The 4th Global Open champs held in Melbourne over the King’s Birthday long weekend was a huge success.
Hosted and organized by United ITF Taekwon-Do Australia, 24 schools took part from across Australia, New Zealand and Singapore.
Events in the Global Open Champs included both ITF and WT Sparring, ITF Team Sparring, ITF & WT Team Patterns/Poomsae, and Special Needs categories.
Outstanding clubs were White Tigers Taekwondo (Melbourne, Vic) in the WT events, and Titan Martial Arts (Newcastle, NSW) in the ITF events.
The unique format of the Global Open Champs has been successfully run by event organizer Master Michael Muleta, for more than a decade, allowing both ITF and WT participants to compete in both events.
Students from Fusion Martial Arts, Macleod Taekwondo and Geelong Taekwondo participated in both formats.
We encourage participants to try their hand at both formats to build an appreciation for each variation of our martial art, and break down the stigma and politics that widely exists between styles.
United ITF Taekwon-Do Australia National Tournament Director, Justin Chin, did a wonderful job overseeing the ITF events, while Master James Heenan and his team did a wonderful job in the WT events.
The evening after the event featured the 6th ITF Hall of Fame Awards, and on the following day an ITF-sanctioned Masterclass was conducted by Master Muleta. The seminar featured instructors and students from all across Australia.
Thank you to all clubs who participated, the great team of volunteer officials and in particular those who travelled from afar and overseas.
Next year’s 5th Global Open Champs is pencilled in for Melbourne on the Labour Day long weekend, commencing 8th March, 2025
We are pleased to announced that we are Back on the Mat after the most disruptive couple of years to our tournament circuit, and boy are we back in style.
The 3rd Global Open Championships is being held over the weekend of Saturday 22nd – Sunday 23rd, April 2023 at the Caroline Springs Leisure Center, Victoria.
It promises to be one of the biggest and most inclusive week of Taekwon-Do activities held in Australia’s 50+ year history. It all happens in Melbourne, Australia
We already have registrations from across Australia, New Zealand, India and Nepal, with messages of intent from some other countries.
The event is open for all ages, all ranks and all Taekwon-D0 practitioners.
The Global Open Taekwondo Championships will feature both ITF and WT events
Official Arnold Classic World Championships replacement event
The 3rd Global Open Taekwondo Championships will be the only official replacement event for the previously COVID postponed 1st Arnold Classic Taekwon-Do World Championships.
All participants who remained ‘in-credit’ from the Arnolds, will enter this event FREE OF CHARGE.. You do not need to fill in a form, simply send us your updated personal details via email (admin@globalfitness.edu.au)……… so let’s all brush off our doboks and get back on the mat for a great weekend of Taekwon-Do action.
We will even be presenting all the trophies and medals we purchased for that event at the Global Open Champs.
On the first evening of the Global Open Taekwondo Championships, we will also be holding our 5thITF Hall of Fame Induction ceremony.
Nominate your instructors, outstanding students, peers or anybody you feel warrants nomination to the Australasian ITF Hall Of Fame.
We encourage you to not only attend, but to nominate those you feel have much a great contribution to ITF in this region. (more info: itfhalloffame.com)
Places are limited due to venue size, so be sure to book early.
Depending on the nominations received, the organizing committee will reserve the right to elevate outstanding nominees to the ‘Legend of Taekwon-Do’ category.
We’ve released the first couple of videos here, and will be releasing more over the next couple of weeks.
If you want to get your first, directly to your inbox, please support by subscribing to our video channel, and leave us a like if you found the video useful.
These are some recommended ITF Umpiring guidelines used in planning and holding domestic competitions, based on the ITF Tournament Rules.
Note : The ‘Official’ ITF Rules are only applicable to ITF World Championships, and as such much of it is not relevant to in-house, local, state and national level competitions.
