Join Open ITF
FREE MEMBERSHIP UNTIL 2026
Membership Enquiry
How Open ITF started
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.
Open ITF News
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Open ITF TaeKwon-Do
Created by members for the members, the Open ITF offers certification, competitions, seminars, and support for TaeKwon-Do students globally.
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Who we are
Our Story
Open ITF is, above all, a community of martial artists united by a passion for the Korean martial art of Taekwon-do. Many of us are senior black belt holders, with some attaining the esteemed rank of Grandmaster 9th Dan Black Belt. We always remember why we began practicing this remarkable art. Unfortunately, Taekwon-do has been exploited by some for power and personal gain. Open ITF prioritises its’ members while also upholding the traditional values envisioned by our late Founder for the arts’ perpetuation.
Open ITF Vision
As an international Taekwon-do organisation, our vision is to establish a global branch dedicated to preserving the legacy of General Choi Hong Hi. Therefore, all members must comply with our fundamental principles and rules.
We will not tolerate individuals who have sought promotions by exploiting the arts’ timeline. Nor will we accept the internal discord common in other groups. Our commitment is to unity, not conflict.
Open ITF Mission
The Open ITF aims to restore order and tranquility in Taekwon-do by embracing a policy of brotherhood, offering a platform where all practitioners can come together. By upholding the integrity of grades and ensuring the timeline is never breached, we will offer international certification recognised worldwide, alongside events that our members will take pride in. Finally, all groups will adhere to the tenets as set by the arts’ Founder General Choi Hong Hi, but also adopting humility as the unwritten tenet that will bring back peace in the art.
Open ITF services
The services Open ITF offer are as follows –
- Affiliation for all worldwide
- International Black Belt certification
- Official International events
- Member event listings
- Club listings
Our founding GM’s
Of Open ITF
The founding Grandmasters of Open ITF bring decades of experience in Taekwon-do, each boasting up to 50 years of dedication to the art and having participated in numerous International Instructor Courses (IICs). This wealth of experience ensures that Open ITF is an excellent choice for anyone interested in the discipline.
Grandmaster
Roy Oldham
Grandmaster
Bupindha Sohota
Grandmaster
Ian Lawes