GTF Taekwon-Do Women

Article written by GTF President H.GM. Linda Park.

Not long ago, it was rare to see a woman in a dobok with a black belt around her waist. Today, thanks to social media, women of all races, religions and political beliefs are actively showing their skills on Facebook and other platforms.

The Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF) is proud of the women who are members of this great organization. Around the world, our women practitioners are demonstrating they are adept at learning difficult techniques and using their personal power. Women are seriously training every bit as hard as men. They are diligent in their training schedules, enter competitions, win medals, trophies and some have their own independent clubs. Determined to be the best they can be, these Instructors are role models demonstrating that women have great potential in pursuing martial arts.

Over the years, the Global Taekwon-Do Federation has promoted many women to black belt level, many of whom have reached International Instructor rank 4th Degree and above. They are respected worldwide for their technical skills and recognized for their martial arts success. We encourage women who are climbing the ladder to International Instructor status, to continue training to reach their full potential in our great Federation and join the ranks of those incredible women who came before them.

As President of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF), I have been active in Taekwon-Do since 1969 and became president in 2002 after the Founder, the legendary Grand Master Park Jung Tae passed away. In 2011, I was invited by Grand Master Gerrard Robbins, the President of the Official Taekwon-Do Hall of Fame, to attend their Official Annual Ceremony taking place in Seoul, Korea. At this event, I was inducted into the Official Taekwon-Do Hall of Fame for my leadership skills in promoting and expanding GTF Taekwon-Do worldwide. It was an honour for me to have been recognized by my peers in the Taekwon-Do community and to receive such validation. It is another testament that there is no limit for women to reach the highest rank and level of leadership in martial arts.

When we think of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation, we must also acknowledge all the women non-practitioners actively supporting GTF. These mothers, wives, girlfriends and supporters may not be physically training in Taekwon-Do but their involvement in the organization’s activities is crucial to its’ success. We thank them for their contribution.

Here are some of our prominent women who are active International Instructors, engaged in GTF worldwide activities: