Tag: international taekwondo federation Page 4 of 5

Aussie Pride on show in Argentina

On August 14, 2018

Aussie Pride on show in Argentina

Well done to all who represented Australia at the recent ITF World Championships in Buenos Aires, Argentina.

It is one of the toughest cauldrons of ITF competition with a packed stadium full of latino pride and agression. On the mats, we were super proud of the way the Aussie team showed their true spirit and had a red hot crack.

Fair to say all competitors performed very well, and most at or close to their best performance at this level of competition.

Five long days of competition tested the concentration and endurance of our athletes, but they all gave a good account of themselves.

The nature of sports is that it’s not always enough to get a medal, but we are proud to say we did come home with some.

Special Congratulations, of course, goes to our medal winners

Lindy Crouch (2 x Gold Medals)
Jodi Stanton (2 x Silver Medals)
Lee Hermansson (1 x Silver Medal)
Sasha Robertson (1 x Bronze Medal)
Jackson Riordan (1 x Bronze Medal)

Well done to the coaches Phill Zdybel, Bronnie Keating and Rob Riordan. Your hard work and encouragement in preparing the athletes for their bouts was fantastic.

Thank you to all supporters and parents who came along to cheer on our team.

Check out the Photo Gallery

Well done to Master Neil Cliff and Master Noel Keating, on representing Australia as Umpires.

To round out a very succesful campaign, Master Keating was awarded a Medal of Merit from the ITF for service.

In other big news, Master Michael Muleta was appointed under Secretary General of the International Taekwon-Do Federation at the ITF Congress. (see article)

For all those who did not attend on this occasion, there is always next time.

The next ITF World Championships will be held in Moscow, Russia in 2020.

As per ITF Rules, the INO is charged with co-ordination and management of the national team, from selection trials to team registration, including apparel. From a coaching point of view, we naturally invite coaches from all representative parties.

We will make further announcements regarding squad formation, development camps, coaching and selection trials at the appropriate time.

Affiliations to the INO for 2018 are now open for new and renewing schools.

Affiliate to the ITF National Body

Master Muleta new under Secretary General of ITF

By Michael Muleta

On August 9, 2018

In Blogs, News

Master Muleta appointed new under Secretary General of ITF

Master Michael Muleta was recently appointed the new under Secretary General of the International Taekwon-Do Federation at 2018 ITF Congress in Argentina.

Master Muleta, a foundation member of the President Choi Jung Hwa led organization, has filled several executive roles over the past 16 years including:

Co-Ordinator of ITF Administration
Director of Scientific Research
Tournament Committee Member
Director of Expansion (Oceana)
Director of Umpiring (Oceana)

Additionally, Master Muleta has held the post as President of United ITF Taekwon-Do Australia Inc, the National Body for ITF in Australia since 2002, having founded the organization in 1999.

At various times he has been Technical Director / Adviser for Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and Nepal.

Master Muleta has been involved extensively internationally, having taught seminars in South Africa, Singapore, Hong Kong, Malaysia, USA, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and across Australia.

He has participated at 13 ITF World Championships since 1994 as a competitor, coach, umpire and official.

He was inducted in the Australasian ITF Hall Of Fame in 2018 by Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa.

Read his full profile here

Latest Thoroughbred Black Belts

By Michael Muleta

On May 1, 2018

In News

Latest Thoroughbred Black Belts

Congratulations to the latest group of Thoroughbred Taekwon-Do Black Belts promoted recently at the Balwyn (Vic) branch.

The testing panel comprised examiner Master Michael Muleta and branch instructors Justin Chin and Jeremy Chin.

The batch of new 1st Degree Black Belts included Ben Gale, Hayden Nguyen, Spencer Yap and Lachlan Nguyen.

The boys were put through the rigors and standards of the International Taekwon-Do Federation and the National Organization, of which Master Muleta is President, United ITF Taekwon-Do Australia Inc.

Each performed admirably across Patterns, Self Defense, Breaking, various forms of Sparring and Theory, earning well deserved promotion.

Gradings do form an important part of Taekwon-Do training, and play a role in maintaining and elevating standards as well as keeping students motivated to maintain focus, consistency in training and to strive for improvement.

