In a groundbreaking move to enhance support for Taekwon-Do instructors worldwide, the International Taekwon-Do Federation has launched the ITFTKDAPP, a free tool designed to help instructors efficiently manage their schools. This initiative marks the first time any of the ITF organizations have provided instructors with a dedicated, no-cost digital tool aimed at easing administrative tasks, broadening its support beyond competition, umpiring, and coaching.
The project, spearheaded by the ITF Business and Marketing Committee, has been years in the making. Its origins date back to a previous committee which conceptualized the ITFTKDAPP, creating a detailed scope document and initiating an international tender process. Following a comprehensive review, the Croatian software development company Link Labs known for its Dojo Experts software, was selected to develop the initial version of the app.
Link Labs successfully built a working model that was launched on the Google Play Store. Despite a few setbacks with the original Google play account , the project was revived thanks to the dedication of members of the Committee, especially Sbn. Gerardo Rossel from Argentina, a Computer Scientist, and Sbn. Felipe Diaz, a Software Engineer from Colombia. With their expertise and hard work, the ITF established new developer accounts on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store, launching the ITFTKDApp on both platforms. The committee also purchased the original software plugin used by Link Labs, granting the ITF complete control over the source code, allowing them to customize and further develop the app to meet the federation’s specific needs.
A New Era of Instructor Support
The launch of the ITFTKDApp represents a significant milestone for the ITF. Unlike previous efforts focused on elite-level competition, umpiring, and coaching, this app is designed to empower instructors, the backbone of the ITF. It acknowledges the critical role played by those who teach the majority of ITF students, many of whom never reach world-class competition but form the essential fabric of the organization’s global presence.
The app’s introduction offers instructors a powerful tool to streamline school management, offering features that simplify administrative tasks, communication, and potentially even inventory management.
The ITF Business and Marketing Committee recognizes that the current app, while functional, requires improvements in usability and interface design. Plans are already underway to launch a significant update with several new features, including:
- Profile Management: Allowing instructors to add multiple schools and delegate responsibilities to assistant instructors and Dojang Managers, who can update attendance and manage finances with specified controls.
- Financial Management: Introducing customizable expenditure categories to accurately categorize expenses, such as rent payments, and merchandise management.
- School Class Scheduling: Creating flexible, long-term schedules with the ability to adjust as needed.
- Student List Management: Enabling easy uploads of student lists via CSV files containing essential information such as names, dates of birth, gender, and contact details.
- Additionally, the ITF envisions using the app as a tool for direct communication with instructors, a potential platform for the ITF Online Store, and an invaluable resource for instructional content.
One of the most immediate concerns is simplifying the login process. Currently, users must have an ITF ID number, a valid email in the ITF database, and an up-to-date teaching licence. However, the committee’s recommendation of loging in via ITF ID alone is currently under review. This step would make the app accessible to all black belts and providing valuable insights into the actual number of schools worldwide.
This second version of the app was conceptualized under the supervision of Sbn. Ryan Rampair, Chair of the ITF Business and Marketing Committee. For the ITFTKDAPP, feedback from instructors will play a critical role in shaping the future of the App. As the ITF continues to expand its support to instructors, this innovative tool aims to strengthen the foundation of the organization by providing much-needed resources to the countless instructors who form the heart of the federation.
Get the app on Google Play Store or the Apple App Store.
Report: ITF Chair Meeting March 2025
