The UK ITF Coaching Committee would like to congratulate Grand Master Nicholls, the UK ITF Head Office and the UK ITF Organising Committee on the outstanding success of the 2016 ITF World Championships in Brighton.  This was a truly wonderful event and has set an extremely high standard to which all future World Championships should aspire to attain.

As always the tournament would not be possible without the dedication of the Umpires and Event Staff who worked extremely hard throughout the whole week, keeping to a hectic schedule, and we give them a whole hearted and warm thank you.  Further, a huge thanks goes to Grand Master Galarraga, supported by Masters Maidana and Prerez, for presiding over the event with their expertise, experience and wisdom.

We would also like to extend our thanks to all the Coaches from various clubs who participated in the ITF World Championships whose support for the UK ITF Competitors of TeamUK was invaluable.

July 25th 2016 saw Competitors (approx. 600), Coaches, Umpires, spectators and supporters from 45 countries arrive in the Brighton area for the 2016 ITF World Championships.  With hotels located near the venue, The Brighton Centre, many friends old and new re-acquainted themselves helping to promote a friendly and “family” atmosphere from day one.

The 26th saw the start of the formalities of the competition beginning with registration and weigh in for all competitors and various meetings for Umpires and Coaches with the all-important draw taking place that evening.  The rest of the evening consisted of the Tournament Opening Ceremony, an extravaganza consisting of street dancing, a brilliant gymnastics display and music.  At the conclusion we all broke off to rest for the competition proper the following day.

The 27th saw the competition commence with Tul across 6 six rings with some truly awesome performances and new World Champions for TeamUK made on the day continuing with sparring destruction and special technique throughout the next three days of intensive competition.  TeamUK were the first country to take Gold on the morning of the first day and celebrate our first World Champion of the tournament.  Many more were to follow with a total of 25 World Champions, 13 Silver Medals and 28 Bronze in those three days.

The World Open Championships took place on the 30th, with 9 rings running at one stage.  Another superb day with 600 competitor of all ages and grades taking part, many just starting their competition career and gaining valuable experience in such a wonderful atmosphere.  This day also saw the first demonstration and short competition of the Special Needs Taekwon-Do which was inspiring to watch.

The last day of competition consisted of a number of finals and the Team Events.  A superb conclusion to the week’s events creating yet more World Champions and Team Champions. The final tally was 31 Gold, 18 Silver and 32 Bronze, plus the Best Overall Male Senior award, the Best Overall Male Team award and the Best Overall Male.

With the conclusion of the competition and final speeches the baton was handed over to Grand Master Galarraga and his team for the organisation of the next ITF World Championship in Argentina 2018.  We look forward to the event and hope TeamUK can exceed expectations once again at yet another ITF World Championships.