Read the article on the Importance of Gradings

Thoroughbred Taekwon-Do won the “Best Overall Club” trophy for Best Team at ITF Oceanic Championships (1999), Master Choi Cup (2003, 2005), ITF Australasian Championships (1995, 1996, 2001, 2004), ITF Australian Championships (1994, 1997, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2004, 2005,2006), ITF Victorian Championships (1994, 1995, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005,2006,2007, 2008, 2009).

Pres Choi NZ Special Needs Tour

By Michael Muleta

On February 24, 2018

In News

Pres Choi NZ Special Needs Tour

After a whirlwind tour of Australia that took in Melbourne and Sydney, President Choi and ITF Staff entourage flew across to New Zealand to help promote the ITF Special Needs program in Hawkes Bay.

The flight from Australia arrived at Wellington airport close to midnight and the touring party of Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa (ITF President), Grandmaster Kim Jong Chan (ITF Pioneer), Grandmaster Trevor Nicholls (ITF Secretary General), Master Michael Muleta (Australian INO President) and Chris Jung (ITF Public Relations) cleared their way through customs and headed to the hotel for a nap.

In the morning the ITF Officials were greeted by NZITF Special Needs Instructor Ben Evans and Andy Meyer (Rotary Club). At this point GM Nicholls departed back for the UK and the group carried on with the NZ leg of the Australasian Tour.

The morning commenced with a visit to Wellington’s Parliament House for a meet and greet with Federal Minister, the Hon. Lawrence Yule for Tukituki. Both the Korean and Australian Flag flew alongside the New Zealand flag at the steps of parliament.

We carried on for a 4 hour drive up the East coast of New Zealand’s North Island headed for the seaside region of Hawkes Bay, with a few scenic stops along the way.

Upon arriving in Napier, the ITF Team settled in for the night to rest up for a very busy day 2 planned schedule, starting with a Special Needs promotional talk at the Hawkes Bay Rotary club breakfast.

After a warm welcome by the Rotary Club MC, Ben Evans gave an introduction of the ITF visiting party. President Choi Spoke first of the origins of Taekwon-Do and the importance of Do. This was followed by Grandmaster JC Kim giving the attendees an historical appreciation for Taekwon-Do. Master Muleta then spoke about the importance of the Special Needs initiatives, and the future direction of the movement on a global scale, and formally recognized the efforts of NZITF in this area.

The speeches were well received and guests were able to mingle after breakfast and chat about Taekwon-Do and the significant and important contribution and support given by Hawkes Bay Rotary club.

After breakfast the ITF party headed out to the Hohepa community farm, where special needs students develop life skills and confidence building activities from farming, agriculture, arts and crafts. cheese making among other things. Many of the special needs population at Hohepa are also involved in the Taekwon-Do program.

In the afternoon, President Choi Officially opened the Special Needs dojang donated by the Napier council and supported with funding from Hastings District Masonic Trust, with welcoming speeches, songs, Taekwon-do demonstrations and the ceremonial cutting of the ribbon.

From there the team headed off to Irongate school, the venue for that evenings Seminar. The students welcomed the ITF representatives with a very impressive and passionate Haka, the traditional Maori warrior chant.

The evening seminar was a huge success attracting over 100 participants integrating Special needs students with mainstream students. It also attracted local television and newspaper coverage.

President Choi was assisted by Master Muleta, as they ran students through a series of fundamentals, drills and tuls for over 2 hours. The session was high energy and lots of enthusiastic students added to the atmosphere.

The following day involved more meeting with local politicians and some well earned r&r for those who had been on the road for over 3 weeks of the Asia Pacific Tour.

We thank the ITF President, Grandmasters, Masters and ITF Staff for their support and also acknowledge the fine work being done in the area of special needs by Ben Evans of NZITF.

View the full photo gallery here

ITF Hall of Fame

By Michael Muleta

On January 7, 2018

In News, upcoming events

Australasian ITF Hall Of Fame Banquet

Only 10 seats remain !!!!

Big news regarding the 2018 ITF Hall Of Fame Australasia ceremony and dinner being held in Melbourne.

The ITF Hall Of Fame Australasia is proud to announce that the Special Guest of Honour at the 2nd annual ceremony will be none other than the Son of General Choi Hong Hi, the Founder of Taekwon-Do, Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa.

Hot off the press : Also in attendance will be Taekwon-Do Pioneer Grandmaster JC Kim, who was instrumental in establishing the ITF with General Choi.

