Nowadays, Taekwondo has become known for being a sport and for the acrobatics performed during its demonstrations. However, this is only one facet of Taekwondo; in essence, it is a martial art rooted in 2000 years of Korean history. The primary goals of martial arts were far away from the sporting aspect. Regretfully, Taekwondo had strayed away from its original ethos, and it became a source of debates and ridicule on many platforms about what is genuinely left of its authenticity. In the last decade, one could see an emergence of new federations trying to promote the traditional aspects of Taekwondo.
Olympic Taekwondo is governed by the World Taekwondo, which primarily handles the competitive element. On the other hand, Kukkiwon could be described as the headquarters of traditional Taekwondo; it is the organisation that mainly provides master courses and conducts and issues black belt certification.
It is clear that most people enrolling in Taekwondo classes are primarily interested in the martial arts aspect, though sadly, the current population is dominated by kids and youngsters. Moreover, the commercial aspect of competition leads to the neglect and potential loss of certain traditional elements. This is where the newly founded Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF) steps in to work with all stakeholders with a mission to preserve and promote the authentic spirit of Taekwondo.
GTTF founder Grand Master Jun Lee (9th Dan), who resides in North Carolina, US, wants to share his love for the authentic spirit of Taekwondo, emphasising MUDO—The Martial Way. He has connections with many highly reputed Taekwondo grandmasters worldwide and has close relationships with Kukkiwon and the Taekwondo Promotion Foundation (TPF).
Between 6 and 11 October, the highest Maltese Taekwondo rank residing in Malta, Sabumnim Stephen Formosa (6th Dan), accompanied by his student Jerome Vassallo (4th Dan), visited South Korea to attend the first think tank summit held at the magnificent Konjiam Resort in Gwanju. This summit was a unique opportunity for them to engage in discussions about the future of Taekwondo with representatives from over 120 countries, including Gran Master Christopher Vella (8th Dan) representing Luxembourg.
During the five-day event, all present had the opportunity to be entertained by several Taekwondo demonstrations, especially those held by the Kukkiwon team at Kukkiwon’s Headquarters in Seoul. Various selected speakers, including GM Christopher Vella, presented their views about traditional Taekwondo, the conservation of its traditions, and how traditional Taekwondo can benefit mankind.
GM Jun Lee nominated one individual from each country as GTTF president, whereas Stephen Formosa and Christopher Vella were nominated presidents for Malta and Luxembourg, respectively. Moreover, all present had a GTTF black belt certificate based on their current or higher grades.
During the practical sessions, participants were honoured to meet the best grandmasters in the field, such as GM Le Kyu Hyun – former Kukkiwon president, GM Kim Eun Seop – founder of the World Taekwondo Defense Federation, and undefeated power-breaking champion GM Kang Dae Seok.
Finally, all participants visited the majestic and recently built Taekwondowon, the largest Taekwondo training place in the world, set in a magnificent valley in Muju. Here, a memorandum of understanding was signed between GTTF and TPF, consolidating a bright future ahead.
The next summit is adjourned again in South Korea in October of next year.