direction. An important result of the study was that there were no significant differences in resultant impact force between the left and right foot in both the side kick and the turning kick. Thus, it can be assumed that there was an even development of the left and right leg in the athletes studied. Modern research says that improvements in the skills and performance of the non-dominant and dominant limb are accompanied by beneficial changes in certain brain structures. Thus, the activation of symmetrical parts of the human body increases the health dimension of training in Taekwon-Do.

More: https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/14/13/5876

III.

Both men and women obtained higher kick force and effective mass values and lower foot acceleration values when performing yop chagi compared to dollyo chagi. There were no significant differences in the percentage of effective mass when performing circular and lateral kicks between women and men. However, due to women’s lower mass on average, this factor contributes to a reduction in the kick force generated. Some women, after specialised training, achieve higher dynamic index values than men. This means that the effectiveness of a strike is not always determined by gender differences.

More: https://www.physactiv.eu/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/2024_12223.pdf

Conclusion

The results of this research have important implications for Taekwon-Do athletes and coaches. They indicate that training can be optimised by adjusting kicking technique to increase effective mass and acceleration to maximise striking power. At the same time, it may be possible to consciously control effective mass to reduce kick force in self-defence situations, which may help to avoid penalisation. In summary, this research makes a valuable contribution to the understanding of biomechanics in Taekwon-Do, providing both theoretical and practical insights that can be applied to training.

Biographical note

Prof. Jacek Wąsik holds currently the position of the Professor in the Faculty of Health Sciences and Director of the Institute of Physical Culture Sciences at Jan Dlugosz University in Częstochowa, Poland.

He is a specialist in the field of analysis of human movements, biomechanics, and the kinetics of martial arts strikes and selected problems of diagnostics of movement disorders and methods of assessing progress in physiotherapy. He mainly carries out work in the field of searching for optimization and increasing the effectiveness of sports techniques. Interests: Biomechanical assessment of athletes’ movements and seeking to increase their effectiveness; Kinematic diagnostics of the human condition at different ages, e.g., elderly people and patients.

He is the president and the head coach of Czestochowska Akademia Taekwon-Do and 4^th degree black belt holder.

He was the member of the Scientific Research Committee of All Europe Taekwon-Do Federation in the years 2012-2021.

In October 2024, Mr. Wąsik officially received the professorial nomination from Mr. Andrzej Duda, President of the Republic of Poland.

Biomechanics of Taekwon-Do – the latest findings from Prof. Jacek Wąsik’s teamRead More

Welcome United Arab Emirates to the ITF!

February 3, 2025 by // by FABIAN ITF 1 Comment

We warmly welcome Sabum Nim Ricardo Scheidegger, his students, and the United Arab Emirates to the International Taekwon-Do Federation!

Our Treasurer, Master Leonardo Oros Duek, is working closely with Sbn Scheidegger to strengthen the presence of ITF in the Gulf countries, promoting the values and excellence of Taekwon-Do in this important region.

Welcome to the ITF family!

Together, we will continue to grow!

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Seminar in Ireland by Master Meyour and Sabum Sjövall

February 2, 2025 by // by FABIAN ITF Leave a Comment

On the weekend of 18^th and 19^th January, the Irish National Taekwon-Do Association (INTA) organised a seminar with Master Thierry Meyour and Sabum Mira Sjovall from ITF Finland.

Seminar in Ireland by Master Meyour and Sabum Sjövall

Master Meyour is a longtime friend of the INTA and we were delighted to welcome him and one of his students to Ireland. Master Meyour is a renowned coach and thinker in all aspects of ITF Taekwon-Do and Sabum Sjovall is one of the leading ITF competitors of her generation.

The seminar was conducted over two days with more than 4 hours training on both days. Saturday’s session had more than 50 people in attendance and was open to all grades from 6^th Kup and above. Sunday’s seminar was restricted to 2^nd Kup and above and again had more than 50 people in attendance. We were also delighted to welcome members of the Irish Taekwon-Do Association to the seminar on both days.

Over the course of the two days, Master Meyour balanced the sessions between fundamental movements, pattern execution and sparring. Sharing their rich knowledge and distinct perspective, they covered areas such as:

Proper framework for stances;
Activating the posterior chain
Creating fluidity of movement;
Static vs dynamic movement;
Moving economically;
Sparring footwork;
Teaching beginners; and
Pattern tempo.

Over the two days, Master Meyour and Sabum Sjovall created a warm, fun and positive atmosphere that encouraged questions, prompted experimentation and facilitated an environment where people could learn. Even the most experienced Masters attending walked away from the seminars with new ideas and perspectives.

Some of the feedback we received included:

Master Meyour’s teaching methods and his knowledge about taekwondo is incredible and having a female instructor like Ms Sjövall there is inspiring

Master Meyour’s teachings brought a new perspective into my practise. I learned many new ways of improving my skills and techniques. Along with such an inspiring role model as Ms Sjöval, she made me excited to learn and try new things

I will definitely use what I learned in my own training but also to coach the younger students.

It was an event that I would certainly recommend to anyone wishing to improve their skills, irrespective of their level of experience

The INTA would like to thank Master Meyour and Sabum Sjovall for joining us for an incredible and inspiring weekend of all that is best about ITF Taekwon-Do