TITF Rules and Regulation

TRADITIONAL INTERNATIONAL TAEKWON-DO FEDERATION ESTABLISHED 1992

Article 1: Title, Composition and Registered Office

The title of this organization is the “Traditional International Taekwon-Do Federation”; the abbreviation of the title is TITF.
The legal registered office for the TITF is at 2151 Tyner Street, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia Canada, V3C-2Z2. The TITF operates in all countries of the world where its members reside.

Article 2: Official Languages

All meetings will be conducted in English. Translations will be provided when needed.
The rules and regulations, minutes, reports and other communication will be in English.
All documents will be written in both English and Korean.

Article 3: Objectives

The TITF was established as a not for profit business. As a business all holdings remain the property of the business owner. The business records are the exclusive property of the business and will remain private. The TITF will aim to achieve the following:

To promote and encourage the physical, moral and cultural education of its member. To create international respect and goodwill. To help build a better and more peaceful world.
To enhance the authority and value of Taekwon-Do (“TKD”) by developing and standardizing techniques and theory, including competition rules for all amateur athletes throughout the world.
To establish training centres and courses to qualify “Black Belts” to be certified as “National and International Instructors, Umpires and Examiners”.
To conduct, manage, arrange and approve championships, tournaments and demonstrations for the world or continent.
To assist, recognize and encourage the affiliated organizations and to furnish services and guidance to every individual, group or body for their interest.
To assist General Choi Hong Hi's dream of unifying all Taekwon-Do under one umbrella without politics and with prices everyone can afford.

Article 4: Means

1. The objectives (Article 3) of the TITF shall be obtained by idealistic and material means.

2. The required material means shall be raised by membership and certification fees to include accreditation material and events as deemed by the executive.

Article 5: Membership

All students and instructors must register as members. Black belts need to be part of a registered school and that school should be part of the recognized National Governing Body (NGB). If these do not exist in your country you may apply to establish one through the headquarters.

Article 6: Application for Membership

An application is to be submitted in writing to the President for review and acceptance.
The organization or individual will be advised by the President of admission to the TITF.
The TITF may recognize individuals or schools from other organizations on the following basis
- The organization or individual must submit an application to the President. If it is an individual, the application must be accompanied by all certificates issued from the organization the individual belongs to or is leaving. The organization must submit an application with the names of all individuals from the school with copies of certificates for each black belt student seeking recognition.
- Upon receipt of a completed application, the President will process for admission, determination of length of probation, if any; and any restrictions on membership.
The TITF no longer accepts individual members. Applicants must be a member of a registered scvhool.

Article 7: Termination of Membership

The President may expel a member, if such member has violated the statuses or the interests of the TITF.
The President may also expel a Member because of other violations of the membership obligations.
Termination of Membership will be by written notice from the TITF.

Article 8: Rights and Obligations of Members

In accordance with the statutes, the members are entitles to participate in all events of the TITF and to make use of its facilities.
Members are entitled to hang an official flag of the TITF at their location.
All members are entitled to wear any uniform (dobok) they wish as long as the TITF patch is displayed on the left chest over the heart.

Article 9: Obligations of Registered Schools (Dojang)

Registered schools are required to to complete the following:
1. Register all their black belt members
2. Celebrate Taekwon-Do's birthday (April 11, 1955)
3. Celebrate Taekwon-Do's founder, General Choi Hong Hi birthday (November 9, 1918)
All registered NGB should host a national championship and Dan examination annually.
Everyone must renew their membership by July 1st of each year.

Article 10: International Competitions

World Championships will be held every two (2) years, continental championships every two (2) years, the amateur practitioners will therefore meet in fair and equal conditions. The venue for the competition will be decided by the headquarters.
Any other International Championships will have to be approved by the TITF with the application being accompanied by the requirements of the TITF.
Affiliated Members are not allowed to participate in international championships or competitions of any kind which are organized by non-affiliated organizations, unless approved by the TITF, which approval will not be unreasonably withheld.
Rules for organization of International Championships will be released by the TITF by way of regulations. Umpires and judges have to be appointed by the TITF for every championship and must hold valid certification approved by the TITF.
The Technical Director governs over every world championship.

