ITF growth in Cuba

The expansion of ITF Taekwon-Do continues to solidify with significant progress in the Caribbean. The recent accreditation of ITF in Camagüey and the visit of a prominent figure from the organisation further strengthens the discipline's presence in the region.

On 4 December 2024, in Havana, a signature was added, marking a milestone for ITF Taekwon-Do in the nation. Pedro Rodríguez Rodríguez, First Vice President of the Cuban Association of Martial Arts (ACAM), together with Nubia Bragado Gutiérrez, President of ACAM-Cuba, and Antonio M. Guerra, Treasurer of the Masters Council, signed a document that not only certifies the discipline, but also promotes it.

In parallel with this recognition, the Provincial Sports Directorate of Camagüey highlighted the recent visit of one of the most influential figures of ITF Taekwon-Do in the region. Master Luis Gato Gato, VIII DAN and member of the ITF Caribbean Development Board, was in Cuba last week to strengthen ties with the martial arts community and consolidate the momentum the discipline is gaining on the island.

After the meeting, Inside The Games spoke with Gato Gato, who stressed the importance of this step for the discipline on the island, "Since I was elected director of the Caribbean Development Team, I have made it clear that the Caribbean would be incomplete without Cuba".

The Puerto Rican master explained that his work on the island follows a strategic approach aimed at strengthening the regional integration of ITF Taekwon-Do. "Whenever I visit a country, I make my two golden rules clear: respect the processes, rules and laws, and remember that I am a visitor. I make observations and recommendations, but decisions should be made by the members of each country," he said.

Gato Gato pointed out that Camagüey is the first province where ITF Taekwon-Do is officially supported by ACAM, which has allowed for greater support from provincial and national authorities.

During his visit, he was greeted with a formal reception attended by dignitaries from various government agencies. "During both the training sessions and the promotion exam, we had the presence of two members of the Cuban Martial Arts Federation who acted as observers. This not only gives hierarchy to the activity, but also increases the credibility of the project and builds trust among the staff," he explained.

Among the most notable achievements of his stay, Gato Gato highlighted that this first ITF Taekwon-Do Technical Workshop in Camagüey has opened up the possibility for Cuba to organise high-level ITF-certified courses. "The growth has been significant, despite the challenges. Thanks to the efforts of leaders such as Pedro Rodríguez, Daniela Cabrera, Carlos Adán and Darwin González, ITF Taekwon-Do has expanded to new provinces, gaining recognition and institutional support," he assured in an interview with Inside The Games.

However, the journey has not been without its obstacles. "The biggest challenge has been the lack of integration of the Caribbean into the global development of ITF Taekwon-Do. With the creation of the Caribbean Development Programme, we have made progress in instructor training, organisational structure and participation in competitions," explained Gato Gato, adding that the recognition of ACAM in Camagüey is an important step in strengthening the discipline on the island.

Looking to the future, Master Gato Gato is optimistic. "For years, countries such as Jamaica, the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico have been working to consolidate ITF Taekwon-Do in the region. Now we are seeing tangible progress in Anguilla, Trinidad and Tobago, and most recently in Cuba. Our aim is to continue to support growth in developing islands such as St Maarten, Barbados and Suriname. We have the resources, the structure and the commitment to keep moving forward.

In addition, Gato Gato that the official recognition of ITF Taekwon-Do in Camagüey could open the doors for international events in Cuba. "With this formal recognition, we can begin to plan regional competitions on the island, which will provide greater visibility and more opportunities for Cuban athletes," he told Inside The Games with his characteristic Caribbean warmth.

With a clear vision for the future of the discipline in the region, Gato Gato concluded with a phrase that sums up the spirit of his work: "The Caribbean doesn't need charity, it needs solidarity."