2025 PTF Hall of Fame Celebrates One Taekwondo Family in Baguio City
The Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) hosted the inaugural PTF Hall of Fame Awards & Gala in Baguio City, marking a significant moment for the global Taekwondo community. The celebration gathered martial artists from multiple Taekwondo styles under one theme — “One Taekwondo Family.”
The Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) hosted the inaugural PTF Hall of Fame Awards & Gala in Baguio City, marking a significant moment for the global Taekwondo community. The celebration gathered martial artists from multiple Taekwondo styles under one theme — “One Taekwondo Family.”

The evening opened with a moment of silence led by PTF President Rick W. Shin to honor General Choi Hong Hi, the Founder and Father of Taekwondo. This tribute set the tone for a ceremony centered on unity, gratitude, and shared respect for Taekwondo’s common roots.
Organized by the Professional Taekwondo Federation and hosted by PTF Philippines under the leadership of President Danrey Velo, the gala welcomed attendees from around the world — including grandmasters, pioneers, referees, and instructors — to honor individuals who have made lasting contributions to Taekwondo’s growth, education, and integrity.

A highlight of the night was the presence of Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa, President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and son of General Choi Hong Hi. Attending as the Guest of Honor, he was accompanied by senior ITF officials, symbolizing mutual respect and the growing connection among Taekwondo’s different traditions and lineages.
Earlier that day, Hall of Fame guests attended the PTF National Championships Opening Ceremony at Easter College, where students from WT, ITF, and Kombat Taekwondo performed together. The event reflected PTF’s ongoing mission to bring all styles together through respect, cooperation, and shared purpose.

“Regardless of Taekwondo style, organization, religion, race, color, or politics, we are all one Taekwondo family — because all our roots began with the founder and father of Taekwondo, General Choi Hong Hi.”
— Rick W. Shin, President, Professional Taekwondo Federation
In addition to the gala, PTF Philippines successfully organized the PTF International Dan & Skip Dan Black Belt Testing and the Grand Master Kang Ik Pil Poomsae Seminar, both attended by participants from more than a dozen countries. These activities reinforced the educational and cultural exchange objectives of the PTF’s global development program.

President Rick W. Shin expressed his appreciation to Danrey Velo and the organizing team for their dedication and professionalism:
“This event was special because Taekwondo practitioners from all styles came together as one family — honoring the pioneers, referees, and masters who continue to inspire generations. The presence of Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa and his ITF officials made this night truly memorable.”
The 2025 PTF Hall of Fame Awards & Gala will be remembered as a milestone for Taekwondo unity — a symbol of mutual respect and the enduring belief that, beyond organizational or stylistic differences, we are all one Taekwondo family.

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