The city of Trnava became the beating heart of the Taekwon-Do ITF world from November 14th to 16th, as Slovakia welcomed its first-ever International Instructors Course. The 189th edition of the IIC drew an extraordinary 320 black belts, ranging from 1st to 9th Dan, representing 31 countries and every corner of our global Taekwon-Do family. What unfolded over these three days was more than a training event; it was a historic gathering marked by camaraderie, technical excellence, and a shared passion that transcended borders.
For the Slovak Union of Taekwon-Do ITF, hosting the IIC was a milestone achievement in itself. Yet the significance of the occasion grew even larger with the arrival of five members of the ITF Technical Committee, whose presence symbolized both recognition and responsibility for the European region. The atmosphere rose to another level with the presence of Grand Master Paul Weiler, President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, and several members of the Board of Directors as well as the Secretary General, whose warm engagement with participants set the tone for a memorable weekend.
Throughout the course, the instruction delivered by Grand Masters Hector Marano, Kim Ung Lan, Jerzy Jedut, Pierre Laquerre, and Master Virginia Dionisi created a powerful blend of tradition, expertise, and inspiration. The training floor resonated with the kind of intensity that only arises when experience meets passion. As one participant noted after a session with GM Jerzy Jedut, “GM Jedut was teaching fundamental techniques and basic exercises. But it was far beyond basic – this is why we started Taekwon-Do several decades ago!” Another attendee highlighted the unique presence of GM Pierre Laquerre, sharing, “I like GM Laquerre! He has a great presence, nuanced teaching style, and a huge theoretical knowledge combined with physical excellence.” These impressions captured the atmosphere of the IIC perfectly: a return to roots, elevated by modern expertise.
Participants navigated a demanding yet rewarding curriculum that spanned fundamental movements, patterns, stepa nd free sparring, self-defense, strength and mobility work, and essential recovery. Beyond the physical practice, anecdotes explored the history and philosophy of Taekwon-Do, weaving context into technique. On Sunday morning, Grand Master Weiler contributed his own valuable insights with a special lecture on safe and functional warm-up methods, connecting traditional values with contemporary sports science.
The emotional highlight of the weekend arrived with the technical gradings. Nine candidates demonstrated not only skill but perseverance and maturity, and at the closing, all of them earned the prestigious title of Master. Among them was ITF Board Member Master Niklas Enander, now promoted to 8th Dan—an achievement celebrated enthusiastically by participants from all nations. The Technical Committee captured the spirit of this moment and the entire IIC during their closing remarks, stating, “We stand here in the hall with a few more Grand Masters and Masters who met and learned directly from Gen. Choi Hong Hi. We are here to pass on his legacy.” Their words echoed through the hall, a reminder of the living lineage carried forward in every new Instructor and Master.
After the formal closing, the Technical Committee and ITF President demonstrated once again why leadership in Taekwon-Do is rooted in humility and service. Instead of moving on to their next commitment, they remained for more than an hour to give every group and every country the chance to take a photos with them. For many participants, these simple gestures became one of the most treasured parts of the weekend.
As the final bows were exchanged and the mats were cleared, one feeling lingered unmistakably in the air: unity. Participants from 31 nations — Slovakia, Argentina, Ireland, Poland, Canada, Sweden, Cyprus, and many more — returned home with renewed motivation and a deeper connection to the global ITF family. The 189th IIC in Trnava did more than set a historic precedent for Slovakia; it strengthened the bonds of our worldwide community and reaffirmed the values that define us.
In the end, the story written in Trnava was not only about techniques, gradings, or formalities. It was about people — learning together, challenging each other, celebrating each other, and carrying forward the legacy of General Choi Hong Hi with integrity and pride. The echoes of this IIC will continue to inspire practitioners across the world, reminding us that no matter where we gather, we move forward as one Taekwon-Do family.
ITF Insights: Preserving Knowledge, Honoring Dedication
