From the heart of Greece, a powerful movement for equality and inclusion is being led by Mr. Nikiforos Kotridis, the official National Representative for the International Inclusive Taekwon-Do Association (IITA). With a unique combination of military discipline, therapeutic expertise, and martial arts mastery, Mr. Kotridis is pioneering a path for people of all abilities to find strength and belonging through Inclusive Taekwon-Do.
A retired serviceman, Nikiforos has dedicated his post-military career to serving others as a freelance Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA), specializing in Autism, ADHD, and Cerebral Palsy. His martial arts credentials include a 5th Dan in ITF Taekwon-Do, 4th Dan in WTF Taekwondo, and instructor rank in Sogo Ryu Ju Jitsu. He is also certified in Thera-Pool Taekwondo, a water-based therapeutic adaptation that merges rehabilitation with martial arts principles.
> “Inclusive Taekwon-Do brings equality, unity, and empowerment to individuals who are too often left on the margins of society,” Nikiforos shares.
Greece’s journey with Inclusive Taekwon-Do began in 2015, during the early phase of IITA when it was still known as Special Needs Taekwon-Do International (SNTI). What started as grassroots efforts to involve students with disabilities in local classes evolved into a structured, impactful program reaching schools, rehabilitation centers, and municipal initiatives.
Nikiforos and his team work with a broad spectrum of students, including individuals with intellectual disabilities like autism and Down syndrome, as well as those with physical challenges such as paraplegia and mobility impairments. Each student receives a personalized plan tailored to their capabilities, promoting confidence, focus, and connection.
One deeply inspiring moment stands out in Nikiforos’ teaching journey:
> “A young girl with cerebral palsy trained for months in the pool. One day, she stood and performed a kick. Her parents cried. It was a defining moment for all of us—it captured the spirit of what Inclusive Taekwon-Do really means.”
Under his leadership, Greece is actively promoting inclusion through collaborations with therapeutic centers, special education schools, and municipalities. Public demonstrations and international events showcase the capabilities and resilience of these students, changing public perceptions and inspiring broader support.
Looking ahead, Nikiforos has ambitious goals: to expand Inclusive Taekwon-Do into more regions across Greece, train new instructors, and establish a nationally recognized certification framework. His long-term vision is to develop an internationally accredited training center, aligned with European Union standards, and to extend IITA’s reach into neighboring countries.
His involvement with IITA has been nothing short of transformational:
> “It gave us a platform for international recognition and the opportunity to learn from others around the world. IITA is not just an organization—it’s a movement built on dignity, inclusion, and human connection.”
Nikiforos Kotridis continues to lead with compassion, discipline, and innovation. Through his efforts, Greece is becoming a stronghold of inclusive practice in Taekwon-Do—a testament to the idea that Taekwon-Do can truly be for everyone.
