On the 24th-25th February, 2024 Taekwondo ITF Nepal organized an ITF sanctioned Masterclass and hosted the 4th Everest Open International Taekwondo Championship, held at Dhanwontari futsal stadium, Kathmandu, Nepal .
The ITF Masterclass conducted by Master Michael Muleta ( 8th Degree) president of United Taekwondo ITF Australia (INO23), and Under Secretary of the ITF body. He was assisted by Master Laxman Basnet, (7th Degree) President of Taekwondo ITF Nepal .
The Masterclass focused on sparring combinations and strategies, ITF patterns , kicking drill and self defense techniques.
192 participants took part in the Masterclass from India , China , Netherlands, Australia and from many schools across Nepal
The 4th Everest open international open Taekwondo championship was then held on 25th with 211 players and officials from same countries.
There were 44 categories across sparring and tuls.
In the medal ceremony Chief Guests were Former Nepal Government Minister Biraj Bahadur Bista special visiting guest Master Michael Muleta from Australia.
Additional special guests included Arie Hogandooran member of ITF Royal Dutch from Netherlands, and a regular visitor to Nepal, Mr. Radhakrishnan Puthanpura, President of ITF Council of India , Mr. Chen Liu from China ITF.
Along with Master Laxman Basnet, all guests distributed medals and certificates to all winners and place getters.
Master Muleta said in the closing ceremony speech, that on this, his third seminar and championships visit to Nepal, that he was pleased that on each occasion the quality and quantity of students, instructors and officials skills have continued to grow and improve.
This, he said, was a testament to the hard work and dedication of Master Laxman Basnet In closing, Master Basnet gave special thanks to all supporters who help make this event so successful.
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.
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.
With much of the country still in lockdown, and interstate borders closed, our executive committee have taken the decision to make our annual Australian Championships the2021 ITF Online Nationals.
The event is open to all ITF practitioners, regardless off age, rank or affiliation.
We ask all instructors to do their best to support this event with as many enthusiastic students as possible.
As it is now an online nationals, and after the wonderful support of our previous online events, we also welcome international participants to take part.
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
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
These are some recommended ITF Umpiring guidelines used in planning and holding domestic competitions, 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 – Sparring
Ring size should be 7m by 7m square of competition space.
There should be at least a 1m safety perimeter (total matted area min. 9x9m).
Sparring judges are positioned at each corner.
The official Jury table is positioned at the front of the ring
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 Duration
Adults
Individual elimination and final bouts will be two (2) rounds of two (2) minutes duration with a one (1) minute break between rounds.
In the event of a draw, an additional round of one (1) minute will be contested.
In the event of another draw, a ‘first point wins’ scenario will occur, which has no time limit.
Each team bout will be one (1) round of two (2) minutes.
Bout lengths for younger / older categories are at the discretion of the Tournament Organizers.
Bout Procedure
INDIVIDUAL SPARRING
Competitors will commence the bout on the start positions
At the command of the Centre Referee the competitors bow in turn to the Jury table, and then
to each other.
The Centre Referee will then start the Sparring with the command “SHI-JAK” and the competitors
continue to spar until the Referee issues the command “HAECHYO”.
At this point the competitors cease to spar and remain where they are until restarted.
Central Umpire (Sparring)
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.
Sparring – Referee Terminology
CHARYOT – ATTENTION
KYONG YE – BOW
JUNBI – READY
SIJAK – BEGIN
HAECHYO – SEPARATE
GAESOK – CONTINUE
GOMAN – END
JU UI – WARNING
GAM JUM – DEDUCTING PO1NTS
SIL KYUK – DISQUALIFICATION
HONG – RED
CHONG – BLUE
DONG CHON – TIE
IL BUNYON – FIRST ROUND
YI BUNYON – SECOND ROUND
JUNG JI – TIME STOPPED
SUNG – WINNER
WARNINGS
Warnings will be assigned for the following offences
attack to an illegal target
stepping completely out of the ring (both feet)
falling down, whether intentional or not (this means any part of the body, other than the feet, touching the ground)
holding/grabbing/pushing
sweeping
faking a blow, pretending to be injured to gain an advantage
intentionally avoiding sparring
pretending to have scored a point by raising the arm
NB If an athlete is pushed out of the ring with intent (without undergoing a technique) then he will not receive a warning
Note: Any 3 cumulative warnings results in a deduction of 1 point (NOT a foul)
FOULS
A Foul results in 1 Minus point, and will be awarded for
excessive contact
loss of temper
insulting an opponent in any way
biting/scratching
attacking with knee/elbow/forehead
attacking a fallen opponent
attacking to an illegal target with contact
excessive or uncontrolled attack
continuing to attack after Umpire’s command of Haechyo
Corner Judging
Responsibilities:
To score the bout according to official scoring criteria
To have a thorough knowledge of technique
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 record point(s), foul(s) and warning(s)
At the end of the match:
the Corner Referee must deduct one (1) point from the total score for every three (3) warnings
deduct one (1) point for each Foul
TARGET AREAS
Head and neck area at the front and sides but not at the back
Trunk of the body from neck to navel vertically and from a line drawn from the armpit vertically down to the waist on each side (that is frontal area only excluding the back).
