We are pleased to announced that we are Back on the Mat after the most disruptive couple of years to our tournament circuit, and boy are we back in style.
The 3rd Global Open Championships is being held over the weekend of Saturday 22nd – Sunday 23rd, April 2023 at the Caroline Springs Leisure Center, Victoria.
It promises to be one of the biggest and most inclusive week of Taekwon-Do activities held in Australia’s 50+ year history. It all happens in Melbourne, Australia
We already have registrations from across Australia, New Zealand, India and Nepal, with messages of intent from some other countries.
The event is open for all ages, all ranks and all Taekwon-D0 practitioners.
The Global Open Taekwondo Championships will feature both ITF and WT events
Official Arnold Classic World Championships replacement event
The 3rd Global Open Taekwondo Championships will be the only official replacement event for the previously COVID postponed 1st Arnold Classic Taekwon-Do World Championships.
All participants who remained ‘in-credit’ from the Arnolds, will enter this event FREE OF CHARGE.. You do not need to fill in a form, simply send us your updated personal details via email (admin@globalfitness.edu.au)……… so let’s all brush off our doboks and get back on the mat for a great weekend of Taekwon-Do action.
We will even be presenting all the trophies and medals we purchased for that event at the Global Open Champs.
On the first evening of the Global Open Taekwondo Championships, we will also be holding our 5thITF Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.
Nominate your instructors, outstanding students, peers or anybody you feel warrants nomination to the Australasian ITF Hall Of Fame.
We encourage you to not only attend, but to nominate those you feel have much a great contribution to ITF in this region. (more info: itfhalloffame.com)
Places are limited due to venue size, so be sure to book early.
Depending on the nominations received, the organizing committee will reserve the right to elevate outstanding nominees to the ‘Legend of Taekwon-Do’ category.
Eureka, its Gold and Bronze for the Green and Gold. Congratulations to all who were part of the small but successful Australian team who competed in the recent ITF World Championships in the Netherlands.
After a year delay due to the infamous lockdowns, the ITF finally got a chance to stage the ITF World Championships in Amsterdam, Netherlands.
Without domestic tournaments for more than 2 years, preparation for this year’s National Team was not as organized as normal.
Due to restrictions, financial hardship and travel reluctance, the team was a lot smaller than past Aussie Teams, and also one of the least experienced, with 5 of the 7 participants attending their first ITF World Championships.
But, oh boy, what an outcome we got, with Charlise Grossel of Canberra, stunning us all on Day 1, winning the Female Power Breaking late in the afternoon. It was a truly amazing result for the World Champs debutant.
We had high hopes that we may be able to snag a medal or two in the Men’s sparring, with the very experienced Zdybel’s getting on the mat. It wasn’t to be, and although both acquitted themselves well, unfortunately they did not make it through to the medal rounds.
So Day 2 ended, with everyone still on a high from that awesome Gold medal on the opening day. The general feeling in the camp was that we probably wouldn’t get any more medals.
Day 3 proved us wrong, the Men’s Power Breaking Team stepped up and became Bronzed Aussies with literally a smashing performance, coming in Third Place. To be honest, as great a result as it was, they were really only a whisker away from cleaning up the Gold again.
So all in all, a fantastic result at a very enjoyable and well organized and run event.
Congratulations to the squad who represented Australia. Phil Zdybel combined his competing in Sparring, Patterns, Power and Teams, with coaching other team members. Joshua Zdybel also competed in the same events. Jordan Steele and Kirby Ellis took part in both Power events, while Grace Ellis competed in Patterns. Then of course there was Australia’s new Golden Girl, Charlise Grossel competing in Patterns and winning gold in the Power ……. Eureka !!!
Katrina Cubit worked very hard Umpiring for 3 days, whilst INO President Master Michael Muleta was part of the 4-person Tournament Committee coordinating the overall event.
So Australia, and more specifically United ITF Taekwon-Do Australia (INO#23) as the National Organization, was well represented and people knew Australia was there….. oi oi oi.
Congratulations to all the new black belts who were tested and successfully promoted over the past 2 weeks in both Newcastle and Rockhampton.
