Legacy Meets Innovation: A Historic Step Forward for Taekwondo’s Future

Seoul, Korea | Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa, President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), held the second official meeting with Grand Master Rick W. Shin, President of the Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) and Kombat Taekwondo (KT), in Seoul, Korea, on September 11, 2025.

The International Taekwon-Do Federation, founded in 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi, the Father of Taekwondo, has been the guardian of Taekwondo’s traditional roots and philosophy for nearly six decades. Under the leadership of Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa, the ITF continues to uphold and expand this legacy worldwide.

It is important to recognize that without the ITF, Olympic Taekwondo and every other branch of Taekwondo would not exist. The ITF laid the foundation for Taekwondo’s evolution, from its earliest development to becoming a globally practiced martial art and Olympic sport.

The Professional Taekwondo Federation and Kombat Taekwondo, led by Grand Master Rick W. Shin, represent the modern advancement of Taekwondo into the professional sports arena — bringing global recognition through sanctioned professional competitions, licensing, and worldwide broadcast partnerships.

This meeting between the two leaders is of historic importance, symbolizing the first steps toward building a bridge between traditional and professional Taekwondo. Both leaders engaged in meaningful dialogue on collaboration, mutual recognition, and the shared vision of ensuring that Taekwondo remains true to its values while also thriving as a professional global sport.

Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa and Grand Master Rick W. Shin reaffirmed their dedication to working together toward unity, respect, and the global growth of Taekwondo for future generations.

🌐 www.protaekwondo.org | www.itf-administration.com