The Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF) has officially established its presence in Togo, marking a significant development in the country's martial arts landscape. On October 31, 2026, the organization, now known as GTT Togo, held a press conference in Lomé to introduce its philosophy, ambitions, and activity plans. The event drew professionals from the media, sports officials, masters, and several practitioners of the discipline.
GTTF's arrival in Togo aims to promote a conception of Taekwondo that goes beyond competitive sports. According to Me Ferdinand Amazohoun, first vice-president of GTT Togo, Taekwondo is primarily a school of discipline, respect, self-control, perseverance, and responsibility. This philosophy should remain at the center of every practitioner's training. The organization seeks to preserve and promote the traditional foundations of Taekwondo, including its technical, educational, cultural, and ethical dimensions.
Created in 2023 in South Korea, GTTF has already made a notable impact globally. In Togo, the organization plans to work alongside existing sports structures, not in competition with them. Ziadji Kokouvi, secretary-general of GTT Togo, emphasized that they are not a "federal bis" but an association willing to collaborate with the Togolese Taekwondo Federation. The presence of the federation's president at the launch ceremony was seen as a positive sign of cooperation between the two structures.
One of GTT Togo's main objectives is to rehabilitate the martial dimension of Taekwondo, which they believe has been gradually overshadowed by competitive sports requirements. The organization seeks to strike a better balance between combat techniques, Taekwondo philosophy, and the moral development of practitioners. This approach is expected to contribute to the growth of the sport in Togo and on the international stage.
Despite its recent establishment, GTT Togo has already achieved encouraging results internationally. The organization reports that Togo won two medals at the 2026 World Championships in the Philippines: one gold and one silver medal. These results have bolstered the organization's ambitions, with the next World Championships scheduled for 2027 in Italy. Togo also plans to host an African GTTF championship, which could further solidify its position in promoting traditional Taekwondo on the continent.
The GTT Togo executive bureau, led by Semanou Koffi Mawuli, plans to focus on seven key areas. These include promoting traditional Taekwondo among young people and adults, strengthening the capacities of practitioners, instructors, and referees, and organizing sports events and meetings. The association also aims to develop partnerships at the national and international levels, promote values of respect, integrity, and ethics, and contribute to the growth of traditional African Taekwondo.
As GTT Togo begins its journey, the organization is calling on public authorities, sports federations, financial partners, and the media to support its efforts. By working together, GTT Togo aims to make Togo a hub for the training, promotion, and development of traditional Taekwondo. This new chapter in Togo's martial arts scene offers a chance for the country to reconcile sports performance, martial heritage, and education in human values.
Key points
- GTTF establishes a new chapter in Togo, promoting traditional Taekwondo values and practices.
- The organization aims to work alongside existing sports structures, not in competition with them.
- Togo has already won two medals at the 2026 World Championships, with ambitions for future international success.