Master Michael Muleta, 8th Degree, travelled to Newcastle, NSW early June to conduct some Black Belt Examinations and an ITF Masterclass at the Titan Martial Arts school. Some black belts had also been promoted the week before, by Sabum Michael Omay.
Those promoted included:
Michael Omay 6th Degree
Scott Gannon, 5th Degree
Sam Wilson, 5th Degree
Alex Sorensen, 4th Degree
Simon Aliendi, 3rd Degree
James Magill, 3rd Degree
Chris Streets, 3rd Degree
Archer Woller, 2nd degree
Tim Kerkhoff, 2nd Degree
Maclean Davis, 1st Degree
Travis Charlton, 1st Degree
Sapphire Tabas, 1st Degree
Tiarne Sattler, 1st Degree
Kalleah Sattler, 1st Degree
Amy Burke, 1st Degree
Jerrome Teasdale, 1st Degree
The following week, Master Muleta travelled to Rockhampton for more Masterclasses and a Black Belt grading. The successful new Black belt promotion was:
Nikki Olzard, 3rd Degree
The next round of Black Belt exams and Masterclasses with Master Muleta will be held in Canberra, ACT over the weekend on 8-10th, July 2022.
We’ve released the first couple of videos here, and will be releasing more over the next couple of weeks.
If you want to get your first, directly to your inbox, please support by subscribing to our video channel, and leave us a like if you found the video useful.
General Choi Hong Hi – Founder of Taekwon-DoToday marks another General Choi Death Anniversary marking a further year since the passing of the legendary Founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi.
Grandmasters, Masters and students around the globe will reflect on the General’s influence and continue to keep his legacy alive through the continued promotion and growth of ITF Taekwon-Do
In 2000, General Choi, the Founder of Taekwon-Do, was announced by Taekwon-Do Times magazine, as the most influential martial artist on the century.
General Choi is regarded as the Founder of Taekwon-do and served as President of the International Taekwon-do Federation (I.T.F.) for many years. He sadly passed away in June 2002, after a long battle with cancer.
The Taekwon-Do Founder, General Choi Hong Hi (dec) was born on November 9th, 1918 in the rugged and harsh area of Hwa Dae, Myong Chung District, in what is now D.P.R of Korea . A sickly but willful child, he was expelled from school at the age of 12 for leading a protest against the occupying Japanese.
Later, Choi Hong Hi travelled to Japan, where he studied English, mathematics, and karate. In Kyoto, he met a fellow Korean with the surname Kim, who was a karate instructor and taught Choi this martial art. Choi also learned Shotokan under Gichin Funakoshi,the founder of Shotokan karate-do, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is known as a “father of modern karate”
Just before he had left Korea, Choi had a disagreement with a wrestler named Hu, and the possibility of a future confrontation inspired him to train. In his own words, he said “I would imagine that these were the techniques I would use to defend myself against the wrestler, Mr. Hu, if he did attempt to carry out his promise to tear me limb from limb when I eventually returned to Korea”.
With two years of concentrated training, Choi attained the rank of first degree black belt, and then 2nd Degree soon after. These techniques, together with Taek Kyon (foot techniques), were the forerunners of modern Taekwon-Do.
General Choi’s military career began in 1937, when he was forced, as were all Korean soldiers, to join the Japanese army as a student volunteer, during Japan’s occupancy of Korea.
On his return to Korea in 1942, he hid to avoid conscription into the Japanese Army, but was eventually caught, and in October 1943 began his basic training. He was soon arrested during an attempt to escape and join the underground Korean Liberation Army. Sent to Pyung Yang prison for treason, he was due to have been executed on August 18 1945, three days after Korea was liberated.
While in prison, to alleviate the boredom and keep physically fit, Choi began practicing this art in the solitude of his cell. In a short time, even his cellmate and jailer became students of his.
In 1945, Choi enrolled in the Koreans Military Academy, later to be commissioned to the rank of second lieutenant in 1946. By 1948, he had been promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was a Taekyon instructor for the military troops of the R.O.K. and the American Military Police School based in Korea.
