Brief History of Taekwon-Do in Terengganu (#1)

"REMEMBERING THE FORMATION OF TAEKWON-DO IN TERENGGANU "

OUR Association represents the original Taekwon-Do body in the state of Terengganu, Malaysia which have been practicing Chang-Hon style under the auspice of original body of ITF. The Association is registered with the Sports Commissioner Office of Malaysia.

It was first registered in 1979 under Malaysian Societies Act 1966 and was formerly known as Terengganu Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), this association was then fall under new gazetted law for sports bodies i.e. Sports Development Act 1997, the name since changed bearing "GTF" at the end due to affiliation with the Malaysian Global Taekwon-Do Federation as to distinct with the other two national taekwon-do bodies. PTNT hence is the first registered taekwon-do body in the state of Terengganu and the first received and promoted the original taekwon-do for this region.

Prior 1978:

Taekwon-Do in Terengganu and east coast states of Malaysia was introduced by one Korean Master Yun Young Ku of International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). Master Yun was known in Taekwon-Do world as one of highly capable master and was the General Secretary of ITF. No official body governing taekwon-do activity during this era. Mr.T.Thomas was the Chief Instructor after Master Yun left. Among early taekwon-do exponents and pioneer students in Terengganu under Master Yun were Mr.Najmi Abdullah (current Chief Instructor), Mr. Aw Chong Tiong (current Chief Instructor for MTA (WTF) Terengganu) and Mr. Ong Yu Tiang (former goalkeeper of Malaysia & Terengganu soccer team).

1978-1999:

Terengganu Taekwon-Do Federation was duly registered under Societies Act 1964. Became member of Malaysian Taekwon-Do Federation under Master Low Koon Lim (now Grandmaster) and Malaysian International Taekwon-Do Federation (MITF) under Master Sabree Salleh (now Grandmaster). In 1980's this Association had become the largest taekwon-do state governing body covering important affiliates such as the Special Police Force and most of schools in all districts. Terengganu received visit by Master Leong Wai Meng (now Grandmaster) for special training session conducted in 1980's. In 1994 our Association with MITF and Terengganu Government successfully hosted the 9th World Taekwon-Do ITF Championship.

2000-2007:

By virtue of Malaysian Sports Development Act 1997, all sports bodies registered under Societies Act 1964 shall be registered with The Commissioner of Sports. Terengganu Taekwon-Do Federation's constitution was reenacted and changed its name to Persatuan Taekwon-Do Negeri Terengganu (GTF) [known as PTNT] or Terengganu State Taekwon-Do Association (GTF) in year 2000. The words "GTF" was inserted due to shifting of parent body i.e MITF to Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF) of Toronto in 1999. MITF then change its name to Malaysian Global Taekwon-Do Federation (MGTF). Statement of mission carried by the GTF founder, the late GM Park Jung Tae that GTF was able to become a bridge towards strategic cooperation with World Taekwondo Federation of Kukkiwon as there was a memorandum signed between the two bodies.

GTF's founder GM Park Jung Tae died on April 11, 2002 whilst ITF's founder Gen. Choi Hong Hi died on June 15, 2002. Both personalities were vital figures in the development of original Taekwon-Do. The passing of GM Park Jung Tae left bitter mark and uncertainty with WTF. On the other hand, ITF's legacy is continued with better prospect towards merger of two great Taekwon-Do organisations. Merger talks and memorandum of understanding between ITF and WTF had taken place.

2000-2002 Now