 |
International Taekwon-Do Federation Discuss
the Reunification of the Two Groups
 |
| |
The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) under the leadership
of International Olympic Committee Member Prof. Chang Ung met with representatives of the ITF under the leadership
of Grandmaster Tran Trieu Quan to discuss the reunification of the two groups. The meeting took place in Vienna
Austria on September 12, 2009. Those representing Prof. Chang Ung were Master Anto Nobilo, President of the European
Taekwon-Do Federation, Mr. Ri Yong Son, Executive Director General and Mr. Kim Chol Gyu, Treasurer. The representatives
of Grandmaster Tran were Master Willem Jacob Bos, Secretary General and Master Juan Ferrando, Vice President. The
discussions were very productive and afterwards the participants were invited to dinner by Prof. Chang Ung.
Master Nobilo, who also is a member of the Merger Committee for talks with the World Taekwondo Federation made
a complete report to the Executive Board on October 12, 2009 at the World Championships in St. Petersburg Russia.
The report was well received by the Board. The following night the information was presented to the Congress, which
was attended by 82 countries. Master Nobilo expressed his great optimism for the scheduled future talks. He advised
the entire Congress that Masters Bos and Ferrando would report to their respective Board and Congress in Argentina
at their next scheduled Congress meeting on November 27, 2009 during their upcoming World Championships. Pending
approval to move forward by that Body, a subsequent meeting has been tentatively set for the time frame of early
December of 2009. This news was warmly embraced by the membership of Prof. Chang Ung.
When Master Nobilo addressed the Congress he spoke of the long time friendships that many have developed over the
years. He said these relationships had in many cases become like family. Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha, the first person
promoted to IX Dan by the Founder Gen. Choi Hong Hi and current Senior Vice President often states the ITF also
means International Taekwon-Do Family. Master Nobilo closed by saying we must bring our family together again.
The ITF suffered some fragmentation surrounding the passing of the Founder Gen. Choi in 2002. Since that time this
unfortunate division has resulted in each group hosting separate World Championships. With the preliminary plans
outlined during the initial meeting, the World Championships will again become one event for all. Many of the newer
students and those coming of age now deserve this and more. The ITF remains committed to this laudable goal.
While it is understood that complex negotiations take time and can be difficult, these preliminary plans address
the need for open and honest dialogue over a period of time, along with a transition period to help the process
develop. Like all difficult tasks that Taekwon-Do students often face, adhering to the tenets of Taekwon-Do will
empower those tasked with this all important assignment to succeed.
We call upon all, those directly involved and every student that watches from across the globe as these discussions
continue and evolve, to talk with honesty and integrity. To exercise self control and perseverance, no matter how
difficult or challenging the talks become; and to demonstrate indomitable spirit by showing the courage to work
towards a compromise that will bring us all together for the benefit of all. This is how we can best support, preserve
and share the legacy of our beloved Founder. We eagerly look forward to another positive response to this preliminary
plan on November 27, 2009, so these discussions can move to the next step.
NOTE: The ITF was the first world governing body for Taekwon-Do. It was formed on March 22, 1966 in Seoul Korea.
It relocated to Toronto Canada in 1972 to escape the political interference of a military dictatorship and to allow
a more expansive growth as North America lies between Asia and Europe. In 1985 the headquarters was moved to Vienna
Austria, which is located between the Eastern and Western Europe. It is also a politically neutral country allowing
access to nations regardless of politically ideology, including those of communist or socialist countries. This
helped the founder of Taekwon-Do, Gen. Choi Hong Hi realize his dream of sharing Taekwon-Do to all the people of
the world. |
|
