Save the Date:
30th International Children’s Championship
Focus on the Next Generation
In Retrospect: The 29th International Children’s Tournament Was a Huge Success
On February 7, 2026, the Sportpark Weil in Esslingen once again became a gathering place for young international taekwondo athletes: At the 29th International Children’s Tournament, young athletes from twelve nations came together to compete in a friendly atmosphere, gain experience, and embody the spirit of taekwondo.
The International Children’s Tournament continues a tradition established by Grand Master Soo-nam Park back in 1996. As Europe’s first tournament exclusively for children, it quickly developed into an important platform for young athletes.
The competition program reflected the full spectrum of modern taekwondo. In addition to the kyorugi matches, the poomsae competitions were also a central focus.
That’s what the athletes had to demonstrate
As Europe’s first tournament exclusively for children, it quickly became an important platform for young talent. Numerous future world-class athletes—including Aaron Cook, Bradly Sinden, and Caden Cunningham—gained their first international experience here.
The competition program reflected the full spectrum of modern taekwondo. In addition to the kyorugi competitions, which were conducted under the direction of tournament expert Benni Güntner using the electronic Daedo Gen-3 system, the poomsae competitions—led by Uwe Schuss—also took center stage.
Fair play was ensured by an experienced team of judges led by Rudolf Krupka, supported by referees from the Taekwondo Union of Baden-Württemberg as well as international judges from Belgium.
Family Poomsae once again played a special role—an idea conceived by Grand Master Soo-nam Park in which parents and children perform forms together. This discipline embodies the intergenerational nature of Taekwondo in a unique way and is now enjoying growing popularity worldwide.
New ground was also broken in the field of Taekwondo Defense (TKDD). With the first-ever presentation of Hosin Poomsae in Europe and the world premiere of Hosin Hyong, the application of classical forms in realistic partner sequences was demonstrated. The program was complemented by the TKDD Stickfight Tournament, which provided additional impetus for the further development of this discipline.
Comments on the Tournament
“We experienced a superbly organized tournament with fair competition and a great atmosphere. Our young athletes were able to gain valuable experience and improve their athletic skills. We are especially proud of our first-place finish in the team standings. A big thank you to the organizing team—we’d love to come back.” — Ralph Crelo of the Red Lions Grevenmacher
“We’ve been participating in this tournament for many years. It’s an important milestone in our athletes’ development, as it gives them the opportunity to gain international experience early on. The children—and their parents, too—really enjoy coming here, and the tournament is a valuable experience for building team spirit. The event is organized extremely professionally, and we look forward to returning every year.” — Tony Morgan of the British Scorpions Taekwondo team
Highlights of the 29th International Children’s Championship
- Participants from twelve countries gathered at Sportpark Weil in Esslingen
- A traditional tournament, founded in 1996 by Grand Master Soo-nam Park, and Europe’s first tournament exclusively for children
- Kyorugi using the electronic Daedo Gen-3 system, as well as Poomsae and Family Poomsae, were part of the competition program
- Thrilling freestyle demonstration by the SSV Zuffenhausen and TUBW Future Teams under Damien Zaid
- European premiere of Hosin Poomsae and world premiere of Hosin Hyong as part of the TKDD program
- Tie for first place between Taekwondo Club Grevenmacher and Taekwondo Club Rauenberg in the Kyorugi team standings
- Victory for Sportschule Park in the Poomsae team standings
- Professional organization by Taekwondo Esslingen, VfL Sindelfingen, and Sportschule Park