NZ ITF Taekwon-Do · Hastings, Hawke's Bay
The National Governing Body for Original ITF Taekwon-Do in New Zealand — built on quality, integrity, and opportunity for all. Not the biggest. The most consistent, professional, and student-focused.
Our story is rooted in people — students, families, volunteers, and leaders who believe in authentic Taekwon-Do and strong values. What began as a commitment to teach the art properly has grown into a nationwide movement focused on quality over size, built on discipline, respect, and inclusion.
NZ ITF Taekwon-Do is New Zealand's independent National Governing Body for Original ITF Taekwon-Do. We uphold the standards, structure, and values of Original ITF Taekwon-Do, with developing links in Manawatū, Northland & Waikato.
Everything we teach is built on the tenets set down by Taekwon-Do's founder, General Choi Hong Hi — values that carry far beyond the training hall.
Ye Ui · 예의
Respect and good manners toward others, on and off the mat.
Yom Chi · 염치
Knowing right from wrong and standing by it, honestly.
In Nae · 인내
Working steadily toward a goal, even when it's hard.
Guk Gi · 귱기
Discipline of body and mind, in training and in life.
Baekjul Boolgool · 백재불굴
Courage and resolve that never gives up.
We build real ability, real confidence, and real standards — never rushed gradings.
Mainstream athletes and athletes with disabilities are supported with structured, respectful training.
We follow the teachings and direction of the ITF, including the Last Words of General Choi Hong Hi.
A strong community culture that supports families, students, and leaders alike.
Ben Evans — 6th Dan International Instructor
Ben began training in 1997 at age 7 and has never stopped. He started teaching in 2006 as a junior instructor and competed at his first ITF World Championships in Bulgaria. He has represented internationally in the UK and Australia and at ITF World Cups and World Championships, earning gold, silver, and bronze at both levels across multiple events.
In November 2024, Ben formally retired from international competition at the ITF World Cup in Uzbekistan, finishing his career by winning Gold in the 6th Dan Patterns division. His full focus is now on developing students and building the future New Zealand ITF Teams — backed by continued mentoring from a strong international network of high-level coaches.
NZ ITF is powered by dedicated people who lead, mentor, volunteer, and support our students and families.
We're also grateful to the teachers and school staff who welcome us into their communities, and to the many parents who trust us with their children's Taekwon-Do journey.
We are not here to be the biggest. We are here to be the best we can be — for every student, every family, and the future of Original ITF Taekwon-Do in New Zealand.Thank you for being part of our story.
NZ ITF is built on strong values and Original ITF Taekwon-Do. We focus on long-term development rather than shortcuts — helping students of all ages and abilities grow with confidence, discipline, and purpose. There is no single path: whether your goal is fitness, self-defence, inclusive participation, or world-level competition, we support the direction you choose.
Correct technique, strong fundamentals, and traditional values — patterns, sparring, self-defence, etiquette, and discipline.
A supportive environment adapted to age, experience, and ability — from beginners to advanced students.
A grading pathway that builds real skill and confidence over time. Progress is earned, not rushed.
Inclusive and mainstream students train side-by-side, with tailored coaching and genuine belonging.
Values that carry into school, work, and life: respect, focus, perseverance, responsibility, and self-control.
Students and families are encouraged, supported, and valued — a positive culture where people feel safe and motivated.
For students who want to be pushed, we provide that pathway: structured development, technical refinement, conditioning, and performance preparation. Competition is always optional, and members are fully supported whether they train recreationally, competitively, or somewhere in between. Inclusive athletes with disabilities have outstanding opportunities to compete alongside our mainstream athletes, with training tailored to individual needs and goals.
Success isn't defined solely by medals or titles — it's measured by the lives we uplift, the standards we uphold, and the barriers we break down. From a small inclusive programme to international recognition, our journey reflects a deep commitment to excellence, integrity, and inclusivity.
Everything we do sits under the Special Needs Taekwon-Do Federation of New Zealand Charitable Trust (CC54949), run from our full-time centre in Hastings.
Junior World Championships — Ben Evans represented NZ at age 15.
First adult World Championships appearance.
Groundbreaking demonstration featuring the first-ever athlete with a disability.
Top 6 finish in Power Breaking.
Demonstration team participated; NZ awarded Overall Winner.
11 inclusive + 8 mainstream athletes. Ben Evans: Silver in Power Breaking with a perfect 52/52.
First Inclusive Taekwon-Do World Championships — 89 athletes from 11 countries. Final placings: NZ 1st, Netherlands 2nd, Australia 3rd, Canada 4th.
First Online Inclusive Taekwon-Do World Championships. Full medal tally below.
| Country | ● | ● | ● |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Zealand | 14 | 8 | 12 |
| Australia | 5 | 2 | 2 |
| Greece | 4 | 0 | 2 |
| Russia | 1 | 4 | 8 |
| USA | 1 | 4 | 5 |
| England | 1 | 3 | 2 |
| Norway | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Estonia | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Malaysia | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| South Africa | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Germany | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Mozambique | 0 | 0 | 2 |
ITF World Cup — mainstream team.
World Championships — Ben Evans, V Dan Patterns & Power Breaking.
World Championships — Ben Evans Gold (VI Dan Patterns); Jah Tapara Gold & Silver; Gabriel Bartlett Silver.
Queensland State Championships — Overall Top Club.
Multiple students with disabilities have earned Black Belts and advanced degrees, and students regularly compete and represent New Zealand internationally in inclusive and mainstream divisions.
3rd Place Finalist — Social Enterprise of the Year, Hastings Business Awards. Ongoing partnerships with Sport Hawke's Bay, Special Olympics NZ, schools, and local government, with demonstration teams engaging thousands.
We don't treat inclusion as an exception — it's our standard. Every medal, every milestone, and every success includes everyone.From local schools to the world stage, NZ ITF continues to lead by example.
Join our Taekwon-Do family — grow your skills in an inclusive community where everyone strives to be better.
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