GIMCHEON, South Korea — Taekwondo history will be made in 2026 as the city of Gimcheon hosts one of the most inclusive global championships the sport has ever seen.
From July 10–12, 2026, the 2026 World Taekwondo Championships will take place at the Gimcheon Sports Complex, bringing together athletes from across the world in an event that breaks traditional boundaries by welcoming all Taekwondo styles, all belt levels, and all age groups under one unified platform.
Sanctioned by the Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) and organized by the World Sport Committee (WSC), the championships are supported by MASTKD and officially sponsored by Gimcheon Municipal City.
“This is a historic moment for global Taekwondo,” said Rick W. Shin, President of the Professional Taekwondo Federation and Kombat Taekwondo.
“For the first time, a World Championship welcomes all ages, all belt levels, and all styles under one unified platform.”
A World Championship Built on Unity and Access
Unlike traditional world championships restricted by governing bodies or affiliations, the 2026 World Taekwondo Championships introduce a radically inclusive vision.
The event is officially open to:
- All athletes
- All coaches
- All ages and generations
- All belt levels
- All Taekwondo styles and systems
- All affiliations, backgrounds, and nationalities
With more than 2,000 competitors expected, organizers say the goal is simple: remove politics and barriers, and return the spotlight to the athletes themselves.
Competitions Organized by Taekwondo Style
To respect the identity and heritage of each discipline, competitions will be held separately by style, including:
WT Taekwondo
- Olympic Sparring (Kyorugi)
- Recognized & Freestyle Poomsae
ITF Taekwon-Do
- Sparring
- Tul (Patterns)
Kombat Taekwondo
- Minor League Sparring
- Major League Sparring (Professional pathway)
Open Categories (All Styles Welcome)
- Board Breaking (Power & Speed)
- Weapon Forms
- Creative Poomsae / Creative Forms
- Demonstration Team Competitions
Organizers say this marks the first World Championships in history to honor every major Taekwondo style within one global event.
Pre-Event Programs: July 9–10
Ahead of competition, a series of international development programs will take place, including:
- PTF General Assembly
- International Poomsae Seminar
- Kombat Taekwondo Referee Seminar & Refresher Course
- PTF Black Belt Dan & Skip Dan Testing
These programs are designed to support education, leadership, referee development, and global standardization across Taekwondo communities.
Professional Pathways and Global Recognition
Champions crowned in Gimcheon will earn international recognition as the best in their respective divisions and styles.
Additionally, winners in the Kombat Taekwondo Major League will receive exclusive invitations to compete in the Kombat Taekwondo Grand Prix, the world’s premier professional Taekwondo championship series.
Post-Event Taekwondo Camp & Cultural Tour
July 13–16, 2026
Following the championships, athletes and coaches can participate in a four-day Taekwondo Camp & Cultural Tour, combining elite training with guided cultural experiences across South Korea.
Registration Now Open
Athletes, coaches, and teams can now register through the official portal:
👉 https://www.protaekwondo.org/2026worldtaekwondochampionships
For media or partnership inquiries:
📧 office@protaekwondo.org
