Taiwan has been experiencing a surge in interest in ITF Taekwon-Do in recent years, with a growing number of practitioners eager to embrace this martial art
Training and Popularity:
For the national team in Taiwan, training is intensive, with four days a week dedicated to honing their skills. However, the focus is primarily on sparring, as there aren’t as many athletes specializing in patterns yet. The popularity of ITF Taekwon-Do in Taiwan is on the rise. The sport is gaining recognition through the efforts of MO 740, supported by sponsors, who have collaborated with YouTubers and other media platforms to promote ITF Taekwon-Do. High-quality sparring videos have been released, some of which have garnered substantial viewership, such as one video reaching around 70,000 viewers. The hope is that ITF Taekwon-Do will soon be considered a high-level and entertaining martial art in Taiwan.
Participation and Success:
Taiwanese ITF Taekwon-Do competitors have been making their mark on both national and international stages. The national team recently earned a gold and two bronze medals at the World Games, showcasing their prowess in the sport. In addition, the team participated in the Italy Rome Open and secured gold in the Welterweight division, demonstrating their competitive spirit. The national circuit holds competitions at least three times a year to select athletes, and these events are actively promoted through various media channels, reaching an audience of 30,000 to 40,000 viewers, and contributing to the promotion of ITF Taekwon-Do in Taiwan.
Challenges and Opportunities:
One of the main challenges is having a Master’s degree. Since we don’t have that graduation here. To overcome this limitation and foster the growth of ITF Taekwon-Do, it is hoped that the headquarters can provide more support for black belt promotions. This would enable Taiwan to send more athletes to international events, create promotional content, and work with the media to popularize ITF Taekwon-Do in the country.
Future Plans:
Taiwan’s ITF Taekwon-Do community has ambitious plans for its development. The goal is to participate in three major international events in the current year and produce three informative videos in collaboration with YouTubers and media outlets. These efforts aim to reach half a million viewers in Taiwan, providing a better understanding of ITF Taekwon-Do and its significance.
World Games 2023:
Taiwan’s participation in the World Games 2023 was notable, with the three-person team achieving significant success. They secured a gold medal in female sparring and a bronze medal in male sparring, a commendable feat. The World Games event itself was described as amazing, and being able to compete in the Olympic stadium was a dream come true. The organization of ITF teams during the event was praised, and particular admiration was expressed for the Argentina team’s performance.
The ITF Taekwon-Do in Taiwan is experiencing growth in popularity, marked by notable achievements in national and international competitions. The community faces challenges but has clear plans for future development. The recent success at the World Games 2023 further solidifies the sport’s presence on the international stage.