On the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, Choi hurried back to Korea, where he was ordered to set up an officer training academy. In 1952 he was appointed chief of staff of the First Corps, and soon found himself briefing General Douglas MacArthur, the Supreme Commander of the United Nations troops, on the situation at the front line.
From 1946 to 1951, Choi received promotions to first lieutenant, captain, major, lieutenant colonel, colonel, and then brigadier general, becoming Chief of staff to the Korean Army.
The year 1953 was an eventful one for the General, in both his military career and in the progress of the new martial art. He became the author of the first authoritative book on military intelligence in Korea.
He organized and activated the crack 29th Infantry Division at Cheju Island, which eventually became the spearhead of Taekwon-Do in the military and established the Oh Do Kwan (Gym of My Way) where Korean soldiers were trained in General Choi’s new martial art to become the pioneer Taekwon-do instructors. It was also a opportunity to develop the Taekyon and Karate techniques into a modern system of Taekwon-Do.
He went on to command Chung Do Kwan (Gym of the Blue Wave), the largest civilian gym in Korea;
In 1954 Choi was promoted to the rank of Major General.
During his military career, General Choi constantly researched various martial arts, mainly Taekyon, Kung Fu and Karate – drawing from each to create the original version of Taekwon-do.
In 1955 General Choi led the Korean Army’s Taekwon-do demonstration team on a tour of China and Vietnam to promote his form of unarmed combat. After breathtaking displays, both these countries adopted General Choi’s Taekwon-do as an integral part of their soldier’s military training.
In 1961, the Korean Taekwon-do Association was formed with General Choi as its President. During the next few years, he led Taekwon-do demonstration teams throughout the world. In 1965, the South Korean government gave approval to General Choi’s martial art and declared it as Korea’s National martial art.
On March 22nd, 1966, General Choi Hong Hi (dec) formed the International Taekwon-do Federation(I.T.F) in Seoul, Korea. At the time it had associations in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, West Germany, America, Turkey, Italy, Egypt and Korea. Taekwon-Do was taken up by several foreign armies, and was taught at West Point in America. During the Vietnam War, the Taekwon-Do training of Korean and other foreign soldiers was said to have had a demoralizing effect on the Viet Cong.
In 1971, the South Korean president Park Chung Hee began to use Taekwon-Do as anti-communist political propaganda. Choi, fiercely against this, went into exile in Canada. He continued to teach Taekwon-Do throughout the world, including in North Korea, and in 1974 he organised the first Taekwon-Do world championship in Montreal.
All the while he had to endure death threats from Korean Central Intelligence, attempts to kidnap him and attempts on his life by armed assassins. On one occasion his son and daughter, who had stayed behind in South Korea, were kidnapped and their lives threatened if Choi did not return to Korea. His response was “I choose Taekwon-Do over my son”. They were freed.
General Choi died of cancer on 15 June 2002 in Pyongyang, North Korea. Choi is listed in the Taekwondo Hall of Fame with various titles: “Father of Taekwon-Do,” “Founder and First President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation,” and “Founder of Oh Do Kwan.”Choi is survived by his wife, Choi Joon Hee; his son, Choi Jung Hwa; two daughters, Sunny and Meeyun; and several grandchildren.
We ask that you take a moment on the occasion of General Choi Death Anniversary to reflect on how Taekwon-Do has impacted your own life.
– excerpts from ‘Taekwondo – The Korean Art of Self Defence’ – General Choi Hong Hi
Kihaps appear in various steps in ITF Patterns. This guide is to assist you in remembering which steps or techniques have a Kihap associated with them.
The Kihap literally means to shout or yell. Kihaps are performed to assist the performer focus their concentration and energy into the impact point of the techniques.
Kihaps are also great for Taekwon-Do demonstrations, to create a level of atmosphere and excitement for participants and spectators alike.
(Step 9) Execute a flying side piercing kick to D with the right foot soon after moving it to D and then land to D forming a left L-stance toward D while executing a middle guarding block to D with a knife-hand.
