Taekwon-Do ITF holds a proud legacy in the Netherlands, beginning in 1965 when it was first introduced to Dutch soil. In 1966, the Dutch Taekwon-Do Association (NTA) was founded, quickly establishing itself as the largest Taekwon-Do body in the country.
As is common with many longstanding organizations, the journey of Taekwon-Do in the Netherlands has not been without challenges. Over the years, both internal and external divisions have led to the creation of multiple ITF-affiliated groups, reflecting a broader trend seen across the globe within the Taekwon-Do community.
Today, the Royal Dutch (RD) serves as the Independent National Organization (INO) for Grandmaster Choi Jung Hwa’s ITF in the Netherlands. Grandmaster Choi, the only son of General Choi Hong Hi, the founder of Taekwon-Do, remains steadfast in his mission to preserve and spread his father’s vision worldwide.
One of the distinguishing features of Grandmaster Choi’s ITF is its open structure, which allows multiple organizations to operate within the same country. Larger organizations may receive INO status, provided they meet specific criteria. This responsibility extends to supporting smaller, affiliated bodies within the country, ensuring a unified approach to growth and development.
In the Netherlands, RD fulfills this mission through various dedicated committees, each focusing on different aspects of Taekwon-Do education and development. Among these committees, the Training Committee plays a crucial role in shaping the next generation of Taekwon-Do instructors.
This comprehensive instructor education program is designed to elevate both the technical and philosophical aspects of teaching. The program offers three progressive certification levels:
- Assistant Teacher
- Teacher
- Head Teacher
Each level involves both theoretical and practical components. Assistant Teachers are required to demonstrate a solid understanding of Taekwon-Do basics, while Teachers are tasked with contributing to the community by organizing events such as seminars, joint training sessions, or competitions. The Head Teacher level demands leadership in organizing such events, as well as the submission and defense of a thesis on a Taekwon-Do-related topic.
The curriculum encompasses a wide range of subjects, including:
- Biomechanics
- Health and Sports Education
- Coaching and Public Administration
- Taekwon-Do History and Nomenclature
- Developmental Psychology and Teaching Methodology
- Competition Regulations
- Ethics and Leadership
In addition to the structured courses, the committee also organizes regular workshops to ensure instructors remain up to date with the latest trends and developments in Taekwon-Do education.
The Training Committee is led by three highly respected instructors:
- Master Willem Jansen, 7th Dan
- Master Hennie Thijsen, 8th Dan
- Master Henk Zonsveld, 8th Dan
Their shared vision is to develop not only technically proficient martial artists but also thoughtful, well-rounded instructors who carry forward the core values and philosophy of Taekwon-Do.
While competition is undoubtedly a significant part of Taekwon-Do, we believe that true leadership in the dojang begins with knowledge, ethics, and the ability to inspire others. By investing in the education of our instructors, we ensure that Taekwon-Do in the Netherlands remains rooted in tradition while continuously evolving to meet the needs of modern martial artists.
