Statement on the current ITF Situation

November 2002

In light of the situation since the passing of General Choi Hong Hi, the International Taekwon-Do Foundation (NZ) Inc. make this public statement, so that New Zealand members are fully informed of the direction of their National Body, and also to make it known to the international parties concerned of its views on the matter. The statement follows a meeting of 4th dans and above that was held on the 2nd of November, and subsequent meeting by the Executive Committee on the 23rd November 2003. It was unanimously agreed to make the following statement:

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ITFNZ was formed in March 1981 and has always followed the teachings of the Founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi. We have a strong, unified organisation, that is proud to support the ITF. The strength of our leadership over the years has meant we have never been pressured into accepting anything that was not for the good of our members. This will continue in the future.
ITFNZ does not accept that the Special Congress held in North Korea was constitutional. We have no objection to Mr Chang Ung standing for President, and we acknowledge and salute the desire for many people to want to follow the last words of Gen. Choi. We do not believe however, that even Gen Choi himself would have wanted such a hurried congress such as this to take place, without proper notice and all Countries given the chance to vote.

ITFNZ will continue to support ITF based in Vienna under Acting President Mr Russell MacLellan. We agree that a Congress should take place in Poland at the time of the World Championships, where all Countries get the opportunity to vote, either in person or by proxy. We encourage all the major players to work together in the true spirit of Taekwon-Do to achieve a unified resolution to the current situation.

Mr Norman Ng
President, ITFNZ Inc.