Report on the Visit of Master Leonardo Oros Duek

Date: 08-Feb-2025

Location: Dubai & Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates  

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.

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.

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.

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