The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) is a leading organization dedicated to the promotion and regulation of Taekwon-Do, a Korean martial art founded by General Choi Hong Hi. Established on March 22, 1966, in Seoul, South Korea, the ITF has undergone significant transformations, conflicts, and divisions over the years but remains a vital force in the global Taekwon-Do community.
Founding and Development
General Choi Hong Hi began his efforts to unify various Korean martial arts in 1955, naming the unified art “Taekwon-Do” to modernize and promote the practice both nationally and internationally. This vision led to the creation of the ITF in 1966, whose mission was to spread Taekwon-Do globally. The ITF’s headquarters moved first from Seoul to Toronto, Canada, in 1972, and later to Vienna, Austria, in 1985.
Global Expansion and Influence
Under the ITF’s guidance, Taekwon-Do gained worldwide recognition, with numerous countries establishing their own national associations. A major milestone was the first World Taekwon-Do Championships in Montreal, Canada, in 1974, which saw 450 competitors from 27 countries. The ITF was instrumental in organizing global events and shaping Taekwon-Do’s expansion across the globe.
Schisms and Formation of Competing Organizations
After General Choi’s passing in 2002, disputes over succession led to significant divisions within the ITF. Different factions emerged, each claiming the ITF’s legacy but with variations in leadership and interpretation of Taekwon-Do. These divisions resulted in the creation of several competing organizations, each continuing the art’s promotion according to their own vision.
Current Landscape of ITF Associations
Today, several organizations operate under the ITF name, each maintaining unique origins and leadership:
- ITF (Vienna): Based in Vienna, Austria, this organization continues the traditions established by General Choi Hong Hi.
- ITF Administration (London): Led by Choi Jung Hwa, General Choi’s son, this branch focuses on promoting Taekwon-Do globally, with its headquarters in London, UK.
- ITF Organization (Lublin): Headed by Grand Master Paul Weiler and based in Lublin, Poland, this group emphasizes the traditional aspects of Taekwon-Do.
- Chan-Hun ITF: Founded by Grand Master Ken Phap Lu, this independent association promotes the original teachings of Taekwon-Do.
- ITF Union: Formed by Grand Masters Javier Dacak and Pablo Trajtenberg, this union seeks to unify practitioners under the traditional principles of Taekwon-Do.
- Unified Taekwondo: Initially known as Unified ITF and founded by Grand Master Hwang Kwang Sung, this organization later rebranded to emphasize a commitment to traditional Taekwon-Do practices.
- ITF HQ Korea: Located in Sejong City, South Korea, ITF HQ Korea is the official headquarters of the ITF, playing a pivotal role in preserving and promoting the traditional values and techniques of Taekwon-Do. Established to honor the rich heritage of Taekwon-Do, ITF HQ Korea serves as a central hub for practitioners worldwide, offering services like membership registration, accreditation training, and updates on events. It also features the Centre of Excellence for training and cultural activities, further solidifying its position as a key institution in Taekwon-Do’s global legacy.
ITF HQ Korea: The Heart of Taekwon-Do’s Legacy
ITF HQ Korea, located in Sejong City, South Korea, stands as the official headquarters of the ITF and serves as a crucial institution for preserving and promoting the traditional values and techniques of Taekwon-Do. Established to honor the rich heritage of Taekwon-Do, ITF HQ Korea offers various services to global practitioners, including membership registration, accreditation training, and updates on events.
The headquarters boasts a state-of-the-art training center, known as the Centre of Excellence, where practitioners can engage in specialized programs, including the “Tul Tour.” This initiative invites Taekwon-Do enthusiasts from all affiliations to experience training and cultural activities in the homeland of Taekwon-Do, catering to practitioners from colored belts to Master level.
With a strong online presence, ITF HQ Korea keeps the global Taekwon-Do community informed through its official website and social media platforms. It also serves as a central hub for upcoming seminars, events, and news related to the art.
Conclusion
The International Taekwon-Do Federation has seen tremendous growth, international recognition, and internal divisions over the years. Despite the challenges, the vision of General Choi Hong Hi to establish Taekwon-Do as a global martial art continues to thrive. Today, multiple organizations under the ITF name preserve the traditions and principles of Taekwon-Do, with ITF HQ Korea standing as a vital institution dedicated to nurturing the legacy of the martial art and its practitioners worldwide.
By upholding these traditions, the ITF, along with its various branches and associations, remains a central figure in the continuing global journey of Taekwon-Do.
