Regional News

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, Master Arthur and Joleen Barrows 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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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.

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

Another big step in the development of Taekwon-Do in Asia

July 10, 2025 by // by ivan 1 Comment

Deployment of historical events in Taiwan

The association in Taiwan has been closely in contact with the Asia Development Team with members like Master Mariusz Steckiewicz, representative of Vietnam, and GM Najmi Abdullah, representative of Malaysia, joining in this year’s multiple events such as the Technical Training Camp in Vietnam with Master Mariusz Steckiewicz, ITF Taekwon-Do Workshop in Hong Kong with Sabum Sean Kean Piew, Taekwon-Do Free Sparring Camp with Master Hong K Looi in Ipoh, and the Qualifying International Umpire Course under Grand Master Abelardo Benzaquen, hosted in Pahang, Malaysia. These chain of events not only raised the technical and competitive level of practitioners in Taiwan, but also supports sister associations through participation and building good relationships.

During the last weekend of June, Taipei witnessed an unprecedented event gathering many clubs from all around southeast Asia to participate in the third annual Taipei Taekwon-Do Open, organized by the International Taekwon-Do Federation Chinese Taipei Association in one the most prestigious universities of Taipei city. The tournament brought 18 clubs from 8 different countries (Malaysia, Vietnam, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Singapore, Japan, New Zealand and Taiwan), with around 110 competitors competing in Individual Patterns, Individual Sparring, and Special Techniques. We had unforgettable opening ceremony led it by Mr. Carlos Machado who introduced the two heads of the association, Mr. Teck Sim Lim, new selected Chairman, and Mr. Howard Hu, president and representative of the association who flew all the way from the U.S. to be part of this event. We were honored by their speeches and some words shared by the president of the new association consecrated a couple of months ago in Hong Kong, Mr. Leung Chun Man. We congratulated the Hong Kong International Taekwon-Do Alliance (HKITA), and the team of Hong Kong under the guidance of Master Anthony NG. Master Mariusz Steckiewicz also joined the opening with few words dedicated to the organizers and the competitors.

Appreciation Awards were given to all club’s representatives and to culminate the ceremony we performed Chon-Ji, a beautiful moment where competitors, coaches and umpires joined to feel the passion that characterize us. The level among the clubs were really good. Both color belts and black belts showed incredible display of skills and technique. Something to mention is that most of the participants were children and teenagers with a low participation of adults in color belt and black belts divisions. However, this showed us the future lies in the young generations. It is our duty to pass to them the legacy of Taekwon-Do, let them embrace all the facets of this discipline: its martial arts side and its competitive side, as well as tool of social development and a way of life. Malaysia Taekwon-Do Federation (MTF) supported the event with 33 competitors, and this is the support we have mentioned earlier among the countries. Taiwan is bringing a team to their coming tournament “Perak Tourism International Taekwon-Do Championship 2025” on the 24^th -27^th of July. We can’t take merit to all the clubs who joined us, because every single one of them were important and made a difference in this event: Chang’s Taekwon-Do Academy Singapore, Indonesia Chang-Hon Taekwon-Do Association (ICHTA), Yodogawa Taekwon-Do Club and ITF Taekwon-Do East Japan from International Taekwon-Do Federation Japan, International Taekwon-Do Glendowie from New Zealand, Taekwon-Do ITF Vietnam, Valhalla Taekwon-Do Mixed Martial Art Academy, MMIT Taekwon-Do Hong Kong and Mindfulness Taekwon-Do Club from Hong Kong International Taekwon-Do Alliance (HKITA), 1st Global TKD Academy, CHI Taekwon-Do Academy, TPP Taekwon-Do Academy, Kick & Hit Zone from Persatuan Taekwon-Do Negeri Perak (MTF), Greenfield Taekwon-Do from Persatuan Taekwon-Do Melaka (MTF), United Taekwon-Do Academy from Pahat, Malaysia. And the two main centers in Taipei, Hwa Rang Martial Arts Center and Yul-Gok Martial Arts Center. We also want to extend our gratitude to the team of umpires and officials in Taiwan, and umpires from Hong Kong, Mr. Chan Hok Choy and Vietnam, Mr. Darren Green-Ryding in supporting the event. Special thanks to Mrs. Yu-Shih Lin, who was behind the logistic and administration work of the event.

