🇿🇦 IITA Country Feature: Michelle Rahl – South Africa’s Champion for Inclusive Taekwon-Do
“Every kick, every smile, every little step forward counts.”
These words from Sabum Michelle Rahl perfectly capture the heart and soul of her work in South Africa, where Inclusive Taekwon-Do is becoming a beacon of empowerment for individuals with disabilities and their families. As a dedicated instructor from the International Taekwon-Do Federation South Africa (ITFSA), Michelle is at the forefront of the country’s growing movement toward inclusion, accessibility, and transformation through Taekwon-Do.
🌍 A Journey That Began with Heart
South Africa formally joined the Inclusive Taekwon-Do movement in 2019, recognizing the profound benefits that martial arts can offer to individuals with physical and intellectual disabilities. Michelle, a key figure in this progress, has taken on the responsibility of coaching, advocacy, and community engagement with unwavering passion.
> “Inclusive Taekwon-Do brings joy, confidence, and connection—not just to the students, but also to their families,” she explains. “It gives people of all abilities the opportunity to gain experience in strength, discipline, and self-esteem.”
💪 Breaking Barriers, One Student at a Time
Michelle currently works with a small but powerful group of inclusive students:
One with Amniotic Band Syndrome, affecting the left forearm
Two others with intellectual disabilities, including autism
Each student brings their own story and strength to the dojang. One of the most cherished moments for Michelle comes from a student on the autism spectrum who confidently assumes the role of instructor during class.
> “He proudly believes he’s the only one allowed to roll up his sleeves,” Michelle laughs. “It’s become a class tradition, and a reminder of how empowered and valued he feels.”
“These are the moments that remind us why we do this work.”
📣 Promoting Awareness and Access
Michelle and her team understand that awareness is key to growth. They’ve made deliberate efforts to promote Inclusive Taekwon-Do throughout the year—advertising in local communities, hosting trial classes, and forging relationships with therapy centers and special needs schools. Their outreach is proactive and heartfelt, always aiming to remove the barriers that often prevent people with disabilities from engaging in physical activity.
> “We are working hard to grow awareness in schools and therapy communities. The more families know that we’re here, the more opportunities we can create.”
🎯 A Vision for the Future
South Africa’s goals are both ambitious and necessary. By the end of the year, Michelle hopes to have increased the number of inclusive students and trained more instructors in inclusive teaching techniques. Looking ahead, the dream is even bigger:
Establish regional inclusive events
Collaborate with other African nations to share resources and knowledge
Promote Inclusive Taekwon-Do as a recognized therapeutic tool across the continent
> “We want Inclusive Taekwon-Do to be known not just as a martial art, but as a pathway to healing, strength, and belonging.”
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🌐 A Global Network of Support
Michelle credits the International Inclusive Taekwon-Do Association (IITA) as a source of strength and solidarity. Being part of a global movement has helped her team remain motivated, especially in a context where resources can be scarce.
> “IITA has been a game changer. The sense of international unity and shared passion gives us the confidence to keep going, knowing we are not alone.”
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💖 A Unique South African Approach
What sets South Africa apart is its emphasis on emotional connection and community engagement. Michelle and her team recognize that real inclusion isn’t just about adapting movements—it’s about creating a space where students are seen, heard, and celebrated.
> “We encourage self-expression and celebrate each individual’s strengths. It might mean adapting a technique, but it always means honoring the person.”
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📬 A Message to the IITA Community
To fellow IITA instructors and countries, Michelle offers a powerful reminder:
> “Keep showing up. Keep adapting. Keep believing in the power of Taekwon-Do to change lives. We are not just teaching martial arts—we are building hope, belonging, and resilience.”
“As General Choi said, ‘Taekwon-Do is for everyone.’ And we are proving that every single day.”
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Through the work of Sabum Michelle Rahl and the ITFSA, Inclusive Taekwon-Do in South Africa is growing—student by student, smile by smile. It is not just a program; it is a movement. And thanks to leaders like Michelle, that movement is grounded in compassion, purpose, and the unshakable belief that everyone deserves a place in the dojang.
