After the elections held in Finland in September 2023, and now marking two years since that important event, I wish to share with you a report highlighting some of the most relevant activities and achievements of the ITF during this period.
Let me begin by expressing my sincere gratitude to each and every one of the ITF members, working committees, national and continental federations, umpires, instructors, athletes, and families, as well as to the sponsors and partners who support us. Thanks to your joint efforts, the ITF continues to expand, modernize, and honor the legacy of our Founder, General Choi Hong Hi.
Governance and Institutional Affairs
General Assembly 2024: held with broad participation of member countries, reinforcing ITF’s democratic and transparent principles.
Committees: during this period the Technical, Finance, Inclusion, Communication, and Umpire Committees strengthened their work, presenting concrete results and clear action plans for the future.
Expansion and International Development
Africa: consolidation of the continental development team, with seminars and projects establishing firm foundations in various African countries.
Asia: establishing a continental development team with growing momentum for international and national seminars, competitions, and other events, especially in the South East Asian region.
Middle East: ITF officially entered Dubai and the United Arab Emirates, opening a strategic gateway in the region.
Ecuador: the formal admission of Ecuador to the ITF was completed, expanding our presence in South America.
The Americas: a strategic decision was made to establish the four continental federations South America, Central America, Caribbean, and North America with the long-term objective of building a Pan-American Confederation, strengthening continental representation and unity.
Major Events and Sporting Achievements
9th ITF World Cup – Mar del Plata 2024: with more than 1,700 athletes and around 3,000 participants, it was a resounding organizational success and marked a milestone with the 1st Adapted World Cup.
ITF World Championship 2025 – Poreč, Croatia: with more than 1,400 athletes, it will be one of the biggest World Championships in ITF history. It will include the 2nd Adapted World Cup, reinforcing our inclusive objectives.
Regional events: international championships held across various regions contributed to technical growth, sports development, and cultural exchange.
Education, Inclusion, and Training Programs
International Do Course: this course, which deepens the philosophy, ethics, and values of Taekwon-Do, has been consolidated as a central event in the training of instructors and practitioners, transmitting the spirit of our Founder and the vision of our Federation.
Adapted Umpire Courses: in 2024, the ITF launched the new international online courses for Adapted Taekwon-Do umpires, enabling instructors and officials worldwide to officiate in this competition, ensuring professionalism and quality.
Kids and Harmony Programs: continuous growth of these educational programs for both, children and seniors, complementing both, the philosophy of the Do and Inclusion in Adapted Taekwon-Do.
Regional seminars and courses: strong activity in the Americas and Europe, with the IIC 187 in Uruguay (2025) as an example of integration of Technical, Kids, Harmony, and Adapted courses.
Conclusion
These two years since the start of this administrative period in Finland in 2023 show that the ITF is stronger, more inclusive, and more global than ever.
We have taken firm steps in governance, geographic expansion, integral education (with the Do Course), inclusion (with the Adapted Umpire program), and the organization of major events, always with our eyes set on the future.
I reaffirm my commitment to lead with transparency, vision, and service, accompanied by your invaluable dedication.
Thank you for being part of the ITF and for continuing to build together the present and future of our Federation.
Grand Master Paul Weiler
ITF President
ITF General Assembly on October 7, 2025
