Interview with the Head Coach of Team Canada ahead of the ITF World Championship
As anticipation builds for the ITF World Championship Barcelona 2025, we spoke with Master Cris Reid—Head Coach of Team Canada and a veteran of the world stage since 1992. With decades of experience behind him, Master Reid shares his vision, insights, and philosophy as he leads his team into one of the most meaningful events on the Taekwon-Do calendar.
–How would you describe the atmosphere of a Taekwon-Do World Championship?
There is nothing like it. We understand that there is more to life than Taekwon-Do. We also understand that our fellow practitioners exist all over the world… But every few years, we gather for the World Championship. For those 5 days, it is only Taekwon-Do with Taekwon-Do people. It is a full immersion into our passion where we find all of the emotions associated with such an event but through the lens of Taekwon-Do people. It is beautiful. Ever since my first World Championship in 1992, I look forward to them and hate to miss it.
–Do you believe psychological preparation is as important as technique and tactics? How do you work on it with your athletes?
Yes, absolutely. The two walk hand in hand. I explain to my athletes that the questions they have in their minds are the same questions everyone has. “Am I good enough? Should I be here? What’s going to happen?” But the successful athlete has the correct answers. If they know they skipped training or lacked discipline, their confidence will falter. But if they know they’ve trained hard and done everything right, that becomes the foundation for true belief. You can’t fake preparation—champions train like champions.
–How much does preparation change when competing abroad, considering changes in weather, time zone, and diet?
It varies from person to person. Some are picky eaters and need a plan. I usually advise athletes to start adjusting their sleep schedule about a week before the trip. When we arrive, we take a day to relax, hydrate, and the next morning we train early at local time to help reset the body clock.
–How do you manage strategy during a match if you see your athlete is losing?
We talk about this in advance. Athletes must know what works best for them. If they’re losing, I remind them they’ve got nothing to lose now—they’re free to give their best without fear. That release often brings out their most aggressive and effective techniques. If they lose after giving their all, they can walk away with clarity. But losing without fully trying leaves doubt and regret.
–How do you handle the emotional impact of watching your athletes win or lose?
I try to disconnect emotionally. Coaches must stay composed. Whether they win or lose, I focus on support. If they lose, I analyse why and help them grow from it. The goal is to keep them motivated, not discouraged.
–How do you prepare your team to face opponents with completely different styles?
We prepare to impose our own style, not adapt to others’. There’s only so much variation within the rules. Matches are short, so we don’t have time to study and react—we go in with a plan and adjust based on how our opponent responds to us.
–Do you have any rituals or personal traditions when travelling with your team to a world championship?
Not as a coach. When I was a competitor, I used to keep a journal. But now, I’m focused entirely on my athletes.
–What has been the most emotional victory you’ve experienced as a coach?
In 2002 at the Junior World Championship in Argentina. We had disbanded our junior boys’ team due to a disciplinary issue. But later, we were told Canada had to enter a team. We had a long conversation, reconnected, and the boys committed completely. They came back and won. It was an incredibly powerful moment.
–Do you recall a moment in your coaching career that completely changed the way you train?
Yes. One of my athletes froze during a match after taking a hit and lost badly. That moment made me focus much more on the mental side of preparation. If I ever see that again, I’d consider it my failure as a coach. Every athlete who qualifies for a World Championship deserves to perform at their best.
–If you could speak to your younger self when you first started coaching, what advice would you give?
Be more sensitive to those without natural confidence. I used to think mental toughness couldn’t be developed—it can. With encouragement and support, anyone can grow into a champion mindset.
With his strategic clarity and human-centred approach, Master Cris Reid stands not only as a coach but as a mentor to athletes navigating the highest level of competition. As Canada steps onto the global stage in Barcelona, his leadership and philosophy will surely be key components of their journey.