Overview

ITFNZ's mission statement is:
"ITFNZ Taekwon-Do teaches its members to develop mind, body and moral character through the Art of Taekwon-Do"

This is achieved through having a network of schools throughout New Zealand, that all share in the dedication to learn the Martial Art of Taekwon-Do, as created by General Choi Hong Hi, Founder of Taekwon-Do. ITFNZ is very much a "family" organisation, having grown from humble beginnings in the early 1970s in Palmerston North and Wellington. These clubs produced black belts that in turn started new clubs, and the organisation grew. Today ITFNZ has over 70 clubs with many others starting in the near future.

ITFNZ has a democratic administrative structure comprising a Presient, Board and several committees dedicated to various aspects of Taekwon-Do. Our oldest club was started in Palmerston North in 1970, under Instructor Mr Norman Ng, former President of ITFNZ.

ITFNZ was formally registered in New Zealand as an Incorporated Society in 1981 on the request of General Choi Hong Hi, the Founder of Taekwon-Do. Each and every year since then ITFNZ has run regional and National Tournaments for its members, as well as hundreds of other events.

ITFNZ is affiliated to the International Taekwon-Do Federation and is the Sister Organisation to the United Sates Taekwon-Do Federation.

Some of the benefits of belonging to ITFNZ

Recognition

ITFNZ is the National Governing Body for ITF Taekwon-Do in New Zealand, recognised by the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), SPARC, and all ITFNZ members' rank is recognised throughout the world. This means if you are a green belt or a 3rd dan black belt, you can train in any ITF member club throughout the world and your rank will be recognised. You can also be confident that your standard is on a par with an international level.

Gradings

Clubs in all regions, regardless of their location, are graded by the ITFNZ appointed examiner. Isolated clubs are expected to have a minimum number of ten people grading, but there is no charge to the clubs for this other than the normal grading fee. The examiner's travel and accommodation expenses are paid by the Foundation so it is not a drain on the more isolated clubs. This did not use to be the case - it was decided by the executive committee in 1990 to support our clubs in isolated areas. Certificates are issued to everyone who passes coloured belt gradings.

Black belt gradings are organised in each region on a regular basis with two examiners for each black belt grading. Those promoted to black belt are issued both local and international certificates.

Training Syllabus

Club instructors are provided with a training syllabus to assist with their TKD instruction. The ITFNZ Technical Committee developed this syllabus, broken down into individual grades and degrees. The coloured belt syllabus booklet is issued free of charge to beginners, and the black belt handbook is available to members at any time.

Communication

All members receive a TKD Talk magazine around three times per year. Instructors are kept in touch with a regular "Instructors' Talk" newsletter, which is also able to be viewed in the instructors section of the ITFNZ Internet website. The Website also contains news, information, results and reference materials.

Each region has regular meetings of instructors to be able to coordinate activities, swap ideas and thrash out any problems.

Most regions have a good system of phone and email communication between instructors. This is great for morale and is a great benefit of belonging to this organisation.

Competition

ITFNZ members have the opportunity to compete in club, regional and national. The Nationals is a highlight of each year's calendar, and many students enjoy this benefit of belonging to ITFNZ.

We also compete at the ITF World Champs every two years and have done since 1994.

ITFNZ have a Tournaments Committee who oversee the rules and coaching of officials.

Funding

Member clubs are also able to apply to the ITFNZ Universal Grant Scheme (UGS) for funding special projects.

Instructors can apply to their region for interest free loans to help establish their clubs. The Foundation has also supported instructors in establishing their clubs in the past, and has even organised immigration and residency for two overseas instructors.

Standards

Our Standards & Discipline committee provides essential guidelines and support for clubs and members. They produce a Standards & Discipline document which each club must abide by. The Committee director is also available to arbitrate in any disputes. This ensures every student of ITFNZ is protected by the rules of the organisation.

Part of the Standards Committee's role is to ensure the standard of uniform is maintained. They also provide guidelines for such things as instructor's suits, grading protocol and so on.

Promotion

ITFNZ has a Marketing Committee who are always busy organising ways to improve our exposure within New Zealand. They oversee the TKD Talk newsletter, Annual Awards, funding and many other activities.

Taekwon-Do Training

Most importantly, members of ITFNZ can expect to receive quality Taekwon-Do training. All instructors must attend an ITFNZ instructors' course and have a First Aid Certificate. Instructors themselves have access to advanced instruction for their own advancement. Most regions have senior ranked instructors, plus seminars are regularly held around the country.

Any ITFNZ member can train at any other ITFNZ club free of charge. As long as you are an active financial member of a club, then you can train extra nights at other clubs, or while on holiday. This is great for those keen enough to take advantage of it.

Many camps and tournaments are held throughout the year - a highlight for many. ITFNZ has been active in regional and national events - just take a look at the ITFNZ calendar to get an idea of the level of activity in the organisation. Every month sees a variety of events happening around the country.