As a member of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation I shall:
Respect rank and seniors
Be courteous to others
Be loyal and trustworthy
Strive for world peace and harmony
Act in the true spirit of Taekwon-Do

The Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF) was organized and developed under the leadership of the famous Taekwon-Do Icon, Grand Master Park Jung Tae, Ninth Degree Black Belt. For years he was instrumental in the promotion and development of Taekwon-Do throughout the world and his name is still synonymous with technical perfection. Through his passion for sharing his knowledge of Taekwon-Do, Grand Master Park became the best technical trainer in the world and was the pioneer Instructor in Hungary, Poland, North Korea, Japan and China. He was instrumental in forming the USSR Taekwon-Do Association, founded the Manitoba Taekwon-Do Association in Canada and travelled extensively to Europe, Asia, North, Central and South America demonstrating and promoting Taekwon-Do.

Grand Master Park’s dedication and devotion to the Art of Taekwon-Do was unwavering and through his unique style of teaching he inspired others to excel and reach their full potential. His attention to detail and ability to communicate to all nationalities regardless of language made him known in many countries as the ‘People’s Master’. It is undeniably a fact that the majority of Taekwon-Do Grand Masters and Masters of today have been at one time taught by Grand Master Park.

In 1990, GTF emerged as the ultimate non-political Taekwon-Do organization in the world. In a short period of time, the rapid growth of the GTF was astronomical, boasting affiliates on every continent. GTF was recognized Internationally and became known as the third major Taekwon-Do Federation beside WTF and ITF. Grand Master Park was known and respected for his technical skills and WTF and ITF could not ignore GTF’s credibility and important role in the history of Taekwon-Do. GTF was the non-political Taekwon-Do Federation that many instructors were looking for.

Taekwon-Do is traditionally a martial art and the Global Taekwon-Do Federation, GTF, trains, promotes and is recognized as a martial arts Federation. Unfortunately, in the world today, Taekwon-Do has been split into sport and martial art. As a sport, there is no need to be technically correct, know the tenets, or traditional aspects of martial arts. Many instructors don’t follow the disciplined training anymore. They only teach their students sparring and how to win. That is why you can see so much disrespect in martial arts today because the student doesn’t learn the ancient traditions of protocol and respect.

For many years the GTF Master Instructors have undergone intensive training with the great Korean Grand Master Park Jung Tae and they continue to work diligently to provide excellent leadership in the true spirit of Taekwon-Do. These are important considerations to take into account when one is thinking of joining a martial arts school. Anyone can join a martial arts organization, but belonging to the right organization can mean the difference between a student being good and being great. It is crucial for anyone looking to affiliate to a Taekwon-Do Federation to look at the Instructor’s attitude and see how they relate to the students. GTF is very careful to ensure that our Instructors share the vision of promoting peace and harmony through Taekwon-Do training.

Since the passing of Grand Master Park Jung Tae on April 11, 2002, GTF Taekwon-Do, the Global Taekwon-Do Federation has gone through a transition period to take the Federation to the next level of development. At a meeting, the GTF Masters and Senior Instructors unanimously agreed that the Executive Vice-President of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation, Mrs. Linda Park was the only person able to become GTF President. This decision avoided a power struggle inside the GTF and strongly unified the commitment of the organization. This was history in the making as this was the first time a woman became President of a major Taekwon-Do Federation.

President Linda Park has been involved with Taekwon-Do since 1969 and her knowledge of GTF matters from working side by side with her late husband, Grand Master Park has given her insight to the future greatness of this Federation. Through determination and perseverance, she has shown the Taekwon-Do community her commitment in continuing Grand Master Park’s legacy. Senior Instructors loyal to Grand Master Park support the GTF President and remain steadfast in their devotion to the promotion and development of GTF around the world. In 2005 at a meeting of country affiliates and Masters in Sardinia, Italy, 8th Degree Master Gianni Sarritzu, GTF Sr. Vice-Pres. proposed President Linda Park be given the Honorary Ninth Degree Black Belt in recognition of her dedication and supportive role in Taekwon-Do development for the past 36 years. This was unanimously accepted making another historical moment in Taekwon-Do history.

The GTF is a serious Federation consisting of people from all cultures looking for more than just a regular martial arts organization. Our goal has always been to achieve excellence in all aspects of this organization and to provide a happy training environment for all our members. Our members are part of an International family, an extended family of practitioners who not only get the best technical instruction but also an opportunity to build lasting friendships around the world.