In July 2023, the European School Sport Federation (ESSF) and the All Europe Taekwon‑Do Federation, the continental body of the International Taekwon‑Do Federation, signed a memorandum of understanding. This agreement, endorsed by then-AETF President Master Leo Oros Duek and ESSF President Željko Tanasković, paved the way for the inclusion of ITF Taekwon‑Do in the ESSF’s official school sports programme.
The first event marking this collaboration was the 2nd edition of the European Open Combat Games, held in Bucharest from 10 to 17 July 2025. ITF Taekwon‑Do competitions took place on 11 and 12 July at the multifunctional venue Sala Polivalentă din București, a modern arena located near Tineretului Park that seats over 5,300 spectators and regularly hosts top-tier Romanian handball league matches.
ITF Taekwon‑Do was represented by Grand Master Tadeusz Łoboda, Secretary General of the International Taekwon‑Do Federation, who has been overseeing this initiative from the very beginning. According to GM Łoboda, the inclusion of Taekwon‑Do in the ESSF sports programme marks a significant milestone in the development of the discipline, especially in light of its aspirations for broader international recognition within the global sports framework. His visit to Bucharest was also an opportunity for numerous discussions and meetings with representatives of ESSF, the International School Sport Federation (ISF), and the local organisers. The conversations addressed future collaboration, event planning, and the long-term development of ITF Taekwon‑Do within educational sports systems.
The ITF Taekwon‑Do event gathered 234 competitors from four countries: Bulgaria, Poland, Ukraine, and Romania. They were accompanied by 37 coaches, 35 referees, and 10 officials – including one Grand Master and five Masters. The competitions were held on five rings: three dedicated to patterns and sparring, and two to special techniques. The entire event was carried out in an atmosphere of spirited sportsmanship, mutual respect, and meaningful integration of Taekwon‑Do with other martial arts present at the Games.
The Games received particular praise from participants for their outstanding organisation. Athletes and coaches highlighted the excellent atmosphere, smooth logistics, and warm hospitality of the hosts. Local preparations were coordinated by Mr. Fedorca Stelian Victor, President of Uniunea Asociatiilor Sportive Scolare and local organiser on behalf of the ESSF. A key role was also played by Mr. Constantin Caliman, ESSF Treasurer and liaison between the Romanian Ministry of Education and the event organisers. The Romanian Taekwon‑Do Federation (Federatia Romana de Taekwon‑Do ITF) was responsible for executing the Taekwon‑Do tournament, with coordination duties carried out by Mr. Cristian Popa – Secretary and Board Member of the Federation and holder of the 5th Dan in ITF Taekwon‑Do.
The organisers also ensured that every participant received a commemorative set, including a branded bag, cap, and T-shirt with the official Games logo – a gesture warmly received by the youth and national delegations.
Romania topped the medal standings, followed by Poland, Ukraine, and Bulgaria. For the Romanian hosts, this result confirmed both athletic excellence and organisational proficiency. For the visiting teams, it provided an opportunity to showcase their skills internationally and establish new connections within this innovative competition format.
The European School Sport Federation is already preparing its next major event – the ESSF Summer Games 2026, which will also take place in Bucharest, from 6 to 14 August. ITF Taekwon‑Do will once again be included in the programme, a testament to the success of this year’s debut and the growing place of the discipline within European school sport.
The debut of ITF Taekwon‑Do at the European Open Combat Games marked a vital step towards greater integration of non-Olympic sports into youth education and physical culture. For the athletes, coaches, and officials, the Games offered not only sporting competition but also an opportunity to promote the core values of Taekwon‑Do: respect, perseverance, integrity, and self-discipline.
This event was also featured on insidethegames.biz.
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