A National Organization, or any competition for that matter, should adopt rules that are specific to:
the event/s being conducted.
the ages of participants
the experience levels of participants
the objective of the competition
the facilities being used
the schedule / time available
the umpires/officials available
Purpose of the ITF Umpiring Rules
Clarify responsibilities of officials
Outline scoring criteria for each event
Determine eligibility of competitors
Outline operational procedures of all events
Assist competitors and coaches in event preparation
Ensure the safety of all competitors and officials
Characteristics of a good Umpire:
Be consistent and fair in all judgements
Base all decisions on the Rules of the competition
Be assertive and confident in all decisions
Display Punctuality and work ethic
Be professional in appearance and behaviour
Be willing to receive constructive feedback and advice from Tournament Directors
Have a thorough knowledge of the rules – updated regularly
Integrity, honesty and strength of character
Ability to follow instructions
To be flexible and adaptable in various official roles
Some appreciation and empathy of the competitor’s task
Ability to make logical, correct decisions quickly and under pressure
Do not engage spectators or competitors while judging.
have a basic knowledge of First Aid
You must be conversant with all patterns / techniques you are to judge
ITF Umpiring uniform consists of
a navy blue blazer jacket,
white, long sleeved shirt,
navy blue trousers or knee-high skirt
navy blue tie (with no other colours or decorations- I.T.F. logo permitted)
white socks
white gym/Taekwon-do shoes
Alternatively, polo tops may be used where a sponsorship arrangement is in place, or approved by the National Organization.
The Competition area – Sparring
Ring size should be 7m by 7m square of competition space.
There should be at least a 1m safety perimeter (total matted area min. 9x9m).
Sparring judges are positioned at each corner.
The official Jury table is positioned at the front of the ring
There should be adequate distance between the competition area and spectators for safety and integrity of judging
Judges should be positioned a safe distance from competition area
Bout Duration
Adults
Individual elimination and final bouts will be two (2) rounds of two (2) minutes duration with a one (1) minute break between rounds.
In the event of a draw, an additional round of one (1) minute will be contested.
In the event of another draw, a ‘first point wins’ scenario will occur, which has no time limit.
Each team bout will be one (1) round of two (2) minutes.
Bout lengths for younger / older categories are at the discretion of the Tournament Organizers.
Bout Procedure
INDIVIDUAL SPARRING
Competitors will commence the bout on the start positions
At the command of the Centre Referee the competitors bow in turn to the Jury table, and then
to each other.
The Centre Referee will then start the Sparring with the command “SHI-JAK” and the competitors
continue to spar until the Referee issues the command “HAECHYO”.
At this point the competitors cease to spar and remain where they are until restarted.
Central Umpire (Sparring)
Responsibilities
Control the procedure of the bout
Ensure competitors abide by the competition rules
Allocated penalties where appropriate
Communicate with Jury President
Clearly signal all decisions to judges.
Sparring – Referee Terminology
CHARYOT – ATTENTION
KYONG YE – BOW
JUNBI – READY
SIJAK – BEGIN
HAECHYO – SEPARATE
GAESOK – CONTINUE
GOMAN – END
JU UI – WARNING
GAM JUM – DEDUCTING PO1NTS
SIL KYUK – DISQUALIFICATION
HONG – RED
CHONG – BLUE
DONG CHON – TIE
IL BUNYON – FIRST ROUND
YI BUNYON – SECOND ROUND
JUNG JI – TIME STOPPED
SUNG – WINNER
WARNINGS
Warnings will be assigned for the following offences
attack to an illegal target
stepping completely out of the ring (both feet)
falling down, whether intentional or not (this means any part of the body, other than the feet, touching the ground)
holding/grabbing/pushing
sweeping
faking a blow, pretending to be injured to gain an advantage
intentionally avoiding sparring
pretending to have scored a point by raising the arm
NB If an athlete is pushed out of the ring with intent (without undergoing a technique) then he will not receive a warning
Note: Any 3 cumulative warnings results in a deduction of 1 point (NOT a foul)
FOULS
A Foul results in 1 Minus point, and will be awarded for
excessive contact
loss of temper
insulting an opponent in any way
biting/scratching
attacking with knee/elbow/forehead
attacking a fallen opponent
attacking to an illegal target with contact
excessive or uncontrolled attack
continuing to attack after Umpire’s command of Haechyo
Corner Judging
Responsibilities:
To score the bout according to official scoring criteria
To have a thorough knowledge of technique
To record and tally scores precisely
To be consistent and non-biased in scoring
During the bout:
the Corner Referee must be up to date with all the I.T.F. Tournament Rules
sit properly and must observe with attention the competitors’ actions record point(s), foul(s) and warning(s)
At the end of the match:
the Corner Referee must deduct one (1) point from the total score for every three (3) warnings
deduct one (1) point for each Foul
TARGET AREAS
Head and neck area at the front and sides but not at the back
Trunk of the body from neck to navel vertically and from a line drawn from the armpit vertically down to the waist on each side (that is frontal area only excluding the back).
