The 3rd Inclusive Taekwon-Do World Championships in Jesolo, Italy marked a powerful milestone in the evolution of inclusive martial arts.
Organised in close collaboration with the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), under the leadership of
ITF President Prof. GM Ri Yong Son, and with the warm support of
Master Ruggiero Lannotte — Italy NGB Representative and now the official IITA member for Italy —
the event showcased how Taekwon-Do can unite, empower, and uplift athletes of all abilities worldwide.

🥋 Tradition, Innovation & Heart

The championships brought together athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, and families from around the world.
Competitors participated in the following categories:

• Individual Patterns
• Team Patterns
• Power Breaking
• Special Technique
• Unified Abilities (Mixed Ability Events)
• Inclusive Sparring — introduced for the first time in history, demonstrating control, bravery, and true ITF spirit.

The arena atmosphere was electric. Athletes didn’t just compete — they connected.
No matter their language, culture or ability, they stood together under the Tenets of Taekwon-Do:
Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control, and Indomitable Spirit.

🤝 International Collaboration & Growth

This event was a strong success thanks to the collaboration between IITA, ITF HQ (Vienna), and the Italian Taekwon-Do community.
Since Jesolo, global progress has continued:

• New IITA member countries have joined the movement.
• Existing nations have increased athlete participation.
• More instructors are seeking training in inclusive development.

Inclusive Taekwon-Do is no longer an idea — it is now a growing, global movement.

🌟 Historic Demonstration at the ITF World Championships

Following the Jesolo event, history was made at the ITF World Championships.
Eight inclusive athletes were officially invited to perform during the Opening Ceremony under the ITF banner:

• 1 athlete from Mozambique
• 1 athlete from South Africa
• 3 athletes from New Zealand
• 3 athletes from Russia

Under the name of the ITF Demonstration Team, these athletes showed the world the true meaning of unity and inclusion.
Their performance was emotional, inspiring, and received with admiration by thousands — a defining moment for the future of Inclusive Taekwon-Do.

💬 A Message for the Future

Jesolo 2024/25 proved what is possible when leadership, passion, and purpose come together.
Guided by Prof. GM Ri Yong Son, supported by Master Ruggiero Lannotte, and driven by IITA Founder & President Ben Evans,
instructors, volunteers, and families worldwide — Inclusive Taekwon-Do continues to rise.

More countries, more athletes, more opportunity — this is only the beginning.