Golden Dragon Defense

A place where superheroes are made

ITF Taekwon-Do

Golden Dragon Defense is an International Taekwon‑Do Federation (ITF) Certified School, teaching authentic, traditional Taekwon‑Do as it was created by General Choi Hong‑hi. ITF Taekwon‑Do is a complete martial art with four distinct facets:

Martial Art
Sport
Social Development
Way of Life

For youth, teens, and adults, these four pillars work together to build discipline, confidence, focus, and character. The Sport facet is showcased through competition, where students test their skills in patterns, sparring, and breaking.

Founded in 1966, the International Taekwon‑Do Federation (ITF) promotes Taekwon‑Do according to the principles of its Founder. Today, the ITF has member associations in over 120 countries, transforming what was once a military‑only art into a global system practiced by millions.

It’s important to understand that ITF Taekwon‑Do is different from WT (World Taekwondo).

ITF preserves the traditional, technical, and practical self‑defense applications of Taekwon‑Do.
WT was developed later to meet the requirements of Olympic sport competition, focusing primarily on sparring rules and scoring.

Golden Dragon Defense proudly teaches true ITF Taekwon‑Do, emphasizing precision, discipline, and real‑world application for every student.

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The ITF Way:

Courtesy

Integrity

Perseverance

Self-control

Indominable Spirit

Enrolling in an ITF‑Certified school means committing to an authentic martial arts system that remains true to its origins. Our curriculum follows the original teachings of General Choi Hong‑hi, the Founder of Taekwon‑Do, ensuring that every technique, pattern, and principle reflects the art as it was intended.

Our program is supported directly by General Choi’s Taekwon‑Do Encyclopedia, the foundational text of traditional ITF training. Head Instructor Ms. Maria Patalinghug continues her own advanced study under Grand Master Fred Akard, one of General Choi’s original students. This direct lineage allows Golden Dragon Defense to preserve genuine ITF Taekwon‑Do and pass it on with accuracy, integrity, and respect for tradition.