Taekwondo practitioners must not be fooled by clubs wearing Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) designed uniforms. Wearing STF-designed uniforms do not make them a member of the national sports association recognised by the Singapore Sports Council and the Singapore National Olympic Council. 

One club has been warned for wearing STF-designed uniforms and the other is under investigation. Members of the first club were not aware that they were not recognised while most members of the other club are totally in the dark. Some members who have left the club found out too late that their grades are not accepted when they apply to join STF-affiliated clubs.

Here is an extract of a letter from the latest victim. The name of the instructor has been deliberately omitted. Otherwise, it is an exact reproduction of the relevant portion of the letter.

“As other parents should do, I am deeply complaining on —–‘s behaviour as:

1. he pretends to belong to another federation in Singapore for which there is no evidence of existence, no paper
2. he is asking for SIN50/child/month for 75 minute-lesson – while only a few SIN$/lesson at
3. he is asking for SIN $80 for grading
4. no paper given showing my kids belong to any other federation
5. no paper given after any grading

Toh Tuk Road

on each Wednesday pm

After almost two years, late July 2007, I discontinued to send my kids to him due to that and because other parents discovered his tricks.

—– is claiming further money from me in the perspective to deliver any documents on grading. Frankly, I don’t trust him.”

If only he had done his research before he sent his children to a taekwondo class, he would not be in distress now. If only, if only, if only, …………………….

You don’t have to suffer the same fate. If your grading card carries the Singapore Taekwondo Federation logo, chances are you are with the STF. To be sure, you may check with the STF.

By now all CC Taekwondo Trainers should be aware that the People’s Association is making an effort to inform participants of the different taekwondo organizations.

All CC Taekwondo Trainers under the Singapore Taekwondo Federation (STF) – the only national sports association for taekwondo recognized by the highest sports authorities in Singapore – are urged to take advantage of the situation by informing their participants of the merits of the organization they are with.

You may tell them that they should be proud that their certification is recognized by a national body which is also affiliated to the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). The STF is the only organization in Singapore that is accepted by the WTF which is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and has affiliates in 187 countries in the world.

The STF is also affiliated to the Asian Taekwondo Union and the Asean Taekwondo Federation.

Only members of the STF can participate in the SEA Games, the Asian Games and the Olympics.

What’s more, the STF is the largest and the most active taekwondo organization in Singapore. It has a following of more than 90% of the taekwondo population and it organizes national activities for members regularly. These include the NTU Taekwondo Invitation Championships for tertiary students, the Hwarang Championships for secondary school students and the Rosyth Championships for primary school students.

Let your participants appreciate the privileges they are entitled to because they are with a national association but do not criticize or condemn any organization.

All taekwondo coaches under the STF should also ensure that their students are aware of the different groups and the privileges that they can get because they train under you.

Players from the national training squad and their ardent supporters, their parents and siblings, congregated on 21 December 2007 at the National Training Centre. They were there not to compete for a place in the national team but to have fun.

The event: Annual X’mas Gathering.

The function was for members of the national training squad and their families. Its primary objective was to provide an opportunity for participants to interact and strengthen their bond of friendship in a social environment. This is part of the Singapore Taekwondo Federation’s strategy to develop team spirit among its members and their families.

Said Mr Milan Kwee, President of the Federation, in his brief address: “I am delighted to see members of different clubs coming together for the function.”

He added: “I wish to see more parents helping the Parents’ Committee headed by Mr. Darren Tang. By helping the Committee, you are contributing to the development of the sport and the Federation.”

While the children were enjoying themselves playing games, watching movies, exchanging gifts, their parents were busy engaging in small talks. The only time they were one was when they dig into the food. Some of the food was specially cooked by members’ parents. The others were sponsored by the Parents’ Committee and the Federation.

Adding to the festive mood, Mrs Cindy Tan sportingly acted as Santarina. Everybody evidently had a great time!