(Step 23) Move the right foot to D in a stamping motion to form a sitting stance toward F while executing a high side strike to D with the right back fist.
(Step 27) Move the left foot on lone CD in a stamping motion to form a sitting stance toward F while executing a high side strike to C with the left back fist.
(Step 19) Move the left foot to D turning counter clockwise to form a right L-stance toward D while executing a middle guarding block to D with a knife-hand
(Step 28) Jump to D, forming a right x-stance toward BD while executing a high block to D with the right double forearm.
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These are some recommended guidelines for Umpiring Patterns competitions, for domestic and local events based on the ITF Tournament Rules.
Note : The ‘Official’ ITF Rules are only applicable to ITF World Championships, and as such much of it is not relevant to in-house, local, state and national level competitions.
A National Organization, or any competition for that matter, should adopt rules that are specific to:
the event/s being conducted.
the ages of participants
the experience levels of participants
the objective of the competition
the facilities being used
the schedule / time available
the umpires/officials available
Purpose of the ITF Umpiring Rules
Clarify responsibilities of officials
Outline scoring criteria for each event
Determine eligibility of competitors
Outline operational procedures of all events
Assist competitors and coaches in event preparation
Ensure the safety of all competitors and officials
Characteristics of a good Umpire:
Be consistent and fair in all judgements
Base all decisions on the Rules of the competition
Be assertive and confident in all decisions
Display Punctuality and work ethic
Be professional in appearance and behaviour
Be willing to receive constructive feedback and advice from Tournament Directors
Have a thorough knowledge of the rules – updated regularly
Integrity, honesty and strength of character
Ability to follow instructions
To be flexible and adaptable in various official roles
Some appreciation and empathy of the competitor’s task
Ability to make logical, correct decisions quickly and under pressure
Do not engage spectators or competitors while judging.
have a basic knowledge of First Aid
You must be conversant with all patterns / techniques you are to judge
ITF Umpiring uniform consists of
a navy blue blazer jacket,
white, long sleeved shirt,
navy blue trousers or knee-high skirt
navy blue tie (with no other colours or decorations- I.T.F. logo permitted)
white socks
white gym/Taekwon-do shoes
Alternatively, polo tops may be used where a sponsorship arrangement is in place, or approved by the National Organization.
The Competition area – Patterns
Patterns Ring size should be 9m by 9m square of competition space.
Patterns judges are positioned across the front of the ring.
The official Jury table is positioned behind judges
There should be adequate distance between the competition area and spectators for safety and integrity of judging
Judges should be positioned a safe distance from competition area
BOUT PROCEDURE
The pyramid system of elimination is generally used for both team and individual at Black Belt Levels
Other formats are at the Tournament Organizers discretion, but must be made clear prior to event registration.
Individual
Competitors will compete 1 to 1 and will perform simultaneously one (1) optional Pattern and one (1) designated Pattern (appropriate to their degree), selected at random by the Jury President.
The boxes containing the names of the optional patterns will be taken out of the basket by the Jury President before choosing the designated pattern. The winning competitor will progress to the next round.
Team
Designated pattern draw will take place whilst both teams are on the floor.
From the second round of the draw a coin will be tossed to decide which team goes first. The winning coach of the toss decides which team performs as first.
The first team will perform 2 patterns and the second team will do likewise.
The winning team will progress to the next round.
Team Patterns additional Guidelines
The team may line up in any format they choose and team members may perform movements individually, or together, as they choose, but it must be seen to be teamwork.
