#129: ITL THF Team – Q1 2026 Report

The first quarter of 2026 marked another active and productive period for the Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) Team, managed by Iron Taekwondo. The first 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 Q1, 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 (Green Belts), Anhelina Hladchenko (Green Belt) and Kostiatyn Shkundia (Green Tag) have been promoted and all capped off the event with top marks. 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 Anhelina’s and Kostiatyn’s medal-winning performance (two silvers) at the 5th Online Kyonggi University Open Poomsae Championships.

Iron Island Training Camp

All THF athletes took part in a training camp organised by the Malta Taekwondo Association in conjunction with ITL.

The camp brought together 105 athletes from 11 countries — Malta, France, Italy, Ireland, Poland, Sweden, Luxembourg, Israel, Germany, the United Kingdom and Greece — for a truly memorable weekend of high-level training and connection.

Held at the stunning Salini Resort, overlooking Malta’s blue Mediterranean waters, the setting perfectly matched the energy and quality of the camp. The venue provided not only excellent training facilities but also the kind of atmosphere that encourages focus, recovery and camaraderie.

Looking Ahead

As 2026 begins, 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 its first international venture, to take place by the third quarter of the year.