European Taekwondo Union

19/09/2026

ETU and JEI University Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Strengthen Taekwondo Education and Development

The European Taekwondo Union (ETU) and the Department of Global Taekwondo at JEI University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), establishing a framework for closer cooperation in Taekwondo education, training, research and international exchange.

The agreement was signed on 17 September 2026 by ETU President Sakis Pragalos and Moon Dae Sung, Chair of the Department of Global Taekwondo at JEI University.

Through the MOU, ETU and JEI University aim to combine their expertise and networks to contribute to the further development of Taekwondo, with a particular focus on education and the professional development of athletes.

The cooperation will include the development and implementation of educational and training programmes designed to enhance the performance and professional capabilities of European Taekwondo athletes. The two organisations will also explore opportunities to jointly organise or support competitions, seminars, workshops, academic events and international exchange programmes.

In addition, the partnership provides a framework for cooperation in Taekwondo-related research, education and talent development, as well as other initiatives mutually agreed upon by both organisations.

ETU President Sakis Pragalos welcomed the agreement:

“Education and athlete development are essential for the long-term growth of our sport. Through this cooperation with JEI University, we are creating new opportunities to connect European Taekwondo with academic expertise, education and international exchange. We look forward to developing concrete programmes that will benefit our athletes and the wider Taekwondo community.”

The MOU is initially valid for one year and provides the basis for the two organisations to develop specific projects and programmes through further agreements and implementation plans.

European Taekwondo Union
18 September 2026

12/09/2026

ETU Culture and Heritage Committee Member Master Kambiz Ramzan Ali MBE Strengthens UK–Korea Cultural Links Ahead of World Championships

Master Kambiz Ramzan Ali MBE, Member of the European Taekwondo Union Culture and Heritage Committee and British Taekwondo International Poomsae Referee, has begun an important programme of cultural and educational meetings in South Korea ahead of the 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships in Chuncheon.

During his first official meeting in Seoul, Master Ali met Dr Lee Jeong-geun, President of the Korea Tourism Evaluation Institute, to discuss how sport, tourism and cultural exchange can help build stronger and more meaningful relationships between South Korea, the United Kingdom and the wider European Taekwondo community.

Master Ali presented Dr Lee with official Letters of Commendation from Councillor Viv Poskitt, Mayor of Harrogate, and Tom Gordon MP, Member of Parliament for Harrogate and Knaresborough.

The commendations recognised Dr Lee’s leadership and contribution to the development of South Korea’s tourism sector, the international promotion of Korean culture and his commitment to strengthening cultural understanding and cooperation between South Korea and the United Kingdom.

Speaking during the presentation, Master Ali said:

“Sport, culture and tourism are powerful ways of bringing people and communities together. It was a great honour to present these commendations to Dr Lee on behalf of the Mayor of Harrogate and our Member of Parliament.

“Taekwondo is not only a sport; it also carries important values, traditions and a rich cultural heritage. Through meetings such as this, we can create new opportunities for friendship, education and cooperation between South Korea, the United(reqion) Kingdom and Europe.”

Master Ali, a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, has supported sporting, educational and cultural links between Harrogate and South Korea for many years. This special relationship is symbolised by Harrogate Road in Seoul, which Master Ali will also visit during his time in Korea.

His work reflects the aims of the European Taekwondo Union Culture and Heritage Committee: to preserve Taekwondo’s history and traditions, promote its core values and use its cultural heritage to connect people and communities across borders.

The meeting was arranged with the support of Dr Jung Il Lee, Range Sports Korea Director and President of K.R. Ali Taekwondo in Korea.

Master Ali will represent Great Britain as a World Taekwondo International Poomsae Referee at the 2026 World Taekwondo Poomsae Championships, taking place in Chuncheon from 16–20 September.

The European Taekwondo Union wishes Master Kambiz Ramzan Ali MBE every success at the World Championships and throughout his cultural and educational programme in South Korea.

03/09/2026

🥋 Kukkiwon Presents Posthumous Honorary 10th Dan Certificate to the Late Grand Master An Hen Ki

Kukkiwon presented a posthumous Honorary 10th Dan certificate to the bereaved family of the late Grand Master An Hen Ki, honouring his noble Taekwondo spirit, lifetime achievements and exceptional contribution to the sport.

Grand Master An Hen Ki dedicated his life to Taekwondo, its values, discipline and teaching. Through positions of responsibility within the Hellenic Taekwondo Federation, including his service as Chairman of its Technical Committee, as well as his involvement in the Organising Committee of the World Taekwondo Championships held in Greece, he contributed significantly to the development of Taekwondo in Greece and throughout Europe.

The honorary certificate was received by his wife, Irini An, and his son, Alexandros An, during a ceremony of profound significance for his family, students and the wider international Taekwondo community.

The European Taekwondo Union honours the memory and lifelong contribution of Grand Master An Hen Ki and extends its deepest respect to his family, his students, and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and learning from him.

May he rest in peace.

📸 Photos 1 and 2: Kukkiwon President Yun Ung Suk, Irini An, Alexandros An, Grand Master Shin – Chung Do Kwan, Grand Master Kwon, and Kukkiwon Chief Secretary Lee.

