The Integration of ITF Taekwondo and WTF Taekwondo: The impossible Future Unification

3:54:00 PM Tkd kwan 0 Comments

In a historic and pivotal meeting between ITF President Prof. RI Yong Son and WTF President Dr. CHOUE Chungwon, held in the picturesque city of Lausanne, Switzerland on May 3, 2017, the stage was set for a new chapter in the world of Taekwon-Do. The meeting took place in a warm and welcoming atmosphere, emphasizing the spirit of collaboration and unity.

Acknowledging their respective organizations as the global authorities governing Taekwon-Do activities, both leaders engaged in a fruitful exchange of ideas on how to enhance and evolve the martial art for the benefit of practitioners worldwide. Their shared commitment to collaboration was evident as they delved into discussions on advancing Taekwon-Do within the international sporting community.

A highlight of the meeting was the agreement between the Presidents to work towards common goals, particularly focusing on engaging with the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the further promotion of Taekwon-Do within the Olympic movement. Prof. CHANG Ung, an IOC Member and Honorary Life President of ITF, also played a significant role in leveraging support from IOC President Dr. Thomas Bach for the advancement of Taekwon-Do initiatives on a global scale.

One of the key topics on the agenda was the prospect of unification between the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). Discussions centered around the potential benefits of merging their respective styles of Taekwon-Do, with a focus on harmonizing rules, creating a unified ranking system, and increasing participation in international competitions. It was recognized that a unified organization would not only streamline operations but also enhance the growth and development of Taekwon-Do worldwide.

Representatives from both ITF and WTF expressed enthusiasm for the possibility of unification and affirmed their commitment to further exploring the feasibility of merging their organizations. The overarching aim of these efforts is to strengthen the global Taekwon-Do community and provide enhanced opportunities for practitioners of all levels.

Looking ahead, plans for future meetings were set in motion to delve deeper into the potential benefits and challenges of unifying ITF and WTF Taekwon-Do. These forthcoming discussions are poised to shape the trajectory of the martial art, with the goal of creating a more cohesive and inclusive global Taekwondo community.

In conclusion, the productive meeting between ITF and WTF leaders not only marked a significant milestone in the history of Taekwon-Do but also laid the groundwork for a harmonious collaboration that has the potential to transform and elevate the martial art on a global scale. The journey towards unification holds promise for a brighter future for Taekwon-Do practitioners worldwide, heralding a new era of growth, unity, and advancement within the Taekwondo community.