The 2nd ITF Hall of Fame Australasia ceremony will be held on Saturday 27th January 2018 in Melbourne, Australia in conjunction with the Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa seminar.

Also in attendance as a special guest will be Grandmaster Trevor Nicholls, from the United Kingdom.

Banquet Booking Now Open

deadline 12th January, no exceptions.

The ITF Hall of Fame Australasia was created to celebrate the great achievements and contributions of ITF members throughout the Pacific and Asian regions.

Following the outstanding success of the inaugural 2017 event, the ITF Hall Of Fame Australasia will become a featured annual event on the ITF calendar across the Australasian region.

With many fine Taekwon-Do practitioners, regional pioneers and high performers, the Australasian region has become one of the strong holds of the International Taekwon-Do Federation and now earns and deserves the respect it receives globally due to the efforts of these early pioneers.

The ITF Hall of Fame is not affiliated or aligned to any one ITF group, and as such, we welcome members from all ITF practicing schools and associations, who continue the legacy of the Founder, General Choi Hong Hi, through the adherence and promotion of his teachings.

The 2017 batch of inductees included multiple ITF World Champions, long serving association leaders, and high- profiled and successful Masters from across Australia and New Zealand.

We welcome supporters and nominees for our various categories, which you will see described in the relevant links.

There are a number of categories being awarded to celebrate and acknowledge the many fine contributions to ITF Taekwon-Do in the region.

Categories of recognition in the ITF Hall of Fame Australasia include:

Lifetime Contribution Award
International Ambassador Award
Outstanding Athlete / Coach award
Indomitable Spirit Award
Posthumous Award – Lifetime contribution
ITF Hall of Fame – Legend

The process of nomination includes 2 options:

Self Nomination

Peer Nomination

TKD Pioneer JC Kim coming to Melbourne

By Michael Muleta

On December 31, 2017

In News, upcoming events

TKD Pioneer JC Kim coming to Melbourne

We are pleased to announce that ITF Pioneer Grandmaster JC Kim will be coming to Melbourne, as part of the Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa International Seminar from January 27th – 28th, 2018.

To register for the seminar – click here

Grandmaster JC Kim will also be an honoured guest at the Australasian ITF Hall Of Fame Banquet on Saturday 28th January, 2018.

To register for the dinner with Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa, Grandmaster JC Kim and Grandmaster Trevor Nicholls – book here

Grandmaster JC Kim – a brief history

Master Kim has assisted our Founder General Choi Hong Hi since the beginning of Taekwon-Do and the ITF.

TKD Pioneer Master Kim played a key role in the creation of ITF. In 1966 he was in fact a founding member of the ITF.

Master Kim is a pioneer of South East Asia and North America shortly after GM Joon Rhee.

He has helped many South American countries become a TKD power house and is renembered by us as the person who realized Gen Choi’s wish in the early days:

Grand Master Kim hosted the First ITF World Championships in 1974 … one of many difficult periods in the ITF history.

Grandmaster Nicholls coming downunder

By Michael Muleta

On December 4, 2017

In News, upcoming events

Grandmaster Nicholls downunder

We are pleased to announce that Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa will be accompanied and assisted by Grandmaster Trevor Nicholls during his seminar visit to Melbourne in January 2018.

The International Instructor course and ITF Masterclass will run on the 27th – 28th January, and are open to all ranks (Masterclass) and from 1st gup upwards (IIC Course).

Master Trevor Nicholls is an 8th Degree ITF Master, well respected the world over. It will be his first visit to Australia since 2009.

He has been training for over 35 years and teaches regularly at club, regional, national and international level.

He is very active in the development and promotion of Taekwon-Do through the International Taekwon-Do Federation, under the Presidency of Choi, Jung Hwa, son the Choi, Hong Hi, the Founder of Taekwon-Do.

Master Nicholls is Secretary General of the British Taekwondo Council, the National Governing Body for Taekwondo recognised by UK Sport.

Seminar registrations are now open – register here

Grandmaster Tompkins Vale

By Michael Muleta

On July 8, 2016

In News

Passing of Grandmaster Tompkins

Saddened to hear of the passing today of Grandmaster John Tompkins. He was always on hand with a word of encouragement and support, I found him fascinating to talk to and appreciated his ability to look you in the eye and give it to you straight without the sugar coating.