📸 Photo 3: Kukkiwon President Yun Ung Suk with Irini An and Alexandros An.

02/09/2026

Riga Open 2026: the highlights!

30/08/2026

Dear Members of the Global Taekwondo Family,

On behalf of the European Taekwondo Union, I express our deepest sorrow and heartfelt condolences to the people of Nepal and the Nepal Taekwondo Association following the devastating floods and landslides that have impacted the nation.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the victims, their families, and all those who have lost loved ones, homes, and livelihoods in this tragedy. The entire European Taekwondo community stands in unwavering solidarity with Nepal during this immensely difficult time.

As a dedicated member of the Taekwondo community, we are bound by compassion, respect, and mutual support. In times of such crisis, it is our collective duty to live these values and support our brothers and sisters in need.

I humbly urge all Continental Unions, National Taekwondo Associations, athletes, coaches, and practitioners across the globe to extend a helping hand to Nepal. Whether through relief funds, official aid organizations, or community initiatives, every contribution—big or small—will make a meaningful difference in aiding recovery and rebuilding lives.

To the Nepal Taekwondo Association and the people of Nepal: Stay strong. You are not alone—the global Taekwondo family stands shoulder-to-shoulder with you.

With solidarity and respect,

Sakis Pragalos

President
European Taekwondo Union

31/07/2026

In Memoriam: Grand Master An Hen Ki

The European Taekwondo family mourns the passing of Grand Master An Hen Ki, who passed away in Athens on Friday, 31 July 2026.

Born in Korea in 1949, Grand Master An Hen Ki dedicated his life to Taekwondo, contributing for decades to its development and promotion in Greece and across Europe.

In addition to his long-standing service as a Master, instructor, examiner and technical advisor, he served for more than ten years as an advisor to European Taekwondo President Sakis Pragalos, offering his knowledge, experience and guidance in support of European Taekwondo.

His contribution and long-standing presence form an important part of the history and development of Taekwondo in Europe.

President Sakis Pragalos and the Executive Board of European Taekwondo extend their sincere condolences to his wife, Irene, his children, Alexandros and Christina, and his family and loved ones.

His contribution to Taekwondo will be remembered with respect.

May he rest in peace.

30/07/2026

Meeting Held at the Ministry of Sport Regarding Hosting the 2027 European Junior Taekwondo Championships in Georgia

A working meeting was held at the Ministry of Sport of Georgia regarding Georgia’s bid to host the 2027 European Junior Taekwondo Championships.

The First Deputy Minister of Sport of Georgia, Irakli Medzmariashvili, and Deputy Minister Irakli Dolaberidze met with the Sports Director of the European Taekwondo Union (ETU), Ioannis Mouroutsos. During the meeting, the parties discussed the prospects of organizing the 2027 European Junior Taekwondo Championships in Georgia.

In addition to the European Junior Championships, Georgia is also planning to host the European Olympic Weight Categories Tournament for Seniors in 2027. Approximately 1,000 athletes are expected to participate in the continental championship and the Olympic ranking event. Both competitions are planned to be held in Tbilisi.

The final decision on awarding the hosting rights for these events will be made by the European Taekwondo Union at its upcoming Executive Board meeting.

The meeting at the Ministry of Sport was also attended by Alexander Todua, President of the Georgian National Taekwondo Federation, and Levan Piolia, Vice President of the Georgian National Taekwondo Federation.

30/07/2026

Register now for Riga Open! Go to Simply Compete and register!

29/07/2026

📢 Call for Applications – WT International Referee Seminars 2026

The European Taekwondo Union (ETU) encourages all Member National Associations to share this opportunity with their referees and ensure interested candidates register before the deadline.

📍 Location: Tirana, Albania

📅 Seminar Schedule
🥋 65th WT Poomsae International Referee Seminar
🗓️ 8–11 September 2026

🥊 141st WT Kyorugi International Referee Seminar
🗓️ 12–15 September 2026

⏳ Registration Deadline: Friday, 31 July 2026

Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications through the official World Taekwondo registration forms for the respective seminars.
(POOMSAE IR) https://www.jotform.com/form/261855497990476
(KYORUGI IR) https://www.jotform.com/form/261826161561456

📄 Please refer to the official seminar outlines for detailed information regarding eligibility, requirements, and the programme.

We encourage all ETU Member National Associations to promote these seminars and support the development of highly qualified international referees across Europe.

We look forward to seeing a strong European presence in Tirana!

Please click the link to complete this form.

21/07/2026

🎉Congratulations to Taekwondo Hantai Oldenzaal on its 50th Anniversary! 🎉

The European Taekwondo Union extends its warmest congratulations to Taekwondo Hantai Oldenzaal on celebrating 50 years since its foundation.

For five decades, the club has been an inspiring part of the Taekwondo community, shaping generations of athletes, promoting the true values of our martial art, and contributing to the development of Taekwondo through dedication, passion, and commitment.

The anniversary video beautifully reflects the club's remarkable journey, filled with memorable moments, competitions, achievements, and the people who have been part of its history.

We wish everyone at Taekwondo Hantai Oldenzaal continued success, good health, and many more years of growth, friendship, and excellence.

Happy 50th Anniversary, and here's to the next 50 years! 🥋💙