Ethiopia Hosts 12-Nation Taekwondo Training in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa welcomed martial arts instructors from a dozen countries this August, putting Ethiopia at the center of an international effort to expand taekwondo across Africa.

The three-day International Instructors Course ran from July 31 to August 2, bringing together participants from Austria, Belgium, Burundi, Canada, Ethiopia, Kenya, Mozambique, Rwanda, South Africa, Sweden, Uganda and Zanzibar. The mix gave African instructors direct access to international experts while connecting neighboring countries building their own programs.

Grand Master Pierre Laquerre from Canada and Master Virginia Dionisi from Belgium led the technical training. Both serve on the International Taekwondo Federation's committee that maintains teaching standards worldwide, making their presence valuable for countries still developing instructor programs.

The curriculum covered the essentials instructors need to teach others: structured combat exercises, sparring methods, self-defense techniques and the formal movement patterns central to the discipline. Participants also learned how to explain and demonstrate techniques effectively, knowledge they'll take back to local clubs and students.

The Ripple Effect

Holding the course in an African capital matters more than the location might suggest. Travel costs often prevent instructors from neighboring countries from accessing international training, so bringing experts to Addis Ababa removed a significant barrier.

Ethiopian State Minister of Culture and Sport Abeba Amare attended both the opening and closing ceremonies. Her presence signals government recognition for a sport trying to establish itself in a country known primarily for distance running.

The course built on Ethiopia's 2022 event, which also drew 12 nations, showing the country's consistent commitment to hosting international training. For countries like Burundi, Rwanda and Uganda, having a regional hub means instructors can return home with standardized teaching methods that connect to a global network.

Master Niklas Enander, who heads the federation's Africa Development Team, helped lead sessions alongside local instructor Sabum Dagim. Their involvement shows how the organization blends international expertise with homegrown African talent, building capacity that will last beyond any single event.

The gathering strengthens connections between African nations developing taekwondo while giving the continent a stronger voice in a sport with global reach.