The “Double Official ITF Umpires Course” was dictated online in English in two intense days, on Saturday September 13rd and Sunday 14th, becoming a unique and unprecedented experience in the ITF Taekwon-Do world.
These courses, the 51st Qualifying Internation Umpire Course and the 3rd Adapted Taekwon-Do Umpires Course were dictated jointly by the modality ONLINE, directed by the two referents: Grand Master Abelardo Benzaquén, Chairman of the ITF Umpire Committee and Sabum Nim Anabel Vicario, Chairperson of the ITF Inclusion Committee.
There was also special participation of GM Gordon Wallace, a member of the ITF Umpire Committee, and the presence of Grand Masters, Masters, Instructors and outstanding International Umpires from all around the world.
Representatives from different countries participated: Argentina, Canada, Chines Taipei, England, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Jamaica, Nepal, Netherland, New Zealand, Norway, Philippines, Scotland, Sweden, Ukraine and United States.
During the first day GM Benzaquén together with GM Wallace, from Scotland presented the full program for the International Umpires.
On day two, most of time was devoted to presenting the regulations for the Adapted TKD competition, in which SN Anabel Vicario, together with GM Benzaquén, showed the joint work of both committees. Also, there was a short presentation of GM Wallace -Team Sparring- that was pendent from day one.
In the occasion GM Benzaquén, GM Wallace and SN Vicario answered numerous questions about both programs -Adapted TKD Umpires and International Umpires-. Thank you all for being part of this formative, professional and deeply human experience that reinforces our commitment to a more inclusive, fair and excellent Taekwon-Do and especially to Master Leo Oros Duek -ITF Treasurer and former Chairman and creator of the Inclusion Committee-. Also, to the ITF President, GM Paul Weiler and the ITF Board of Directors for supporting this initiative by providing a training service of excellence to ITF members all around the world, for the first time in English.
GM Abelardo Benzaquén and Sabum Nim Anabel Vicario
Presidential Report – September 2025