Right after the tournament, ITF Chinese Taipei gathered all the club’s coaches, representatives, and its competitors to share a dinner with Master Mariusz Steckiewicz, members of the Asian Development Team, and also members of the new National Association Committee. This was a great opportunity to network, brainstorm ideas, provide mutual support, and more importantly, enjoy each other’s company. Among the leaders we have Master Yong Kin Chong from Malaysia, president of Persatuan Taekwon-Do Negeri Perak (MTF), Mr. See Kean Piew, member of the Athletes Committee, Mr. Howard Hu and Mr. Teck Sim Lim from Taiwan, and representatives from Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan and New Zealand.

We specially scheduled a seminar focused on sparring after our tournament in order to work on the techniques and strategies of competitors. It was amazing to have this type of seminar right after the tournament so we could have a fresh mind and consciousness of what went wrong during their matches. The seminar was hosted by Hwa-Rang Martial Arts Center, Authorized Center of the ITF Chinese Taipei. The seminar took place at the same venue of the tournament. This intensive 6-hour workshop covered:

1.Techniques Adaptation for Sparring, where participants learned how to modify fundamental techniques for real-time combat effectiveness in our sparring modality.

2. Footwork & Balance for Speed and Timing, by mastering the biomechanics of the movement to enhance agility and precision.

3. Common Sparring Scenarios, we trained for the most frequent situations in the ring and develop smart tactical responses.

4.Mental & Physical Preparation for ITF Taekwon-Do Sparring, which we built the mindset, speed, timing, and endurance needed to dominate your game.

The seminar offered attendees hands-on experience that they can directly apply to their library of sparring drills, exercises, and training. It was a great opportunity to learn beyond the typical scope of sets and combos for sparring we used to do. We went through exercises to develop footwork, speed, controlling our body in the most imbalanced situations during a match, which directly impacts the effectiveness of every strike and kick to have an effective valid and scoring point. ITF Chinese Taipei extends its gratitude to Master Mariusz for his help in developing Taekwon-Do in the region.

For the convenience of participants and efficient communication, there is an official Facebook profile and an official Instagram account where you can find more photos and videos of all these events. We encourage you to like and follow these accounts:

https://www.facebook.com/share/1Cd2HWRkv1/?mibextid=wwXIfr

https://www.instagram.com/itf_taekwondochinesetaipei?igsh=MWJudDl5Y3F4ODE4cA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr

Group Photo at the Opening Ceremony with all the clubs form 8 different countries

Team of Umpires and Officials, and staff members who contributed to the event

Team of Umpires and Officials from Taiwan, Hong Kong and Vietnam

Group Photo with Masters from Hong Kong, Malaysia and Vietnam, from left to right: Mr. Howard Hu, President of ITF Chinese Taipei Association, Master Anthony Ng (Hong Kong), Master OW Wee Leong (Malaysia), Master Yong Kin Chong (Malaysia), Master Mariusz Steckiewicz (Vietnam) and Mr. Teck Sim Lim, Chairman of ITF Chinese Taipei Association.

Performing Chon-Ji at the Opening Ceremony

Award to the teams with most medals achieved, Malaysia Taekwon-Do Federation (MTF) took the first place as team medalist, followed by Taiwan and in third place Hong Kong.

Meeting with all the clubs and/or association representatives with Master Mariusz Steckiewicz (Vietnam) and ITF Chinese Taipei President, Mr. Howard Hu and ITF Chinese Taipei Chairman, Teck Sim Lim.

