A New Year’s Message from Roy Rolstad
ITF Radix – Welcoming 2025 and Celebrating Taekwon-Do’s 70th Anniversary
Dear ITF Taekwon-Do Family,
As we enter 2025, I am filled with gratitude and pride in what we have achieved together. This year marks a particularly special milestone for us all—the 70th anniversary of Taekwon-Do’s official birth in 1955. It is a time to reflect on the legacy of our art, celebrate its journey, and look ahead with determination and purpose.
A Legacy of Vision and Resilience
Seventy years ago, General Choi Hong-Hi set forth a vision that would change the world. By uniting martial artists, historians, and leaders of society, he succeeded in creating not just a martial art but a symbol of Korean resilience and national pride. The naming of Taekwon-Do was more than an organizational milestone; it was a cultural renaissance—a reclaiming of identity after years of hardship.
From its beginnings as a national art, Taekwon-Do rapidly spread across the globe, captivating audiences and inspiring practitioners. The establishment of the International Taekwon-Do Federation in 1966 set the stage for Taekwon-Do to become a unifying force for people of all backgrounds, and its continuous evolution remains a testament to General Choi’s pioneering spirit.
ITF Radix: Bridging Past and Future
As part of the global ITF community, ITF Radix is dedicated to preserving this rich history while embracing innovation. We honor the foundational values of courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit by integrating them into modern, practical training methods. Through ITF Radix, we strive to maintain Taekwon-Do’s technical and philosophical integrity while ensuring it remains relevant and accessible in today’s world.
Looking Ahead to 2025
The 70th anniversary of Taekwon-Do is not only a celebration but also a call to action. With ITF Radix, our mission is to advance the art by bridging tradition and modernity. In 2025, we will continue to:
• Expand education: Offering more resources and training opportunities to strengthen technical knowledge and practical applications.
• Promote growth: Reaching new regions and communities to share Taekwon-Do’s transformative impact.
• Foster unity: Building stronger connections within our global community, united by a shared vision for Taekwon-Do’s future.
Together, we can ensure that Taekwon-Do continues to evolve while staying true to its roots.
Celebrating Our Global Community
To all taekwondo’s students, instructors, and supporters across the world: you are the heart of Taekwon-Do. Your dedication, hard work, and passion keep this art alive and thriving. As we celebrate 70 years of Taekwon-Do, let us remember that every punch, kick, and stance carries the legacy of those who came before us—and paves the way for those who will follow.
A New Year of Possibilities
As we step into 2025, let’s do so with the spirit of Taekwon-Do guiding us. Let’s honor our history, embrace the present, and work together to shape a brighter future for our art and our community.
Thank you to all your support of ITF Radix and to spreading the values of Taekwon-Do. May this year bring growth, success, and fulfillment to each of you.
Taekwon!
Roy Rolstad
ITF Radix