For example: one team member may not perform moves of the Pattern on his own without the other team members following in unison
Scoring Method:
Patterns are Judged according to the following criteria:
Technical Content (5 points)
Power (5 points)
Rhythm (5 points)
Team Patterns are also Judged on Teamwork (5 points)
TECHNICAL CONTENT (5 POINTS)
Technical Content refers to:
Correct pattern diagram, all steps performed
Appropriate start and finish positions
Appropriate posture and facing
Techniques performed at correct height and direction of travel
Proper tool used for blocking, striking or kicking
Correct Stance dimensions and weight distributions
Correct use of sine wave
Correct stepping, pivoting and turning
Maintaining equilibrium whilst stepping, turning and pivoting
Remaining stable whilst kicking, including slow movements
Control of body weight and momentum
Kihaps performed in appropriate places
incorrect ready stance (-1)
break in pattern sequence but continue within 3 secs (-2)
(-1 for Technical Content and -1 for Rhythm(see below))
absence of Kihups in patterns (-1)
if a movement is performed incorrectly, either once or throughout pattern (-1)
incorrect Name of Pattern called at completion of pattern (-1)
3 wrong movements performed in the pattern (0 points)
stop pattern completely without resuming within 3 secs (0)
wrong pattern performed (0)
missing technique in pattern (0) points
RHYTHM (5 POINTS)
Rhythm refers to:
Timing of the pattern movements in accordance with encyclopaedia recommendations
Absence of delayed pauses, or irregular sequences
Pattern completed from start to finish in one continuous sequence
Performing the pattern too fast (-1)
Irregular sequences or pauses (-1)
break in pattern sequence but continue within 3 secs (-2) (-1 for Rhythm and -1 for Technical Content(see above)
POWER (5 POINTS)
Power refers to:
Correct application of sine wave
Use of reaction arm
Appropriate utilization of larger muscle groups, and transfer of body weight
Acceleration of movements
The appropriate use of breath for each movement
Correct strength and timing of breath
lack of power (-1)
lack of reaction force (-1)
no acceleration of movement (-1)
uncontrolled stop power (-1)
All patterns are judged according to the recommendations of the Founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi, along with updates made by the International Taekwondo Federation.
Central Umpire (Patterns)
Responsibilities
Control the procedure of the bout
Ensure competitors abide by the competition rules
Allocated penalties where appropriate
Communicate with Jury President
Clearly signal all decisions to judges.
Patterns – Umpire Terminology
CHARYOT – ATTENTION
KYONG YE – BOW
JUNBI – READY
SIJAK – BEGIN
BARO – RETURN
JU UI – WARNING
HONG – RED
CHONG – BLUE
DONG CHON – TIE
SUNG – WINNER
PATTERNS JUDGES
Responsibilities:
To score the bout according to official scoring criteria
To have a thorough knowledge of technique / patterns
To record and tally scores precisely
To be consistent and non-biased in scoring
During the bout:
the Corner Referee must be up to date with all the I.T.F. Tournament Rules
sit properly and must observe with attention the competitors’ actions
Jury President
Responsibilities
Oversee the procedure of the bout
Ensure competitors abide by the competition rules
Communicate with Tournament Organizing Committee
Monitor performance of judges and referees – provide feedback
Scrutinize score sheets and then announce results to Centre Umpire
Consult with the Tournament director in regards any appeals
DISQUALIFICATION
misconduct against officials or ignoring instructions
any behaviour deemed to be unsporting, offensive, or not in the spirit of fair competition
any competitor suspected of being under influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs
Active Participants in this course will be issued a C-Class ITF Umpire Certificate.
This level is issued by the National Organization.
Importantly, regardless of your certified level, you must possess the skills and confidence to effectively control and officiate ITF competitive matches in all events
As a result of Melbourne’s extended COVID 19 lockdowns and restrictions, we will be conducting this weekend’s National Umpire Course online, via the Zoom platform. (note: zoom is free, but you must sign up for an account)
Sunday 13th June, 2021 from 10.00am
Streamed Live on ZOOM
Master Michael Muleta, 8th Degree Technical Director for United ITF Taekwon-Do Australia will be conducting a United ITF sanctioned NationalITF Umpiring course on Sunday 13th June, 2021.
Students of all ages and ranks are welcome to take part in the session and will be issued C-class National Umpire certification.
Students will learn the Umpire rules and application of rules as they pertain to domestic United ITF state and national championships.
Participants will be able to assist in officiating upcoming 2021 United ITF Taekwon-Do events including Queensland Championships (August), ACT Championships (July) and Australian Championships (October).
The session will cover all ITF events – Sparring, Patterns, Special Techniques, Power, both team and individual.
