Press Statement 20 February 2004

We refer to the the news article on Taekwon-Do that appeared on the TV1 6pm news on the 18th of February 2004.

We are concerned that this news article is damaging to our organisation as it failed to recognise and differentiate between the two styles of Taekwon-Do - World Taekwondo (WTF) and International Taekwon-Do (ITF). Although both styles share the same name we practise two very different Martial Arts.

The information in the TV1 article relates solely to World Taekwondo and does not affect ITFNZ in any way.

Our organisation, the International Taekwon-Do Foundation Inc. of New Zealand (ITFNZ) is affiliated to the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). ITFNZ is well aware of the problems with World Taekwondo in New Zealand; however, as we are very separate organisations they do not affect us.

Sport and Recreation New Zealand (SPARC) considers ITFNZ “as distinctly different from other organisations providing the sport of Taekwon-Do in New Zealand…” [read letter]

In the TV1 news article, footage was shown of one of our clubs at the Auckland Grammar School. This club is a member of ITFNZ and is in no way connected to World Taekwondo. This footage was used in error by TVNZ.

ITF Taekwon-Do in New Zealand is enjoying great popularity and sporting success. We achieved a world ranking of 3rd at the 2003 Senior World Championships in Poland and one of our members, Graeme Patterson (5th Dan) is the current ITF Grand Male Champion.

This weekend the New Zealand Coach (Andrew Niven 4th Dan) and the selectors will be choosing the team members who will compete at the 2004 Junior World Championships in Italy (7-10th July).

We are a national organisation and our current membership numbers have never been stronger.

I have attached a letter from SPARC confirming they recognise ITFNZ and an article comparing the differences between WTF and ITF.

For further information please refer to our website www.itfnz.org.nz or contact

Carl Matthews
ITFNZ Acting Marketing Director