Meet Mr. Hidayet Altın, proudly representing The Netherlands in the International Inclusive Taekwon-Do Association (IITA), alongside his colleague David Chung. Born and raised in Rotterdam, Hidayet began his Taekwon-Do journey in September 1999 and later expanded into Hapkido in 2012. Martial arts quickly became more than a discipline—it became a mission. With a deep passion for inclusivity and accessibility, Hidayet has committed his life to ensuring that Taekwon-Do is a space where everyone belongs, regardless of their ability.
🛤️ The Journey with IITA
The Netherlands has been involved in the inclusive Taekwon-Do movement since its inception in 2012, though formal registration with IITA came more recently. After following IITA President Benjamin Evans for several years and witnessing the international growth of Inclusive Taekwon-Do, Hidayet and his team recognized the time had come to fully align with the movement. “We saw the increasing number of students needing adapted programs and realized there were simply not enough good options out there for them,” he says. “Joining IITA gave us the tools and the community we needed to move forward.”
🌍 Why Inclusive Taekwon-Do Matters
Inclusive Taekwon-Do holds profound importance in Dutch communities. As Hidayet explains, “Many parents of children with disabilities feel stuck—there are few suitable programs, and mainstream martial arts often don’t accommodate their needs. That’s why it’s essential to offer high-quality inclusive training, where students are respected, understood, and supported.”
By embracing these values, his school creates an environment that encourages empowerment, respect, and growth—not only in physical technique but also in emotional development. “Inclusive Taekwon-Do is about more than kicking and punching. It’s about breaking down barriers and building people up.”
👥 Diverse Students, Unique Needs
In the Netherlands, Hidayet and his team have worked with a wide range of students, including those with ADHD, concentration challenges, intermittent explosive disorder, Down syndrome, and Developmental Coordination Disorder, as well as students with acquired permanent disabilities. Each student brings their own challenges—but also immense potential.
🌟 Memorable Moments
Two powerful stories stand out in Hidayet’s journey.
The first involves a student with significant behavioral issues at school. She was frequently suspended due to aggression, yet in Taekwon-Do class, she became focused, respectful, and driven. “Her teacher visited one day,” Hidayet recalls, “and couldn’t believe it was the same student. That’s the power of a supportive environment and structured discipline.”
The second story is of a young woman with Down syndrome who saw a video of Taekwon-Do and declared to her parents that she had to try it. Starting with her father by her side, she soon made friends, built confidence, and began training independently. She not only learned Chon-Ji tul with great determination—but went on to win double gold at the most recent IITA Online World Championships in Patterns and Power Breaking. “It was a beautiful reminder of what’s possible,” says Hidayet.
🎯 Vision and Future Goals
Looking ahead, the goal for Hidayet and his team is clear: to become the leading organization for people with disabilities in their region. By continuing to offer adaptive programs, connect with schools and families, and represent the spirit of IITA in everything they do, they are setting a powerful example of what Inclusive Taekwon-Do can accomplish.