We ask that participants familiarize themselves with ITF Umpire Rules prior to the session so as we can move through the session in a time effective manner.
It is a useful session not only for officials, but also for competitors and coaches.
As it is a participation based seminar, spectators and filming is not permitted.
This week sees us celebrate the 55 year anniversary of the formation of the International Taekwon-Do Federation.
On March 22nd, 1966, General Choi Hong Hi (dec) formed the International Taekwon-do Federation (I.T.F) in Seoul, Korea. At the time it had associations in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, West Germany, America, Turkey, Italy, Egypt and Korea.
The years that followed saw Taekwon-Do spread like wildfire to become the most practiced martial art in the World.
The now iconic and coveted ITF badge and plaque were designed by Grandmaster Kim Jong Chan (JC) for the ITF. Grandmaster JC Kim was very instrumental in the formation of the ITF. He designed and taught the 1st International Instructor’s courses, ITF Umpires courses, and later hosted the 1st ITF World Championships.
In 1972, the International Taekwon-Do Federation headquarters moved from Seoul, Korea to Toronto, Canada.
The first ITF World championships was held in 1974, in Montreal, Canada.
Early pioneer demonstration teams included famous names such as Rhee Ki Ha, Choi Chang Keun, Park Jong Soo, Kong Yong Il, Han Cha Kyo, Kim Jong Chan, Choi Kwang Jo and others.
In 1985 the ITF headquarters moved to Vienna, Austria.
by 1993, the first ITF Junior World Championships was held in Moscow, Russia.
In 1997, GM Rhee Ki Ha was the first person promoted to the rank of 9th Degree, Grandmaster by General Choi Hong Hi and the International Taekwon-Do Federation. On the 55 year anniversary, today there are now many ITF Grandmasters.
By 2000, General Choi, the Founder of Taekwon-Do, was announced by Taekwon-Do Times magazine, as the most influential martial artist on the century.
General Choi sadly passed away on 15 June 2002 in Pyongyang, North Korea. Choi is listed in the Taekwondo Hall of Fame with various titles: “Father of Taekwon-Do,” “Founder and First President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation,” and “Founder of Oh Do Kwan.”
General Choi is survived by his wife, Choi Joon Hee; his son, Choi Jung Hwa; two daughters, Sunny and Meeyun; and several grandchildren.
We wish all of those persons who have been members and valuable contributors of the International Taekwon-Do Federation through its 55 year journey…. a very happy anniversary.
Thank you to General Choi Hong Hi and all the original pioneers of the ITF for their vision and dedication.
After a tough 12 months across the Globe, not just in the Taekwon-Do community, but across all sectors, we are pleased to announce ITF Events are back in person.
With Australia doing such a great job in containing and controlling the spread of COVID-19, it has allowed us the luxury of returning to face to face ITF events, when much of the World is still heavily restricted or locked down.
After months of zooming or glooming, we are finally back in action.
We have scheduled ITF seminars, ITF tournaments, gradings and social events where we can all get together once again, and celebrate Taekwon-Do.
We look forward to seeing you all in person, in dobok on the dojang floor and competition mats.
Upcoming ITF Events in Australia include:
Seminars
All ages and all ranks are welcome to attend our seminars and masterclasses, contact the seminar instructor or event host for registration details.
Master Michael Muleta – ITF Masterclass – Rockhampton, Queensland (Register)
Saturday 11th July, 2021
Master Michael Muleta – ITF Masterclass – Canberra, ACT
Tournaments
Tournaments are open to all ages and ranks, and we welcome and encourage all members to take part. There are categories to suit everyone from sparring, patterns, breaking and special techniques, along with some additional events.
Saturday 2nd October, 2021
United ITF National Championships – Melbourne, Victoria
National Selection Trials for 2022 ITF World Championships*
(* INO#23 members only)
Social Functions
Saturday 2nd October, 2021
United ITF Australia – 20th Anniversary Celebration – Melbourne, Victoria
To book a seminar for your school or region, please contact us
Eureka, its Gold and Bronze for the Green and Gold. Congratulations to all who were part of the small but successful Australian team who competed in the recent 
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