PTF Holds Historic Inaugural General Assembly, Establishing Its Global Governance Structure
The Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) hosted its first-ever General Assembly in a virtual format, bringing together leaders from around the world and laying the groundwork for a new era in professional and amateur Taekwondo.
The Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) hosted its first-ever General Assembly in a virtual format, bringing together leaders from around the world and laying the groundwork for a new era in professional and amateur Taekwondo.
On July 26, 2025, at 6:00 AM PST, the Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) held its Inaugural General Assembly, marking a landmark moment in Taekwondo history. The online gathering brought together leaders from diverse Taekwondo backgrounds, united under a single vision of collaboration and growth for the martial art.
“This is a defining moment in the history of Taekwondo. Leaders from every corner of our art are united under a single vision. We are not just witnessing history; we are making it,” said PTF President Rick W. Shin.
Statutes, Structure, and Global Recognition
The assembly ratified a series of foundational measures designed to establish the federation’s operational framework and international positioning:
- Official adoption of the PTF Statute
- Approval of Member National Association (MNA) operational guidelines
- Confirmation of the Executive Committee and Commission Chairs
- Recognition of over 30 National Presidents worldwide
- Presentation of the 2025–2026 Strategic Framework
In a groundbreaking move, PTF also announced a Global Recognition Framework, affirming:
- World Taekwondo (WT) as the global authority for sport Taekwondo
- International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) as the global authority for traditional Taekwondo
- Kombat Taekwondo (KT) as the global authority for professional Taekwondo
“PTF does not compete with the existing structures but rather complements and connects them, recognizing both professional and amateur Taekwondo with integrity and vision,” added Shin.
Confirmed Leadership
The General Assembly confirmed the following Executive Committee:
- Rick W. Shin – President (Korea/USA)
- Chuong Pham – Senior Vice President (Vietnam)
- George Hristescu – Senior Vice President (Romania)
- Mandy Li – Vice President (Canada/Hong Kong)
- Gayrat Kasimov – Vice President (Uzbekistan)
- Tony Garcia – Vice President (Venezuela)
- Dario Bonfante – Vice President (Argentina)
- Kevin Woon – Vice President (Malaysia)
- Raul Pinzon – Secretary General (Colombia)
- Claudio Aranda – Deputy Secretary General (Argentina)
- Marcelo Rezende – Deputy Secretary General (Brazil)
- Jeon Ho – Treasurer (Korea)
- Robert Quon – Auditor (Canada)
Council members include Danrey Velo (Philippines), Fostin Sylvain (Guadeloupe), and Elva Adams (Taiwan/USA).
A full list of National Presidents and Committee Chairs is available at www.ProTaekwondo.org.
Bridging Traditions and Building the Future
PTF’s message emphasized unity across all schools and styles of Taekwondo, paying tribute to its origins while embracing its evolving identity.
“Nearly 70 years ago, General Choi Hong Hi introduced Taekwondo to the world. Today, we honor that legacy not by dividing ourselves based on uniforms or affiliations, but by recognizing our common foundation. A low block is a low block, a front kick is a front kick. What unites us is far greater than what divides us: the spirit, the discipline, and the indomitable values of Taekwondo,” Shin affirmed.
With its governance, mission, and leadership now in place, the Professional Taekwondo Federation has set forth to bridge the past, empower the present, and build toward a shared global future for both professional and amateur Taekwondo.
“Building the Future of Taekwondo—Together.”
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