The 188th International Instructor Course (IIC) was held in Trinidad and Tobago from 20th to 22nd August 2025 at the Cara Suites Hotel, South Trinidad. The event was conducted by members of the ITF Technical Committee, Grand Master Hector Marano and Grand Master Pierre Laquerre, with additional presentations including the Harmony Course by Master Gaston Cacero, Chairman of the Harmony Committee.
The venue was transformed into a hub of Taekwon-Do learning, with 89 participants representing Trinidad and Tobago, Anguilla, Argentina, Jamaica, Honduras, Canada, the Netherlands, England, Sweden, Barbados, and Suriname. For many local practitioners, it was their first opportunity to experience an international event of this magnitude, with 58 participants from Trinidad alone, a testament to the growth of Taekwon-Do in the country.
25 Years of Taekwon-Do in Trinidad & Tobago
This IIC was especially meaningful, as it coincided with the 25th anniversary of Taekwon-Do in Trinidad and Tobago. Since its beginnings in September 2000, Taekwon-Do has expanded to 32 schools across the nation, becoming an integral part of community development. The anniversary celebrations extended the IIC into a full week of activities, combining training, learning, fellowship, and recognition.
Activities During the Week
In addition to the IIC, a number of complementary seminars and events were held:
Self-Defense Seminar – conducted by Master Russell Dennis (8th Degree, UK), offering practical training in real-world applications of Taekwon-Do.
Sparring Workshop – led by renowned world champions and coaches Master Stephan Tapilatu and Master Johann Da Silva of TKD Tekkers, who also provided media coverage of the event.
Umpire Training – guided by Master Kurt Otteson, focusing on national-level umpiring standards.
Taekwon-Do Lime (Trinidadian hangout/meet & greet) – a cultural highlight that brought together participants, families, and supporters in true Caribbean spirit.
Awards Function – recognizing individuals and partners who have supported the growth of Taekwon-Do over the past 25 years.
Tournament Workshop & National Championship – serving both as a fundraiser and as a chance to sharpen competitive standards in the country.
The celebrations also included support from local restaurants and sponsors, one of which had a personal connection to Taekwon-Do in the Netherlands through Master Tapilatu, making their involvement particularly meaningful.
A Community Effort
One of the most striking aspects of the Trinidad & Tobago IIC was the strong sense of community involvement. Parents, families, and supporters were actively engaged in every stage of the event, from organizing and fundraising to attending seminars and workshops. This highlighted a unique model of Taekwon-Do development, not only focused on kicking and punching, but on building a community around the art.
Looking Ahead
The 188th IIC in Trinidad and Tobago was a resounding success, leaving participants inspired and motivated. The technical instruction, particularly on standardizing execution and precision, was invaluable to the country’s rapidly growing organization.
The Trinidad & Tobago Taekwon-Do Federation now looks ahead to the future with renewed energy, planning to host annual high-level events and continuing to strengthen the foundations laid over the past 25 years.
As Taekwon-Do in Trinidad and Tobago enters its next chapter, this IIC will be remembered as both a milestone and a launching point for even greater achievements to come.
A weekend for Ethiopia in the center of the ITF World
