The 194th IIC in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, marked a historic milestone for Ethiopian Taekwon-Do. For the first time in the country’s history, an IIC welcomed participants from 12 different countries, making it the most internationally attended IIC ever held in Ethiopia.
The participating countries were Austria, Belgium, Burundi, Canada, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Uganda and Zanzibar, creating a truly international atmosphere that reflected the continuous growth of ITF Taekwon-Do across Africa and beyond.
The course was conducted by Grand Master Pierre Laquerre and Master Virginia Dionisi, both members of the ITF Technical Committee, with the valuable assistance of Master Niklas Enander, leader of the ITF Africa Development Team and ITF Board Member, and Master Peter Szász.
The seminar was excellently organized by Mr. Tamrat Feyessa and the Board of Directors of the Ethiopian Taekwon-Do Federation. Every detail was carefully planned, providing participants with outstanding technical instruction in a welcoming and professional environment.
The technical program included detailed review and explanation of patterns and step sparring with Master Dionisi, and patterns, sparring methodology with dynamic Tabata training sessions, self-defence techniques, and kicking exercises with Grand Master Laquerre. Additional review sessions on patterns were also conducted by Master Enander and Sabum Dagim, both members of the Africa Development Team.
One of the highlights of the event was the presence of the State Minister of Culture and Sports of Ethiopia, Mrs. Abeba Amare, who attended both the opening and closing ceremonies, demonstrating the recognition and support of the Ethiopian authorities for the development of Taekwon-Do.
The seminar was also honoured by the presence of Master Wogayehu Behailu, Africa’s first and only ITF Master, whose attendance represented an important milestone for the continent’s Taekwon-Do community.
Another meaningful initiative took place at the conclusion of the IIC, when the ITF Africa Development Team organized a meeting with African leaders to discuss future cooperation and strengthen collaboration for the continued development of ITF Taekwon-Do throughout Africa.
During the event, Master Enander also coordinated the distribution of donated Taekwon-Do uniforms and sparring equipment, providing valuable support to practitioners and contributing to the ongoing development of Taekwon-Do in Ethiopia and across Africa.
Participants expressed positive feedback regarding both the technical quality of the course and the outstanding hospitality of the Ethiopian organizers. Among the messages received, Sabum Justin Glanville, President of the South African Federation, thanked all the instructors and organizers for their exceptional instruction, meticulous organization, warm hospitality and friendship. He emphasized that the experience demonstrated once again that Taekwon-Do is truly an international family, bringing together practitioners from different countries and cultures in a spirit of mutual respect, learning and friendship, and expressed his hope for many future opportunities to work together and strengthen the bonds between African Taekwon-Do communities.
The event also received extensive coverage from Ethiopian television, providing valuable national exposure and promoting ITF Taekwon-Do to a wider audience. Such media attention represents another important step in the continued growth of Taekwon-Do in Ethiopia and throughout Africa.
Congratulations to Mr. Tamrat Feyessa, the Ethiopian Taekwon-Do Federation, all instructors, volunteers and participants for organizing and supporting such a successful and historic IIC. Their dedication and commitment made IIC 194 a memorable event and another important milestone in the development of ITF Taekwon-Do in Africa.
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