SCORING PROCEDURE
In competition a technique is valid when:
it is executed correctly
it is dynamic, that is to say it is delivered with strength, purpose, rapidity and precision
it is controlled on the target
contact is made with a legal attacking tool
contact is made to a legal target area
POINTS AWARDED
One (1) point will be awarded for:
Hand attack directed to mid or high section.
Foot attack directed to the mid section
Two (2) points will be awarded for:
hand attack while in air (both feet must be off the ground) directed to high section,
jumping or flying kick directed to mid section
Foot attack directed to high section,
Three (3) points will be awarded for:
jumping or flying kick directed to high section
What to score:
A single precise blow to an open target.
Score only what you see, not what you think you see or hear
Do not be influenced by crowd or competitor’s reactions or suggestions
Jury President
Responsibilities
Oversee the procedure of the bout
Ensure competitors abide by the competition rules
Communicate with Tournament Organizing Committee
Monitor performance of judges and referees – provide feedback
Scrutinize score sheets and then announce results to Centre Umpire
Consult with the Tournament director in regards any appeals
DISQUALIFICATION
misconduct against officials or ignoring instructions
any behaviour deemed to be unsporting, offensive, or not in the spirit of fair competition
heavy contact
committing any 3 fouls
any competitor suspected of being under influence of alcoholic beverages or drugs
when a competitor is injured, the Centre Referee must stop the match and call for First Aid. (The injury to be diagnosed, treated and the Medic to decide about the match continuation)
when a competitor cannot fight on because of the Medic’s decision:
he/she is the winner if his opponent is responsible
he/she is the loser if his opponent is not responsible
an injured competitor that is unfit to fight, according to the Medic’s decision, cannot fight again during the event
a competitor that refuses to accept the Medic’s decision will be disqualified
if two competitors injure themselves at the same time and both are unfit to fight, according to the Medic’s decision, the winner is the contender that has more scored points at that moment. If the competitors are even the Jury President will decide about the bout
Active Participants in this course will be issued a C-Class ITF Umpire Certificate.
This level is issued by the National Organization.
Importantly, regardless of your certified level, you must possess the skills and confidence to effectively control and officiate ITF competitive matches in all events
The updated version includes video links to all Patterns, Step Sparring, Model Sparring, Foot Sparring and Self Defense routines to assist students preparing for testings up to 1st Degree Black Belt.
The 1st – 3rd Degree Black Belt Grading Manual ebook is available in our Online Store
Patterns
The 1st – 3rd Degree Black Belt Grading Manual ebook sets out suggested testing requirements to achieve rank advancement in ITF Taekwon-Do. You are free to adopt fully, or modify where you feel necessary.
Gradings are an important aspect of any martial arts training as they should indicate and measure the student’s proficiency in that art, and allow further learning to take place. Gradings should be a test of technical ability, knowledge, indomitable spirit, courage, and attitude.
The Grading syllabus outlines all areas that need to be fulfilled in order to test for rank promotion: these requirements include Patterns, Fundamental movements (Blocking, Kicking, Striking, Stances), Sparring, Breaking Techniques, Terminology and Theory, Self Defense and any additional requirements.
Also note that active training time and attendance requirements are also set out and should be adhered to.
The grading syllabus is designed specifically for all ITF schools to be able to incorporate, encompassing a wide range of self-defense oriented movements and theories, whilst also being consistent with the International Taekwon-Do Federation’s requirements.
Taekwon-Do ITF Nepal organized a 2-day sparring /self-defense seminar followed by the 1st color belt open Taekwon-Do Championship between 7-9th Feb 2020.
ITF under General Secretary, Master Michael Muleta, 8th Degree from Australia, led the seminar and was assisted by the organizer, Mr. Laxman Basnet, President of Taekwon-Do ITF Nepal.