Group Photo with participants from Malaysia, Hong Kong, New Zealand, Japan, Vietnam and Taiwan.

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Report of the 50th IUC – Bogota, Colombia.

June 30, 2025 by // by ivan Leave a Comment

It was held on June 21 and 22, 2025 at the Radisson Metrotel Hotel in the city of Bogota, Colombia.

The course was organized by the Colombian Taekwon-Do Association, presided by Sabum Nim Guillermo Ospina, with the close collaboration of Grand Master Gonzalo Camelo.

It was directed by Grand Master Abelardo Benzaquen, Chairman of the ITF Umpire Committee, together with Grand Master Rubén Suárez, member of the aforementioned committee.

Those appointed were assisted by Master Gustavo Naranjo, from the United States, who was in charge of the logistics of the SportData electronic system.

There were 65 participants from Colombia, the Dominican Republic, Guatemala and the United States. The cultural diversity and high technical level of the participants enriched the course with varied and constructive experiences.

Through the review of the official rules and the dynamics carried out during the course, the quality and unification of concepts was achieved in order to put them into practice in international, national and regional events.

During the course, theoretical and practical activities were developed, focused on the review of the official rules, the procedures for the competitions of patterns, sparring, power test and special techniques, the roles of each umpire, the signaling and management of the electronic system through real-time simulations and resolving and clarifying doubts about practical cases.

Certificates were given to each of the participants, bonds of friendship were strengthened, and everyone was very satisfied with the course.

Special thanks to ITF President, GM Paul Weiler for his permanent support. –

GM Abelardo Benzaquén
ITF UC Chairman

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World Champion Workshop with Ms Mira Sjövall

June 11, 2025 by // by FABIAN ITF Leave a Comment

This past weekend (7th – 8th June 2025), the Irish National Taekwon-Do Association was proud to host a truly memorable event – a World Champion Workshop led by none other than Ms Mira Sjövall, multiple-time ITF World Champion and internationally respected instructor.

From the moment Ms Sjövall stepped onto the floor, her relaxed and friendly teaching style instantly put everyone at ease. Whether working with seasoned black belts or ambitious blue belts, her approachable manner helped students feel confident and ready to absorb the day’s lessons.

Over the course of the workshop, Ms Sjövall covered a wide range of technical and tactical aspects of Taekwon-Do, including:

Sparring principles – practical drills focused on timing, distancing, and intelligent movement
Pattern refinement – in-depth guidance on rhythm, power delivery, and expression of techniques
Mindset for performance – insights into the psychology of competition and how to train with purpose and focus

The session struck a perfect balance between high-level training and enjoyable learning. Ms Sjövall’s ability to simplify complex ideas and communicate with clarity meant that every student – regardless of grade or experience – walked away with something valuable to apply to their own development.

Parents and instructors in attendance also commented on how the atmosphere was both inspiring and inclusive, a reflection of Ms Sjövall’s leadership and passion for the art.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to Ms Mira Sjövall for sharing her knowledge, experience, and infectious enthusiasm with our members. Events like these are a powerful reminder of the strength and unity within the Taekwon-Do community, and the lifelong learning journey we all share.

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Permission Exam 4Dan in Luxembourg

June 5, 2025 by // by FABIAN ITF Leave a Comment

Last Friday, May 30, 2025, Master Lylian Doulay came to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg to evaluate the 4 Degree exam of the person responsible for the ITF in Luxembourg, Marco Gaspar.

A positive exam that ended with yet another new International Instructor.

A big thank you to Master Lylian Doulay for his availability and sharing of his knowledge.

I would also like to thank the ITF Belgium for the support over all these years that, through the Sabum Nim Patrick Crevecoeur VI Degree, allowed the advancement of all Taekwon-Do practitioners in Luxembourg by carrying out the belt exams to date.

The path continues and the legacy of our dear General Choi Hong Hi remains.