In a landmark move for the world of taekwondo, the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and the Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF), together with Kombat Taekwondo (KT), signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering global collaboration, mutual recognition, and new opportunities in the sport.
The agreement was formalized on November 8, 2025, during the inaugural PTF Hall of Fame Awards and Gala, held at the ION Hotel in Baguio City. The event brought together key figures in taekwondo, including national presidents, grandmasters, and representatives from various international styles and regions.
Under the terms of the agreement, the PTF and KT grant their exclusive recognition to Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa as the legitimate president of the ITF, an organization that upholds the original legacy founded by his father, General Choi Hong Hi, who is considered the father of taekwondo. In return, the ITF recognizes KT as the world’s leading professional taekwondo league and pledges its support for ITF athletes to participate in KT professional competitions.
This partnership serves as a bridge between the traditional roots of the martial art and its evolution into the professional arena, promoting joint initiatives in education, competition, and international expansion, all while preserving the founder’s authentic legacy.
Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa, leader of the ITF, expressed his enthusiasm for the initiative: “This collaboration with the Professional Taekwondo Federation and Kombat Taekwondo marks a significant step forward for the global taekwondo community. My father, General Choi Hong Hi, created this art to foster unity through discipline, respect, and peace. Today, we are advancing that vision by integrating tradition with the future of taekwondo as a single entity.”
For his part, Rick W. Shin, president of the PTF and KT, emphasized respect for the foundations of the sport: “Without the legacy of General Choi Hong Hi and the International Taekwon-Do Federation he founded, the PTF and Kombat Taekwondo would not exist. We are fully committed to honoring that legacy, extending our support and recognition to the authentic ITF led by Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa.”
With this agreement, taekwondo is moving toward greater integration, honoring its history while opening the door to innovations that could attract new generations of practitioners and competitors around the world.
Taekwon!