Just on 160 people attended Day 1 of the seminar, being a working day in Nepal, which focused on sparring techniques and ITF patterns. The students worked hard for 6 hours, with only a 30-minute lunch break, benefiting from the close attention and detail covered by Master Muleta.
On Day 2 the seminar focused on self-defense for almost 200 people in attendance for the whole day. Students were put through many techniques to combat against an assailant, from various grabs, holds, strikes, throws and locks. The seminar was very good and Master Muleta displayed his teaching and class management skills, where he managed to work with every single attendee during the day.
All the students enjoyed the intensive training and learned some new skills and applications from the very popular Senior Master, who was returning to Nepal after coming in 2015 to conduct seminars as part of the Nepal earthquake relief.
We would highly recommend to any country to have Master Muleta come and conduct this seminar.
On Day 3 it was competition time, with around 200 students participating from 23 different districts in the 1st color belt open Taekwon-Do Championship.
The event was a huge success, where Master Muleta kicked off proceedings with the official opening ceremony and remained to observe the championships and engage with all the competitors, special guests, media and officials.
There were 35 different categories in the Individual Sparring and individual pattern events. The standard was very good for colour belts and Master Muleta noted a significant improvement since his 2015 visit, giving full credit to r Laxman’s hard work and drive in building ITF Nepal.
Many special guests were in attendance including the Chief guest, the Honorable Ganesh Prasad Timalsina, President of the National Assembly of Parliament, along with special guest Master Muleta and Arie Hoogandooran from Netherlands. Also in attendance was Guest Honorary Member and President of the Sports for All commission, Mr.Bishnu Gopal Shrestha, Adviser of Taekwon-Do ITF Nepal and Famous Nepal identity, Ang Temba Sherpa .
Turkish Airlines General Manager, and event sponsor, Mr.Abdullaha gave out three gift hampers to three gold medalists.
Taekwon-Do ITF Nepal were honoured to present Chief guest to Master Muleta and Mr. Arie with a framed letter of appreciation, for their contribution in promoting Taekwon-Do in Nepal.
President Laxman Basnet gave a Token of Love to our chief guest and other special guests and he informed the audience about what Taekwon-Do ITF Nepal did in the past and what doing in the near future.
Mr Basnet announced that ITF Nepal will be organizing a Technical and Umpire workshop conducted by ITF Vice president Grand Master Nicholls and Master Yogi Chand in conjunction with the 4th Everest Open Taekwon-Do Championship on September 18-20, 2020 in Nepal to promote Taekwon-Do and promote tourism to Nepal during 2020.
Our member of Parliament and other guests gave speeches to motivate and encourage organizers and participants to make an even more more successful event in September 2020.
Thank you to Mr. Laman Basnet and his working party on organizing and hosting such a great and memorable event.
Special thanks to Master Muleta in taking time from his hectic schedule in the lead up to the Arnold Classic Taekwon-Do World Championships, to selflessly share his expertise and genuine love for Taekwon-Do ITF to our leaders and members.
A Nepal Masterclass is being held in Kathmandu by Master Michael Muleta over the period 7-8th February, 2020.
It will be Master Muleta’s second seminar visit to Nepal in 4 years, having previously donated his services to raise funds for earthquake relief.
There will also be a colour belt championships held on the same weekend.
The Nepal Masterclass will run over two sessions, with the focus on Sparring and then Self Defense.
Students and instructors of all ages and ranks, from all Taekwondo schools are welcome to attend.
Check out the Photo Gallery of Master Muleta’s 2015 seminars in Nepal.
The initiative was borne out of discussions between Master Muleta and Mr Basnet at the time of the Nepal Earthquakes, and an offer of assistance from Master Muleta, who had previously received citations from the ITF for his charity work after the Asian boxing Day Tsunami.
During this event all participants from Nepal and abroad had a wonderful experience, making new friendships, renewing old ones and most of all enjoying Taekwondo in its truest form.
ITF Nepal issued an invitation to Master Muleta to return in 2020 and it is hoped that more participants from more countries will take the chance to come and experience Nepal and its culture, as well as Taekwondo.
This event has been added after consultation with some instructors, who were reluctant to put their juniors and novices in an event billed as ‘World Championships’. It also requires families of those competing in the Arnold Kids Classic Taekwondo, to only attend the one day (Sunday).
