Халықаралық Тхэквондо Федерациясы: Тарихы мен дамуы

Sports organization founded in 1966

International Taekwon Do Federation (ITF) is an international taekwondo organization founded on March 22, 1966, by Choi Hong Hi (hangul=최홍희) in Seoul, South Korea. The ITF was founded to promote and encourage the growth of the Korean martial art of taekwon do. The ITF's main functions include coordinating and approving tournaments and seminars, setting standards for teaching (patterns, sparring, destruction), collaborating with affiliated member organizations, and providing services members in regard to rank and certifications. After Choi's death in 2002, there was controversy around the election of his successor that led to multiple organizations claiming the ITF mantle.

Up to 7th dan, all ranks require the student to perform a test of all skills and knowledge up to their rank to be promoted. 8th and 9th dan may be awarded with consent of the promotion committee with no physical test required, due to the nature and responsibilities of a master no longer being centered on the physical development. However, if the recipient desires, a demonstration may be performed. 9th degree (being the highest) can only be awarded when the special committee examines and reaches a unanimous consent. According to an ITF Encyclopedia 4th degree may grade students up to 2nd degree. A 6th degree International Instructor may grade students up to 3rd degree, while a 7th degree Master may grade students up to 4th degree. An 8th degree Master may grade students up to 6th degree. A 9th degree Grand Master may grade students up to 7th degree. Promotion to 8th degree or above must be done by the ITF's Master Promotion Committee.

After the South Korean Government abandoned the ITF, the government established the World Taekwondo Federation to continue the mission of taekwondo's globalization. Once Choi Hong Hi was exiled out of South Korea, he established the new headquarters of the ITF in Vienna, Austria and the organization settled there. In the years that followed, many of the founding masters of the ITF and several other instructors would leave the organization to form their own independent organizations following disagreements with Choi. Choi subsequently died in June 2002. Disputes over his successor as ITF president lead to splits in the organization. As of 2021 there are two main organizations claiming the ITF mantle. One headed by Ri Yong Son, with offices in Vienna, and another group currently headed by Paul Weiler, headquartered in Lublin, Poland.