IRISH TAEKWON-DO ASSOCATION (ITA)
Sligo TKD is one of over 100 clubs in the ITA which is the National Association (NGB) for ITF Taekwon-Do in Ireland. The ITA is a dynamic and progressive organisation, which comprises ITF Taekwon-Do schools across Ireland.
The objectives of the ITA are to strengthen, practice, promote and spread ITF Taekwon-Do to people throughout Ireland regardless of religion, race, national or ideological boundaries and in accordance with the tenets of Taekwon-Do.
Visit ITA website here.
INTERNATIONAL TAEKWON-DO FEDERATION (ITF)
ITF is the International Taekwon-Do Federation, founded on March 22, 1966 in Seoul (south) Korea, by General Choi Hong Hi, who developed Taekwon-Do, to promote the teaching of this martial art.
At that time, nine countries were involved: Korea, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, West Germany, USA, Turkey, Italy, and Egypt. Taekwon-Do is now taught in almost every country in the world, and General Choi is recognized as the Father of Taekwon-Do.
The mission of the ITF is to represent, promote, and work for the development of the practice of Taekwon-Do in all countries by:
coordinating and certifying Taekwon-Do activities such as competitions and seminars
setting and enforcing high quality standards for technical and teaching
identifying and collaborating with affiliated organizations, such as Continental Federations, National Associations, and Allied National Associations,
providing assistance to local Taekwon-Do organizations
Certification for Black Belt holders, international instructors and umpires
The ITF are responsible for running the World Championship and World Cup a well as many regular courses and seminars to educate and certify instructors and black belts.
Vist the ITF website here.
ALL EUROPE TAEKWON-DO FEDERATION (AETF)
The AETF is the Continental Federation for the ITF in Europe. The AETF follows the same mission and aims as the ITF and the Irish Taekwon-Do Association is the official NGB recognised by AETF in Ireland. The AETF are also responsible for running the European Championships on an annual basis as well as the European Cup.
Visit the AETF website here.
IRISH MARTIAL ARTS COMMISSION (IMAC)
IMAC is a National Governing Body for Martial Arts in Ireland. IMAC is a multi-disciplinary martial arts body and currently represents martial arts clubs throughout the 32 counties of Ireland.
The benefits of being part of IMAC include:
Access to the IMAC National Martial Arts Coaching Programme.
Guidance on anti-doping policy for national and international competition.
Training in relation to Young People’s Code of Ethics.
Access to Coaching Development Programmes.
IMAC National Vetting certification.
IMAC Certificate of Membership.
Opportunity to apply for funding to hold Women In Martial Arts taster events.
Access to Dept TT & Sports, Local Sports Partnership and Irish Sports Council funding initiatives.
At present the ITA are the only Irish Taekwon-Do group part of IMAC and therefore only ITA instructors can get garda vetting to teach Taekwon-Do as well as ITF Taekwon-Do coach education which is recognised by the Irish Sports Council.
Visit the IMAC website here.
TAEKWON-DO ADVISORY BOARD (TAB)
There is an Advisory Board for each martial art system within IMAC. The Advisory Boards look after and maintain the interests of their respective martial art. Each Advisory Board has representatives that report to the IMAC Executive Committee. IMAC currently has 8 Advisory Boards.