The Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) held its Hall of Fame induction ceremony on November 8 at the ION Hotel in Baguio City, Philippines, under the theme “One Taekwondo Family” (One Taekwondo Family), bringing together grandmasters, pioneers, referees, and instructors from various taekwondo styles, including WT, ITF, and Kombat Taekwondo.
The event, organized by the PTF and its Philippine affiliate led by Grandmaster Danrey Velo, began with a moment of silence in honor of General Choi Hong Hi, the founder of taekwondo, and highlighted the unity of the martial art across styles, religions, races, and political affiliations. “Regardless of taekwondo style, organization, religion, race, color, or politics, we are all one taekwondo family,” said PTF President Rick W. Shin.
Among those inducted into the Hall of Fame, contributions were recognized in various categories:
- Pioneer Award: Grandmaster Kang Ik Phil, Ph.D.
- Legacy Award: Grandmaster Kevin Woon Tai Loke
- Ambassador Award: Grandmaster Gayrat Kasimov
- Humanitarian Award: Dr. Selma Li
- Organization Award: Grandmaster Danrey C. Velo
- Referee Award: Grandmaster Elva Pai Adams
- Athlete Award: Mr. Jonny Josue Becerra Teran
- Leadership Award: Master Olanzo Boynes and Master Jeremy K. Fagayan Jr.
- Youth Award: Mr. Elcanor L. Mang-Usan Jr., Mr. Klanxy Drei T. Penrad, Mr. Wayne E. Eusebio, Ms. Khyla Kreanzzel Guinto, and Mr. Xedric James A. Faroden
The gala featured a special appearance by Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa, son of General Choi Hong Hi and president of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), who attended as a guest of honor alongside senior ITF officials.
A key milestone was the signing of a historic Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and Kombat Taekwondo (KT), in collaboration with the PTF. This agreement aims to bring together traditional and professional taekwondo, fostering educational and global cooperation for the development of the sport.
The event was part of a series of activities, including the PTF National Championship at Easter College, a poomsae seminar led by Grandmaster Kang Ik Phil, and international dan examinations, with participants from more than a dozen countries.
