Open ITF was established by its’ members, for the benefit of its’ members. In contrast to numerous ITF branches that have emerged since our Founders’ passing, we remain committed to preserving the Founders’ legacy.

The Open ITF branched out from the original International Taekwondo Federation, established by the arts’ late Founder, General Choi Hong Hi. It was created to provide a haven for instructors and groups overwhelmed by the arts’ politics. A collective of like-minded Taekwondo Grandmasters founded the Open ITF with the primary goal of offering certification.

Over the years, the Open ITF has experienced significant growth, leading our members and the Grandmasters panel to extend affiliation opportunities to clubs and groups worldwide. We’ve organised world and European championships, as well as numerous International Instructor Courses (I.I.C).

The appeal of joining the Open ITF lies in our commitment to the founder’s 1999 encyclopedia. Consequently, new members must undergo a comprehensive background check, verifying their timeline history and the legitimacy of their current grade. We are currently offering free membership to all clubs, groups, and associations until 2026.

If you’re prepared to be part of a progressive, non-profit and apolitical organisation, please complete the form above. We will contact you to discuss further details. There is no requirement to change uniforms or wear our logo and there are no annual fees at present, which is likely to remain unchanged as our administration is committed to maintaining free membership.

Please fill in the form above to start a conversation. If you are an existing Taekwondo member or seeking information on Open ITF clubs and events, take a moment to explore our site.