#119: ITL THF Team – Q4 2025 Report

The fourth quarter of 2025 marked another active and productive period for the ITL Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) Team, managed by Iron Taekwondo. The final months of the year reflected steady athletic development, competitive exposure, and strong team cohesion, reinforcing the program’s mission of empowering athletes through structured training, international opportunity, and personal growth.

Training and Technical Development

Throughout Q4, the team maintained consistent training across both Kyorugi and Poomsae, with a continued focus on technical refinement, tactical awareness, and physical conditioning.

This period culminated in a formal grading examination, during which the athletes demonstrated clear progress in skill, discipline, and confidence. Nazar and Arsenii Baranishyn, together with Anhelina Hladchenko successfully advanced to green tag rank, while Kostia Shkundia got his yellow belt. This event marked an important milestone in their technical journey.

Competitive Performance

International competition remained a key pillar of the team’s development strategy. A highlight of the quarter was Nazar Baranishyn’s strong performance at the Maltese International Open – Rising Stars II.

Nazar Baranishyn (red).

Nazar secured second place, delivering a confident and controlled victory against a Maltese opponent in the semi-final, followed by a closely contested final against an Italian athlete.

Athlete Update

During this quarter, Ashik Sunil temporarily returned to India to celebrate a significant personal milestone — his marriage. The entire ITL THF Team extends its warmest congratulations to Ashik and his family.

While in India, Ashik remained committed to his training and development. He is scheduled to resume full-time training with the team in early 2026, following the New Year.

Team Engagement and Community Building

Beyond training and competition, Q4 placed strong emphasis on team-building and personal development. During the Christmas break, athletes participated in several team-related and social activities designed to strengthen bonds, encourage mutual support, and reinforce shared values.

Nazar Baranishyn (red).

These moments outside the dojang played an essential role in nurturing a positive team culture and reinforcing the humanitarian and educational mission of the THF program.

Looking Ahead

As 2025 came to a close, the ITL THF Team demonstrated meaningful progress across athletic performance, technical development, and team cohesion.

With renewed motivation and clear objectives, the team looks forward to 2026 with a strong foundation, ready to build on the achievements of the past year and continue representing the values of Iron Taekwondo and the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation on and off the mat.