ITF International Taekwon-Do Federation

An international federation for Taekwon-Do

The ITF International Taekwon-Do Federation is a global federation of affiliated organizations that practice Taekwon-Do according to the teachings and definition of its founder, General Choi Hong Hi.

The federation focuses on the growth and support of its members and offers certification, competitions, courses, and other services to develop the quality and reach of Taekwon-Do internationally.

The organization

Profile

Governance, members and continental cooperation

The federation operates with an elected Board of Directors and an international office structure. It works with continental federations and national associations and has committees for areas including technical matters, instruction, competitions, referees, coaches, youth, women, inclusion, medical affairs and anti-doping.

According to the official website, the ITF has affiliated organizations in more than 120 countries. Its headquarters is located in Spain.

Over the years

History

Founded in 1966

The International Taekwon-Do Federation was founded in 1966. Since then, the federation has grown into an international network of national associations, continental federations, instructors, officials, and practitioners.

The official history covers General Choi Hong Hi, the development of Taekwon-Do, pioneers, former presidents, and the international spread of the style.

Within the sport

Activities and role

Rules, training and competition

ITF coordinates and certifies Taekwon-Do activities, including competitions and seminars. The federation establishes technical and educational standards and supports instructors, coaches, umpires and national organizations.

International competition includes sparring, patterns, prearranged sparring, special techniques, power breaking and team patterns. The website also publishes competition results, rules, official equipment and information about medical support and anti-doping.

In addition, ITF offers courses and programs for instructors, umpires, children, inclusion, self-defense and adapted sport.

Connection

Membership and participation

Affiliated organizations

The ITF network consists of national associations, continental federations, and affiliated members. Through this structure, organizations can participate in international activities, training courses, examinations, competitions, and certification.

The official website provides separate information about national associations in Africa, Asia, the Middle East, Europe, North America and the Caribbean, Oceania, and Central and South America.

Why this matters

Impact and meaning

Taekwon-Do for everyone

The ITF's vision is that Taekwon-Do should be accessible to everyone. The federation sees the sport and martial art as a means of social, physical and mental development for people of all ages.

The ITF aims to be a dynamic, democratic, ethical and professionally run organization. Transparency, reliability, diversity, inclusion and cooperation are among the values the federation identifies for its governance and services.

Media and additional information

News, history and official information

The official website publishes institutional news, regional updates, messages from the president, world championship and World Cup results, courses, events, and information about members.

There are also pages about the history and philosophy of Taekwon-Do, pioneers, the Hall of Fame, honorary ranks, official rules, anti-doping, and the international organizational structure. The official website is itftkd.sport.