SCORING PROCEDURE
In competition a technique is valid when:
it is executed correctly
it is dynamic, that is to say it is delivered with strength, purpose, rapidity and precision
it is controlled on the target
contact is made with a legal attacking tool
contact is made to a legal target area
POINTS AWARDED
One (1) point will be awarded for:
Hand attack directed to mid or high section.
Foot attack directed to the mid section
Two (2) points will be awarded for:
hand attack while in air (both feet must be off the ground) directed to high section,
jumping or flying kick directed to mid section
Foot attack directed to high section,
Three (3) points will be awarded for:
jumping or flying kick directed to high section
What to score:
A single precise blow to an open target.
Score only what you see, not what you think you see or hear
Do not be influenced by crowd or competitor’s reactions or suggestions
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
heavy contact
committing any 3 fouls
any competitor suspected of being under influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs
when a competitor is injured, the Centre Referee must stop the match and call for First Aid. (The injury to be diagnosed, treated and the Medic to decide about the match continuation)
when a competitor cannot fight on because of the Medic’s decision:
he/she is the winner if his opponent is responsible
he/she is the loser if his opponent is not responsible
an injured competitor that is unfit to fight, according to the Medic’s decision, cannot fight again during the event
a competitor that refuses to accept the Medic’s decision will be disqualified
if two competitors injure themselves at the same time and both are unfit to fight, according to the Medic’s decision, the winner is the contender that has more scored points at that moment. If the competitors are even the Jury President will decide about the bout
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
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.
In celebration of Gen Choi Hong Hi and all of Taekwon-Do in general, President Choi, on behalf of the whole Choi family, would like to thank everybody who has sent their good wishes and memories to us for General Choi Hong Hi, Taekwon-Do Founders birthday.
On this, the 102nd anniversary of the birth of the Founder of Taekwon-Do, Gen Choi Hong Hi, we can truly appreciate his vision and legacy. The Choi family would like to use this date as your platform to celebrate the great work you have done over the years, but more significantly, in the last eight months of this pandemic. You as instructors and members of the ITF, now more than ever, understand that Taekwon-Do is about self-development and achievement.
With this understanding it has become very clear how you have adapted all of your skills into your communities and Taekwon-Do dojangs in being a source of confidence, leadership and stability. We of course thank Gen Choi for first providing the world with Taekwon-Do, giving every individual an ability to achieve; now his legacy allows these achievements to be sustained over and over again.
The whole world has been stricken by the impact of this COVID-19 pandemic but there is evidence that our collective efforts will result in finding medical solutions to manage, reduce and, hopefully, eliminate the spread of the virus. In its most challenging experiences, the human race comes together, acknowledging our commonalities and differences, pooling our intellect and resources, confirming our dependence upon each other to achieve a positive outcome for all of us.
It is important for us all to stay strong but equally important for us to share this strength, leadership and positivity.
William Boda, Harris TKD, England - Ge Baek Tul & Choong Moo Tul
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The commemorate the memory of our Taekwon-Do Founder and to show respect and gratitude by promoting his martial art to a global audience. All are welcome to take part in the General Choi Memorial Cyber Championships.
Who can participate :
All Ages (from 5-85)
All ranks (from beginners to grandmasters)
All ITF styled Taekwon-do schools
All countries
Following on from the great success of our recent Cyber Tournaments, where competitors from across the World came together to share and celebrate ITF Taekwon-Do
With more new events and more chances for you to win – the rest is up to you. Register now and train hard, then submit your best effort. Scroll down the page for Event guidelines.