A man of his convictions and not afraid to call it as he saw it. My condolences to his family, members and close friends. The World is poorer for having lost you but grander for having had you my friend. Respect – Master Michael Muleta

From the ITF administration page:

Grand Master John Tompkins had an enormous passion for martial arts and Taekwon-Do in particular. He started as a young boy and stayed active in Taekwon-do throughout his life. He was respected and loved by many all over the world. One of his proudest moments was when President Choi Jung Hwa promoted him to the rank of 9th degree black belt at the 2014 World Championships in Rome, Italy. His passion could be fiery at times but it was his love and commitment to keeping Taekwon-do pure that drove him. He was a man who lived and died by his principles.

Master Muleta – Tasmanian MMA seminar

By Michael Muleta

On July 1, 2016

In Blogs, News

Master Muleta – Tasmanian MMA seminar

Master Michael Muleta VIIIth degree black belt, provided an insightful and educative workshop for the Tasmanian Martial Arts Council today at the dojang of Southern ITF Taekwon-Do in Hobart, Tasmania. Master Muleta is the owner of Global Fitness Institute and the President of United ITF Taekwon-Do and with over 35 years of experience in Martial Arts, Fitness and Education he brings a depth of knowledge second to none. Today’s seminar was attended by over 30 of Tasmania’s most enthusiastic practitioners from Karate, Ju-Jitsu and Taekwon-Do including many senior ranked Instructors.

Master Muleta began his workshop by outlining why it is necessary to learn self-defence techniques and when it is appropriate to use them. Unlike many other self-defence instruction courses he didn’t just focus on a sequence of routines or techniques but looked at when and what techniques are necessary for situations and he then proceeded to, not only show how to perform them, but also how to teach them.
His education background really showed in his presentation methods as well as his knowledge of anatomy and how to apply appropriate tools to vital spots. He draws from his knowledge of several martial arts to bring an interesting perspective to his technique. One of the points he makes is that the knowledge gained through training in different arts should be seen as growing student’s skills rather than replacing one set of skills with another.

Although very professional in his presentation, his manner encourages interaction and questions from students of all skill and age levels. He quickly endeared himself to all of the senior instructors and had them helping out throughout the workshop. All in all, this, the first TMAC workshop conducted by a non-Tasmanian Instructor, was a very successful event that was enjoyed by everyone who participated.

A long-time friend of Master Steve Weston, there is no question Master Muleta made a large group of new friends this weekend and it is anticipated he will have many more trips to Tasmania both as a martial arts instructor and as trainer of some of the country’s leading fitness coaches.

Written by Master Steve Weston, for the Tasmanian Martial Arts Council

New Zealand Champs and Seminar

By Michael Muleta

On June 16, 2016

In News

New Zealand Champs and Seminar

The 2016 United ITF New Zealand National Championships were held in Wellington, New Zealand on Saturday 11th June.

The following day saw Master Michael Muleta conduct a Seminar and Degree Testing for United ITF NZ and United ITF Australia Black Belts.

The National Champs saw participants travel from Across New Zealand, including Wellington and the South Island as well as a large contingent from Australian areas including Melbourne, Geelong, Mildura and Millicent.

Thoroughbred Taekwon-Do was represented by Master Michael Muleta, as an offical with Justin Chin and Anna Blake as competitors.

The competition featured a range of competitors from young first-timers through to past and present (and possibly future) International Taekwon-Do Federation World Champs. With some high quality contests the crowd were treated to a very entertaining day indeed.

From our club’s point of view, we had some very good results with Anna Blake taking out the best over all Junior Female award, winning her sparring and patterns convincingly, which will serve as valuable preparation for the upcoming ITF World Championships in England next month.

Justin Chin also continued his strong form, winning a silver medal in senior black belt patterns in a very high standard final against Kye Todd, with both in the national team for next month’s international event.

On the Sunday, Master Michael Muleta conducted a seminar including work on technical content, movement dynamics, kicking drills and some motivational and philosophical content. The session was well received and students preparing for the upcoming degree testing received some valuable last minute pointers.

The degree testing was quite involved and ultimately saw the promotion of Mark Elliot (3rd Degree), Kylee Cusin (3rd Degree) and Conner Melaugh (2nd Degree).

The Championships will be held as a biennial event with New Zealand supporting Master Muleta’s Australian events in the alternate years.