President's Speech - 2003

Isn’t it neat to be down here in Dunedin? The Pride of the Southern Region.

What great people, great hospitality and of course a great climate.

Well done to Kris, Hayden and all the Organising team for presenting and promoting this excellent competition. - With all this computer equipment one could say we have the ‘Techno Nationals’.

There has certainly been some “hot competition” inside the Town Hall and not to mention the Cold on the outside.

I would like to congratulate our Senior Team for the awesome results at the ITF World Champs in Poland. A fantastic achievement. A special well done to the medal winners. NZ and ITFNZ have certainly shown the World that we are a force to be reckoned with.

I would like to extend a big welcome to our new Clubs and Instructors from Rhee TKD in the Auck North and CM Regions. For them it has certainly been a major step to leave their Organisation after so many years. I wish them well for their future with ITFNZ. “Glad to have you aboard”

I suppose a big question that is on everyone’s mind is, “What is happening within the ITF Internationally, since the death of the founder Gen Choi?” I cannot give you a factual answer at this time. One thing I can say though, is that we here in New Zealand, practising the Art as laid out by the Founder, have the strength, the organisation and our dedication to the General that we will survive no matter what.

I would like to QUOTE part of the address by the newly elected ITF President.

Extract from the Speech of the newly elected ITF President - Master Tran Trieu Quan 8th Dan - 13th June 2003 - POLAND

Democracy and Unity in the ITF

“It is regrettable that we do not have representation from the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea at this 14th Congress Meeting and that some of our other members are also not represented. Unfortunately, their decision not to attend is the expression of a fundamental divergence of opinion. The group in question had tried to impose their will on the ITF by overriding the democratic process, but we have remained true to our value system.

History teaches us that democracy is the only way to ensure the long-term development of our organisation. Depriving people of their democratic rights is like navigating against the current; you don’t get anywhere in the long run. It is just a matter of time before this issue will be completely resolved.

A key principle of the ITF is that the Federation belongs to its members; It must work for its members and with its members. To do this, we must all respect the authentic philosophy of ITF Taekwon-Do as laid out by General Choi in the Encyclopaedia of TKD and confirmed in our constitution. We must act in accordance with the democratic way that ITF Taekwon-Do leads us to strive for peace, justice, and freedom.

Congratulations to all of you for choosing the democratic way.”

Even the ITF organisations in larger countries like the USA and Australia have some big differences and issues to overcome. Our current focus is to stick with the General’s ITF based in Vienna to which we joined many, many years ago.

I have no doubt that some pressure will be brought to bear on individual clubs and instructors to sponsor or support international overseas groups or Masters. If this does happen I would ask that you first seek some advice through your Regional Director before making any firm decisions. Any issues unable to be resolved by them will be referred to the Executive or to me.

I wish all the nominees for the ITFNZ awards good luck. Congratulations to all the winners.

Lastly, Good luck and good sportsmanship to all the competitors and finalists for tomorrows competitions.

I also wish everyone a safe return journey to your home bases and families.

“Kia Mana, Kia Kaha, Kia Tahi” (Be proud, be strong, be united (one))

“TAEKWON”