THE WORLD OF TAEKWONDO COMES TOGETHER AT THE 1ST PTF WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS

GIMCHEON, KOREA, July 12, 2026 History was made in Gimcheon, Korea, as the 1st Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) World Championships successfully concluded following three historic days of competition and international unity from July 10 to 12, 2026.

More than 2,000 competitors from 41 countries participated in the inaugural World Championships, makinga it a truly global celebration of Taekwondo.

For the first time in history, ITF, WT, and Kombat style Taekwondo came together at one World Championships under one roof. Athletes, coaches, officials, and leaders from different Taekwondo traditions stood side by side, united by a shared history, mutual respect, and a common vision for the future.

The historic event represented the true spirit of One Taekwondo Family, demonstrating that while Taekwondo may have different styles and organizations, the global Taekwondo community shares one foundation and one martial art.

“This was more than a World Championships. This was history. For the first time, ITF, WT, and Kombat style Taekwondo came together under one roof, not as separate organizations, but as one Taekwondo family. PTF was created to build bridges, not walls, and what we witnessed in Gimcheon proves that the future of Taekwondo is stronger when we stand together,” said Rick W. Shin, President of the Professional Taekwondo Federation.

The championships were honored by the attendance of ITF President Grand Master Choi Jung Hwa. His presence added tremendous significance to an event dedicated to building unity, cooperation, and mutual respect throughout the international Taekwondo community.

The success of the 1st PTF World Championships was made possible through the outstanding leadership, dedication, and tremendous efforts of the local organizer, the World Sport Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Seo Hyun Suk. The Professional Taekwondo Federation extends its deepest appreciation to Chairman Seo, the World Sport Committee, and everyone who worked tirelessly to make this historic World Championships possible.

PTF also extends its sincere appreciation to all participating national delegations, athletes, coaches, referees, officials, volunteers, supporters, and everyone whose dedication and commitment contributed to the success of this historic event.

The inaugural PTF World Championships marked more than the successful beginning of a new international competition. It represented the beginning of a new chapter for global Taekwondo, one built on unity, respect, cooperation, and opportunity for all.

Looking ahead, the Professional Taekwondo Federation will continue its mission of bringing the global Taekwondo community together while respecting the identity, traditions, and history of every style. The success of the inaugural World Championships demonstrated that unity does not require uniformity, and that Taekwondo is strongest when its diverse traditions come together with mutual respect and a shared vision for the future.

Different styles. Different traditions. One shared history. One future. One Taekwondo Family.

The 1st PTF World Championships will be remembered as the historic moment when the world of Taekwondo came together under one roof.

The Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) is an international Taekwondo organization dedicated to advancing unity, cooperation, and opportunity throughout the global Taekwondo community. PTF welcomes and respects all recognized Taekwondo styles and traditions, providing an international platform where athletes, coaches, officials, and organizations can come together while maintaining their individual identities and heritage.

Guided by the principle of One Taekwondo Family, PTF is committed to building bridges across the global Taekwondo community and creating new opportunities for the continued growth and development of Taekwondo worldwide.