The mission to Kinshasa had three objectives. 

  1. To deliver the first IIC and IUC/ ICC to Congo members of ITF CHOI JUNG HWA
  2. To discuss administrative issues with the Congolese Federation
  3. To conduct a first official ITF grading in Kinshasa

The mission took place as foreseen from 11 February 2026 to 17 February 2026.

Departure/Arrival: 11 February 2025

The team arrived as foreseen on late 11 February 2026.  After 3 missions to DR Congo, we should consider getting a multiple entry visa to facilitate the arrival procedure as it took us more than 2 hours to get through the procedures and finally were admitted into the country.

The photos if not mentioned otherwise were made by Boosabum Michael Dittrich.

 

Meeting: 12 February 2026

Board meeting and General meeting

On 12 February 2026 we had a discussion (Q&A) with the board members and the various coaches of the Congo ITF about the working and meaning of an IIC and IUC. We learned that the booked venue would only be available on 13 on 14 February 2026.

Rules and Procedures:

We made it clear that for higher gradings it is compulsory to perform and know the appropriate Tuls, there would be no derogation(s). Furthermore, we made it clear that the ITF cannot deviate from its rules as to the costs of an IIC /IUC/ICC. We departed originally from the idea of the 20 % from the Argentinian IIC/IUC/ICC from April 2024. It appears that these prices are not affordable for most of the participants.

IIC: 13 February 2026-14 February 2026

We started on 13 February 2026 at 10:00 a.m. with the IIC and 60 participants. 

We went as far Po-Eun on this day with the Tuls until 5:00 p.m. 

We restarted on 14.2.26 at 10:00 a.m.  until around 1:00 p.m. We re-worked the Tuls and continued to Eui-Am. The attendees demonstrated considerable improvement since the previous mission and many were competent up to the level of Eui-Am. The members continue to adapt to the ITF style.

Master O’Brien and Sabum Dittrich gave a deep inside into ITF TUL requirements and techniques by show casing themselves what was expected to be performed by the participants  The IIC was as highly appreciated by the participants.

 

IIC/ IUC/ICC: 14 February 2026

After a break of 40 minutes, we started the IUC /ICC. The course was given as the ICC in EN which was interpreted by Sabum Konstantin Dittrich and Boosabum Michael Dittrich into French in a consecutive manner. This course was attended by around 40 participants.

The PowerPoint presentation was translated by Boo-Sabum Michael Dittrich into French for better comprehension of the participants. We finished sometime around 17:30 this day.

 

 

Examination Grading: 15 February 2026

On 15 February 2026 we started the grading exercise which was led by Sabum Dittrich. 

In total 11 candidates presented themselves in front of the examiner. After going through ChonJi to Gae Baek, 5 candidates dropped out due to the inability to perform the required Tuls as foreseen. The 6 remaining candidates went through all parts of the exam and showed sufficient strength and attitude. The ITF will be able to award the 1. Dan after the first exam held to international standard.

 

Above you see the written test done by the candidates.

 

Before the grading started an open air Tul Training was given by Sabum Dittrich with more than 50 Participants was held at the Stadium of the Martyrs in Kinshasa.

  

Audience with the Minister of Sports and Leisure: 16 February 2026

On 16 February 2026 the team was granted an audience with the Sports Minister of the DR Congo. Main objective was here to float the idea of having an African Cup Competition in Kinshasa within the next 2-2 1/2 years and exchange views on our current work. 

 

Furthermore, any oversea attendance (e.g. Brabant Cup 2026 or the World Championships in Ireland in 2028) of the Congolese team would be subsidised by the Government. 

It appeared that the (current) Minister was positive to support also financially the proposal organising an ITF event in Kinshasa. Nearby, in the Governmental area would be a Campus facility with a sports hall and Campus rooms. A similar Judo event is planned in Summer 2026 in Kinshasa. Its organisation and its experience could be helpful for the organisation of an AFRICAN CUP in Kinshasa.

It is now up to the team to produce a “project plan” which will lead then to a potential (financial) commitment on the side of DRC. It is proposed to present and explain this project online to the ITF and later also to the tournament committee if so decided.

 

Photos are courtesy of Ministry of Sports and Leisure

View:

The challenge of organising an event in Africa not being personally on the spot is not to be underestimated. Although there is a great enthusiasm visible, the imminent cultural and political system might render all efforts useless. The current Government has a mandate until end of 2028.

Example: 

The use of the highly sophisticated electronic scoring system is not recommended due to frequent power outages and absence of reliable wifi. The date of the competition should be within the mandate of the current Minister. Any new Minister might just withdraw funds and might not commit himself to support the project. There is no administrative continuity to be expected.

Departure: 16 February 2026

The team went straight to the Airport after the audience with the Minister and went through the exit procedures with ease. Our gratitude is also conveyed to the Congolese team who did everything to give us the support needed.

 

The ITF-CONGO-IRISH-BELGIAN team !

Arrival: 17 February 2026

We arrived on 17 February 2026 safely again in Brussels.  

Suggestions:

  • Today, no DR Congolese ITF practitioner is ready to receive the authorisation to become an International Instructor.  
  • For one or the other 4th or higher degree it might be feasible within 12 months to fulfil the requirements.

Consideration:

  • We need to reconsider the price structure for DR Congo and the neighbouring countries as even 20 % of Standard fees go beyond the monetary potential of ordinary people in DR Congo.
  • An African Cup to be held in Kinshasa, open also to other Federations, would be a challenging but rewarding project for the next 2 ½ years.

 

Ruairi O’Brien                                                                                                         Michael Dittrich  

President                                                                                                                President

TAEKWON-DO ALLIANCE IRELAND                                                                    BELGIAN ITF 

Committee # 605                                                                                                    MO#631

 

Cork,   26.3.2026                                                                                               Wezembeek-Oppem, 26.3.2026