London Elevates Poomsae to a New Global Standard
The city of London delivered one of the most significant weekends in the recent history of Poomsae and Para Poomsae, hosting an unprecedented concentration of international competition, education, and ranking activity under a single roof at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre.
Historic weekend in Great Britain united more than 1,000 athletes, four major WT-ranking events, and a strong commitment to the future of Para Poomsae.
LONDON, Great Britain — The city of London delivered one of the most significant weekends in the recent history of Poomsae and Para Poomsae, hosting an unprecedented concentration of international competition, education, and ranking activity under a single roof at the Lee Valley Athletics Centre.
Over two days, Great Britain staged the London Open Poomsae 2026 (G1), the London Open Para Poomsae 2026 (G2), and the WT President’s Cup Poomsae & Para Poomsae 2026 – Europe Edition, creating what many within the Taekwondo community already consider a defining model for the future of major Poomsae events in Europe.
The scale of participation reflected that evolution. According to the European Taekwondo Union, the opening day attracted 727 entries in the London Open Poomsae and 42 Para athlete entries in the Para Poomsae division. The following day, the WT President’s Cup Europe welcomed 667 additional entries, alongside another 42 Para Poomsae athletes competing for crucial World Taekwondo ranking points. In total, athletes from 39 nations competed throughout the weekend.
Beyond the numbers, London showcased something even more important: structural integration. Para Poomsae was not treated as a secondary competition, but rather as a fully integrated component of the same elite international environment. That approach reinforced the direction World Taekwondo and the European Taekwondo Union continue to push toward — a more inclusive, technically advanced, and globally connected Poomsae ecosystem.
The week also included the WT Para Advanced P30 International Classifier Course and the WT Para MNA Development Workshop, bringing classifiers, coaches, administrators, and federation representatives together in London for high-level education and development activities focused on the future growth of Para Taekwondo.
Dr. Hadwah Moawad, WT Head of Classification, emphasized the importance of combining education with live competition during the same week, highlighting how direct observation in a real competitive environment strengthens the quality and consistency of classification systems worldwide.
The events were organized by NextGen Taekwondo Events in affiliation with British Taekwondo, under the leadership of Dr. Said Khelwatty, Siva Ramasamy, and Gemma Biescas. Officiating included 43 International Judges and 9 National Judges, supported by 78 volunteers and safeguarding personnel who helped maintain professional standards throughout the competition.
Dr. Said Khelwatty described the weekend as a major milestone for British Poomsae development, particularly during the 50th anniversary year of the European Taekwondo Union. He also thanked ETU President Sakis Pragalos for the trust placed in London to host a WT-ranking event of this magnitude.
What emerged in London was more than a successful tournament weekend. It was a demonstration of how concentrated event structures, combined ranking opportunities, educational programs, and Para Taekwondo integration can create a more efficient and globally attractive competitive model for the future of Poomsae.
At a time when the international Taekwondo calendar continues to evolve, London did not simply host events.
It positioned itself as one of the new reference points for global Poomsae.
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