A shared inheritance, three organisational paths
After the crisis of 2001–2003, the ITF community continued through three main branches: the Vienna-based organisation, the branch with its European foundation in the AETF, and Choi Jung Hwa’s network. Each retained the ITF name, Choi’s teaching and its own international relationships.
Each branch developed its leadership, national associations and competition calendar. For athletes and teachers, this meant separate championships, seminars and gradings. Our Taekwon-Do Federation ITF Ukraine belongs to the branch that grew from the AETF’s European organisational foundation.
The Chang Ung–Ri Yong Son line
The Vienna-based ITF operates under Austrian law and has its legal seat in Vienna. Chang Ung led it after Choi’s death. As of October 2026, its president is Ri Yong Son. Its official website is itf-tkd.org.
Korean masters and links with North Korea played an important role in its development. National associations from different countries work within the network, organising competitions and courses and participating in continental and global activities.
The European-based ITF branch and our Federation
The All Europe Taekwon-Do Federation (AETF) was founded in 1979. By the early 2000s, its national associations had many years of shared experience in competition, teaching and administration. This network became the foundation of our international branch after Choi’s death.
On 13 June 2003, the congress in Warsaw elected Trân Triêu Quân as ITF president. Three AETF board members, including its president, joined the international leadership. Their move to ITF responsibilities was one reason for the early AETF board elections in 2004. European associations took a direct part in building the international federation.
After Trân Triêu Quân’s death in 2010, Pablo Trajtenberg became acting president. He was elected president in 2011; Paul Weiler was elected in 2019. This ITF’s international work is presented at itftkd.sport, while the AETF’s European work is presented at itfeurope.org.
Its European foundation developed into a worldwide organisation, with members across continents and the AETF coordinating European activity. The All-Ukrainian Taekwon-Do Union, registered on 19 July 2006, joined this system through the AETF.
In 2025, our Taekwon-Do Federation ITF Ukraine was admitted to the same international ITF. Our clubs compete in its events, while coaches and umpires take part in international education and organisational work. The Federation’s formation and first year are covered in the Ukrainian chronicle.
Choi Jung Hwa’s ITF
The founder’s son, Choi Jung Hwa, leads the third international network. It formed around the decisions of 2001–2002 and continued developing its own organisation. The 2007 congress elected its president, established committees and planned instructor training. Its official website is itf-administration.com.
This branch’s history is closely connected with Canada and the Choi family’s life there. Its administrative contacts are in the United Kingdom, while its schools and instructors work internationally.
What is shared and what remains separate
The three branches retain patterns, terminology and the founder’s memory. Each has its own governance, competition rules and grading procedures. Students across these networks continue developing the shared art in their clubs, while international contacts create opportunities for dialogue.