Article 11: Promotions

You must be a current active member, and a member of a registered school to receive or award ranks.
Only certified instructors may promote and request certification.
Only the World Headquarters can produce black belt certificates.
1. Schools may produce School Black Belt recognition certificates as long as the International Black Belt certificate is ordered from the World Headquarters.
2. To be registered as an instructor you must complete an instructor course performed by a certified member of the TITF.
3. In order to award ranks you must hold a current instructor license.
If an instructor trains a student that is examined by the headquarters for a rank equal to their own, and they are successful, the instructor is automatically promoted to the next rank.

Article 12: Certification Fees

The goal of the TITF is to provide guidance and support to all countries regardless of their financial means. Our mandate is to leave no one behind. Many people over the years had to pass up on personal promotions due to their financial situation. Our aim is to prevent this. This is the current fee structure as of January 1, 2019.

Certification: (Compare to ITF fee structure)

These fees are paid directly to the TITF Headquarters via PayPal, Bank Transfer or Money Gram.

Annual Personal Membership: $10/year
1ST DAN TO 3RD DAN: $60
4TH DAN TO 6TH DAN: $120
7TH DAN: $240
8TH DAN: $400
9TH DAN: $800
10TH DAN: (HONORARY)
INSTRUCTOR LICENSE: Free (Included in your Dan Certification cost)
SCHOOL CHARTER: $60/year (All students must register)
HOSTING AN IIC: $200
REFEREE LICENSE:
LEVEL "C" $50
LEVEL "B" $100
LEVEL "A" $150
Lifetime School Charter $250
Lifetime Personal Membership $100

Article 13: Lifetime School Membership

This is new in 2020. A lifetime school charter allows the owner of a school to register the school once and never pay again. This fee includes a lifetime personal membership for the school owner, and a lifetime instructor license. All students of this school must pay their annual membership fee, however at a 50% discount.

Article 14: International Instructor Course/Certification (IIC)

Must complete an International Instructor’s Course taught by a Master Instructor.
International Master’s Course must be governed by a registered Grand Master or President.
This course shall advance the participant’s time line for examination by 6 months.
Only certified Instructors may examine students for rank and request certification from the International Headquarters.
Promotion Abilities:
1. 1st to 3rd Dan, as National Instructors, may promote to the rank of 2nd Gup.
2. 4th - 5th Dan, International Instructors, may promote to the rank of 2nd Dan.
3. 6th Dan, International Instructor, may promote to the rank of 3rd Dan.
4. 7th Dan, Master Instructor, may promote to 5th Dan.
5. 8th Dan, Senior Master, may promote to 6th Dan.
6. 9th Dan, Grand Master, may promote to 7th Dan Master.
7. 8th & 9th Dan may only be awarded by the president. These ranks have no physical requirement or time limits. The ranks are awarded for loyalty to the art and federation.

Article 15: Creation of Certificates

Only the World Headquarters may create certificates with the federations name and logo. All black belt (Dan) certificates must come from the World Headquarters. Where prohibit by law. In this rare case a school or regional organization may be permitted to issue Dan Recognition certificates. Any member found creating their own black belt certificates, or acquiring their black belt certificates from another source that does not fit into this special category shall be dismissed from this federation immediately.

Article 16: Registration Process

Section 1 - Application: $12/Year Membership

Any person worldwide in any Taekwon-Do system may apply for membership.
Applicant supplies a copy of their most recent rank certificate to the President for evaluation.
Applicant completes the application form.
Applicant pays the required fees for the rank they are applying.
In the event the application is denied the fees are refunded.
Renewal of your membership is due July 1st of each year.
Once accepted the documents will be produced and sent out within 4 business days.
Anyone wishing to transfer from another martial arts system to the TITF may request a special Dan recognition degree. This degree is only issued once in a martial artists career and may not go higher than 7th Degree Master Instructor.
The fee for this special degree is the same as the rank plus a $50 administration fee.

