Hon. Grand Master Linda Park
Inducted into the Official Taekwon-Do Hall of Fame in 2011 recognized for her leadership skills and contribution in promoting Taekwon-Do worldwide through the GTF.
As president, with almost forty years experience in Tae Kwon Do, my focus is primarily on promoting the philosophy of martial arts. Without protocol and respect the true martial artist will disappear and we just have to look at the attitude and behavior of many instructors to see this is happening today.
GTF masters and senior instructors have the honor of being the next generation of great instructors. They were taught by Grandmaster Park and now carry on the technical standards and traditions implemented by him. It is through our combined efforts that the integrity of the GTF will be preserved and the hallmark of the GTF will symbolize technical excellence for decades to come.
GTF statement on issue of the Taekwondo as Olympic game sport
We don’t believe TKD as an Olympic sport represents the true martial art Tae Kwon Do and to place such focus on the sport aspect is not in the best interests of traditional TKD. Of course, GTF promotes competition in tournaments, but the handful of techniques permitted only represents a minute fraction of TKD per se. To survive as a true martial art, all elements of TKD training must be practiced equally; fundamentals, forging, patterns, sparring, self-defense and philosophy to complete Tae Kwon Do training.
As a traditional TKD martial arts federation, we are not willing to compromise our high standards but we have always been committed to work for the best interests of all TKD practitioners. Many leaders today have lost sight of the values and standards of Tae Kwon Do but if we can go back to the basics of this Korean art of self-defense, we can find that pivotal point where we can work in harmony to preserve traditional Tae Kwon Do and make the Olympic status reflect that true image. Without addressing those deep rooted factors embedded in Korean culture, unification of TKD in the truest sense is far away from being realized. We think the real question for the leaders of Tae Kwon Do today is; “What importance should be placed on this one sport aspect of our art?”
GTF mission
GTF is focused on maintaining a global traditional martial arts organization, providing the best detailed technical training, global competition, innovative marketing ideas and strategies and a nonpolitical forum for our members. If a person wants to achieve personal excellence in training, be certified and recognized for their achievements, have international fellowship and belong to an organization that promotes peace and harmony, then, GTF is the right federation for them.
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