April 29, 2019
Dato Othman Talib
PGTF President
It was a shock to learn of the passing of Dato Othman Talib. Dato Talib was such a great supporter of the GTF in Malaysia. As President of Pan Malaysia Global Taekwon-Do Federation he was revered as a great leader of that Federation. Dato Othman Talib was a man of virtue and a great gentleman, very respected for his traditional martial arts philosophy and way of life. The Global Taekwon-Do Federation will greatly miss him.
On behalf of the entire Global Taekwon-Do Federation worldwide, we send our deepest condolences to Dato Talib’s family. Our prayers are with them during this time of loss. We know that there is a big void left in the hearts of all who loved this important GTF leader.
Rest in peace Dato Othman Talib.
Sincerely
H.Grand Master Linda Park
GTF President
Remembering Grand Master Park Jung Tae. 1943-2002
A champion of peace and harmony through Taekwon-Do training.
Seventeen years ago on April 11, 2002 the Founder of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF), Grand Master Park Jung Tae, passed away.
Grand Master Park Jung Tae was a Taekwon-Do Icon who dedicated his life to perfecting Taekwon-Do techniques. He was a highly sought after teacher and mentor who taught by example and never expected any practitioner to do a technique that he himself couldn’t demonstrate. Grand Master Park was called ‘The People’s Master’ by his loyal instructors and supporters.
When Grand Master Park Founded the Global Taekwon-Do Federation in 1990, he developed new patterns unique to GTF that would differentiate the GTF style of Taekwon-Do from other Federations. GTF is a traditional martial arts organization which focuses on high technical standards and has been steadily growing in numbers.
Our selective process in determining who our worldwide leaders will be allows us to bring only serious qualified instructors into this Federation. This sets the GTF apart from many other organizations, where the Sport aspect of Taekwon-Do is becoming more popular and the Art is being lost. Grand Master Park said many years ago “Wait and see after many years how Taekwon-Do the sport will be popular and then you don’t need an instructor any more. You just need a trainer to teach you to win.” Unfortunately, this is evident today and happening with many Taekwon-Do clubs. GTF is not a Sports Federation.
The death of Grand Master Park had a colossal affect on the Taekwon-Do community. It was a shock to all of us. There was an immediate unmistakeable void felt and emotions were flying high amongst the instructors worldwide. No one was sure how this news would affect them and wondered what would happen to the GTF now that their teacher was gone. Needless to say, GTF did move forward. The impact Grand Master Park had on the GTF instructors he trained was so phenomenal that it was natural his legacy of high technical skills and traditional martial arts philosophy would live on through their efforts to promote and develop GTF further. The worldwide image of our reputable Federation today, is attributed to these loyal GTF Instructors who followed his legacy. We thank all the Grand Masters, Masters, Instructors, students and supporters for their contributions to the continued success of this great organization Founded by Grand Master Park Jung Tae.
We remember Grand Master Park with great admiration and love
The passing of Mr. Dimitrius Chatzistavridis
Senior Master Kalfas, President of the GTF Greek Taekwondo Federation notified us that one of the senior instructors Mr. Dimitrius Chatzistavridis (1943-2019), 5th degree has passed away.
I am sure many of your will remember Mr. Chatzistavridis from his monumental breaking demonstrations at the GTF events. He will be remember for the twin kicks and head breaking of boards even when he was in his 60’s. He had that indomitable spirit that moved him to do the impossible and always wanted to demonstrate that special technique. I always remember him chanting “GTF” and telling me how much he loved this Federation. He will be greatly missed.
On behalf of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation, I send our heartfelt wishes to Mr. Chatzistavridis’s family on their loss.
Sincerely,
H.GM Linda Park
President
The passing of Grand Master Ngiaw Wee Sun
It is with shock and sadness that we learn of the passing of Grand Master Ngiaw Wee Sun, President of Pehang GTF Taekwon-Do Association in Malaysia. Today, I spoke to Mrs. Ngiaw on the telephone and sent condolences on behalf of all GTF members worldwide.
Grand Master Ngiaw supported Taekwon-Do for decades and was a loyal member of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation since it was founded in 1990. He was one of the most senior members of this Federation and instrumental in promoting and developing GTF in Malaysia.
Grand Master Ngiaw’s insight and viewpoints on martial arts etiquette and philosophy was extraordinary and on many occasions through seminars and personal conversations, enlightened us with his vast knowledge. He was steadfast in his convictions and trained hundreds of students, not only the technical aspects of martial arts but also to live, following the Tenets of Taekwon-Do. Over the years, many became champions and leaders in the Taekwon-Do community. With the passing of Grand Master Ngiaw, the GTF members worldwide have lost an important leader in this Federation. The days ahead will be a time when a lot of support will be needed to help all the people who loved and knew Grand Master Ngiaw.
As President, on behalf of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation worldwide membership, I send heartfelt wishes to Grand Master Ngiaw’s family to let them know that he was a very special Grand Master in this Federation and we will all miss him.
REST IN PEACE GRAND MASTER NGIAW WEE SUN.
Sincerely,
H.GM Linda Park
GTF President