Section 2 - Chartered Schools $60 Annual

Any person worldwide that holds a rank of 1st Degree Black Belt and above may apply for certified national organization membership. Applicant must complete the personal application process at the same time as the school registration.
Applicant completes the application form.
Applicant pays the required fees.
This fee is prorated beginning February 1st of each year. Therefore every 30 days the rate is reduced based on the annual amount.
In the event the application is denied the fees are refunded.
Once accepted the documents will be produced and sent out within 4 business days.

Section 3 - (N.G.B.) National Governing Body

Any person worldwide that holds a rank of 1st Degree Black Belt or higher in any martial arts system may apply for certified national organization membership. Applicant must complete the personal application process at the same time as the N.G.B. registration.
Applicant completes the application form.
Applicant pays the required fees.
This fee is prorated beginning February 1st of each year. Therefore every 30 days the rate is reduced based on the annual amount.
In the event the application is denied the fees are refunded.
Once accepted the documents will be produced and sent out within 4 business days.

Article 17: Time Frame for Promotions & Limitations

Time Frame for Promotions (4-6 Hours/Week):
1. 1st to 2nd Dan: 1.5 Years
2. 2nd to 3rd Dan: 2 Years
3. 3rd to 4th Dan: 3 Years
4. 4th to 5th Dan: 4 Years
5. 5th to 6th Dan: 5 Years
6. 6th to 7th Dan: 6 Years
7. 7th to 8th Dan: Determined by President
8. 8th to 9th Dan: Determined by President
Restrictions:
1. Children 17 year and under shall hold a junior Black Belt rank.
2. This rank will be displayed as a solid black belt with a single white stripe through the middle of the belt.
3. The cost for Junior Black belt ranks is the same as adult ranks.
4. At the age of 18 years the junior black belt can apply as an adult black belt on their next exam.
5. Junior black belts ranks are still qualified Dan ranks and hold the same status.

Article 18: Transgender Members

This federation shall not discriminate against any person that is homosexual, lesbian, transgender or part of the LGBT community. Furthermore a person that is Transgender may request a name that is different from their legal name, as it identifies with their proper gender.

Article 19: Referee Certification

A referee course can be conducted by a Regional technical Director. This course would outline the duties of all referee and time keeper, and administrative positions for competition. Only someone who has completed a Certified Referee Course may judge at national and international events. Referee status is broken down into Level A, B, and C.

Level A: A member holding a rank of at least 6th Degree Black Belt and higher that has completed a certified referee course.
1. May Referee any position at a National Championship.
2. May Referee any position at an International Championship.
3. May Referee any position at a World Championship.
Level B: A member holding a rank of at least 4th Degree Black Belt and higher that has completed a certified referee course.
1. May Referee any position at a National Championship.
2. May Referee any position at an International Championship
3. May corner referee at a World Championship.
Level C: A member holding a rank of at least 2nd Degree Black Belt and higher that has completed a certified referee course.
1. May Referee any position at a Local Championship.
2. May corner referee at a National Championship.

Article 20: Tournament Rules

Rules for competition shall be outlines in an additional document named “Official Tournament Rules and Regulations”.

Article 21: Chain of Command

The TITF has a very strict chain of command. All members agree to follow this chain of command when they join the federations. If you have any questions please forward them to the President.

Dojonim (Founder)
President
Secretary General
School Owners
Members

Article 22: Official Tul (Patterns)

The TITF allows its members to practice and examine with either the ITF or WT Tul (patterns). With the ITF Tul the school owner can choose to use the sine wave motion if they wish or exclude it. As school owners you are permitted to set your own belt requirements. To achieve a higher rank you will need to complete requires as prescribed by your examiner. All school owners are permitted to submit a video for consideration of grade through the headquarters. The cost of this video examination is $100.

ITF Tul:

White Belt: Saju Makgi – Four direction block, Saju Jirugi – Four direction punch

Yellow Stripe – Chon-Ji

Yellow Belt – Dan-Gun

Green Stripe – Do-San

Green Belt – Won-Hyo

Blue Stripe – Yul-Gok

Blue Belt– Joong-Gun

Red Stripe – Toi-Gye

Red Belt – Hwa-Rang

Black Stripe – Choong-Moo

1st Dan – Kwang-Gae