For Taiwanese athlete Yu Chi Ho, stepping onto the global stage at the 2025 ITF Taekwon-Do World Championship in Barcelona is nothing short of a dream come true. With unwavering determination and national pride, he is set to compete among the best in the world.
“It is a dream for all athletes to compete one day in the World Championship — and how blessed I am to have this dream come true now.”
Balancing daily life and elite-level training has not been easy. As he shares, “My biggest obstacle is working while undertaking intense training every day. Managing that is a big challenge in my daily life.” Despite the demanding schedule, Yu has maintained his focus, relying on both physical and psychological preparation to keep him sharp.
Yu’s strategy for Barcelona is clear and calculated: he plans to apply the latest techniques taught by Taiwan’s national instructor to control the tempo of each match. In addition, he emphasizes the importance of mental discipline. “We use a lot of mental techniques in training. It’s a new experience, but it requires real focus and mental endurance.”
“We will arrive early to adjust for jetlag and better prepare for the competition.”
He also believes that victory at this level often comes down to fine margins — paying attention to how the body moves, economizing energy, and maintaining composure. “Make sure every action involves minimal physical antagonism,” he explains. “It ensures the best speed and endurance, which can lead to winning first place.”
When asked which country he’d most like to face in an exhibition match, his answer is clear: Argentina. “They are known to have the best Taekwon-Do athletes. As a good athlete, you always want to fight with the best.”
Beyond competition, Yu is eager to explore Spain for the first time. “They say Barcelona is the city of Gaudí — this trip will be a beautiful lifetime memory.”
As he looks ahead to the tournament, Yu reflects on what this championship means to him:
“It’s a chance to make my youth regretless.”