The event is open to all Children under 14 yrs of age.
We particularly encourage all beginners, colour belts (black belts welcome also) to enter the Arnold Kids Classic Taekwondo.
As with most competitions, competitors will be matched according to a closest fit policy (age, rank, weight – if sparring)
Of course, any person wishing to enter both competitions, may do so – however both registration forms need to be submitted seperately.
Note: Coaches who have registered for the Arnold Classic Taekwondo World Championships are not required to register twice. However, any person not registered as a coach WILL NOT gain access to the competition area.
Spectator Passes include access to both events on the Sunday
Male Adult Colour Belts Divison 2
1st Cheveau Apanui Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
2nd Henry Dwyer Precision Taekwon-Do
3rd Sang Yeop Yim Precision Taekwon-Do
Female Junior Black Belts Division 1
1st Merrin Eagles Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
2nd Isabella Pighin Choong-Moo
Male Junior Black Belts Division 1
1st Jae Evans ATI Martial Arts Sunshine Coast
2nd Allen Kappen Hwarang Taekwondo Canberra
3rd Jordon Woods Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
Male Ages 6-10 Colour Belts Division 1
1st Caleb Tapper Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
2nd Tate Gardner Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
3rd Kharn Elward Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
Male Ages 6-10 Colour Belts Division 2
1st Corbin Copeman Ataru
2nd Hudson Wood Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
3rd Ashar Zeb Choong-Moo
Male Ages 11-17 Divison
1st Leland Cerda Sangrok World Taekwondo
2nd Archie Wood Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
3rd Isaac Edwards Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
Male Junior Colour Belts Division
1st Jack Seier Ataru
2nd Xanda Doughty Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
3rd Michael Cutrale Azure
2019 United ITF Nationals – Special Technique
Junior Female
1st Marion Halas Precision Taekwon-Do
2nd Gerrida Grossel Choong-Moo
3rd Lily McCormick Precision Taekwon-Do
Junior Male
1st Cooper Roberts Goulburn Martial Arts Academy
2nd Joshua Zdybel Geelong Taekwon-do
3rd Ben Steele Choong-Moo
On November 10 – 11, 2018 the Institucion Nacional TKD Puerto Rico held a Master Class with Under Secretary General of ITF Master Michael Muleta, 8th degree.
The weekend began with a 2 hour Black Belt class (inlcuding Red Belts who were testing later that day). In that class, Master Muleta covered some theory of power elements and some other technical aspects. Towards the end of the class, students performed some self-defence manouvers.
A black belt testing followed, where several students were tested and promoted up to 3rd Degree. The test was commanded by Sabum Llauger Castillo and marked by Master Muleta.
In the evening as special dinner was held with Puerto Rico instructors and families. The dinner was to commemorate the 100th Birthday of the Founder of Taekwondo, General Choi Hong Hi.
On day 2, Australasian ITF Hall Of Fame instructor, Master Muleta led 6 hours of ITF training for students of all ranks. The sessions were broken up into 2 x 3 hours. Junior students completed the first session, whilst teens and adults stayed for both.
Master Muleta covered many aspects of TKD during his class and taught us the practical application of ITF techniques. Once again the emphasis was on power, with additional elements covered following on from Day 1.
Patterns were covered across several levels, with Master Muleta pointing out key aspects. Blocking and attacking tools, correct angle & distance, sine wave and stance transitions were all covered in detail.
Students also carried out some sparring exercises, under the watchful eye and instruction of the Former ITF world championships coach, with drills in counter attacking and ringcraft.
We at ITF Puerto Rico are really greatful for Master Muleta’s effort and dedication in teaching us the legacy of our founder.
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On Day 2 the seminar focused on self-defense for almost 200 people in attendance for the whole day. Students were put through many techniques to combat against an assailant, from various grabs, holds, strikes, throws and locks. The seminar was very good and Master Muleta displayed his teaching and class management skills, where he managed to work with every single attendee during the day.
On Day 3 it was competition time, with around 200 students participating from 23 different districts in the 1st color belt open Taekwon-Do Championship.
Turkish Airlines General Manager, and event sponsor, Mr.Abdullaha gave out three gift hampers to three gold medalists.