All Patterns / Tul categories will be judged by a panel comprising of one senior instructor from each club, with the exception of the club that is being represented.
Highest and Lowest score will be removed, and an average of remaining scores will be attained.
All gups (colour belts) will perform ONE PATTERN appropriate to their rank.
Black Belts will perform TWO PATTERNS, at least one of which must come from their most recent grading (scores will be added)
BLACK BELTS: PLEASE PERFORM BOTH PATTERNS ON SAME VIDEO
Patterns / Tuls will be scored out of 10 points based on factors including:
Technical accuracy; Power, Speed, Balance, Expression of energy
In the event of a tie, omitted scores will be included and an updated average obtained. If still tied, then 2 medals may be awarded for that placing.
Team Patterns
Team comprises of3 persons (may be mixed gender) – each Team patterns participant MUST be also have registered in that event on their form
Ages Categories as per registration form – team will be entered in group according to the oldest participant.
Pattern: Team will perform ONE PATTERN of their choice
Restrictions: Participants may only be in ONE team
Judging Criteria :
All Team Patterns will be judged by a panel comprising of one senior instructor from each club, with the exception of the club that is being represented.
Highest and Lowest score will be removed, and an average of remaining scores will be attained.
Special emphasis in this division is placed on how the pattern is synchronized. Team can perform the entire pattern form in unison, or can creativity to the sequence timing without substituting the correct techniques for others.
The judges will score the Team Pattern between 0-10 points.
Hand Techniques (judged on proper hand position, speed, power, focus, tension, etc.)
Balance , Confidence, Eye Contact, Intensity
Synchronicity or teamwork
Self Defense (pairs)
Age Categories: According to age of oldest participant
Required Number of Team Members: Each demo must consist of TWO people
EACH person must defend against 5 different attacks, utilizing 5 different defenses
Restrictions: Participants may only be in ONE Self Defense demonstration
Required Time of Presentation: Minimum 30 sec – Maximum 2 mins
Goal of Presentation: To use multiple methods of demonstrating martial arts skills. Presentation should be fast paced, high energy, exciting, dramatic, and fun to watch
Judging Criteria: Scoring will be based on presentation, realism, logical application of technique and quality of skill execution.
Scores will run from 1 -10. The highest total score will be the winner.
Multi Breaking
Age Categories: According to age of performer.
Required Length of Presentation: MUST perform of 5 different breaks, must be completed within 90 seconds of commencement of first break.
Video must be continuous (i.e. not edited)
Must contain at least :
ONE hand break
ONE foot break.
ONE break needs to be jumping (or performed mid-air)
Goal of Presentation: To use multiple techniques utilizing different attacking tools to break boards. Performance should demonstrate speed, power, agility and accuracy.
ONLY 1 attempt is permitted for each break
Judging Criteria: Scoring will be based on degree of difficulty, successful breaks
Scoring: Judges will scored out of 10 points on the following criteria:
Range of techniques displayed
Level of skill and difficulty
Flow and synchronicity of demonstration
Pre – Arranged Sparring
Age Categories: According to age of oldest participant
Required Number of Team Members: Each demo must consist of TWO people
EACH person must defend against 5 different attacks and 5 different counter attacks
Restrictions: Participants may only be in ONE Pre-Arranged Sparring pair
Required Time of Presentation: Minimum 1 Min – Maximum 3 mins
Goal of Presentation: To use multiple methods of demonstrating martial arts skills. Presentation should be fast paced, high energy, exciting, dramatic, and fun to watch.
Judging Criteria: Scoring will be based on presentation, realism, logical application of technique and quality of skill execution.
Scores will run from 1 -10. The highest total score will be the winner.
Model Sparring (pairs)
Age Categories: According to age of oldest participant
Required Number of Team Members: Each routine must consist of TWO people
EACH person must defend against 3 different attacks, utilizing 3 different counter attacks.
Each sequence must first be performed in slow motion, then immediately repeated in full speed.
Restrictions: Participants may only be in ONE Model Sparring team
Required Time of Presentation: Minimum 1 Min – Maximum 3 mins
Goal of Presentation: To use multiple methods of demonstrating martial arts skills. Presentation should demonstrate control, skill and accuracy in both slow and full speed.
Judging Criteria: Scoring will be based on presentation, control, balance, realism, difficulty of technique and quality of skill execution.
Scores will run from 1 -10. The highest total score will be the winner.
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