Meeting at the University of Flores, Buenos Aires, Argentina – July 3, 2026. From left to right: representatives of ITF Union and University of Flores authorities.
Historic Milestone · Academic Development · Buenos Aires, July 3, 2026
ITF Union Takes a Historic Step Toward University-Level Taekwon-Do Education
A landmark meeting between ITF Union and the University of Flores (Argentina) has set in motion a groundbreaking international academic initiative: the world’s first 100% online university specialization in ITF Taekwon-Do, open to practitioners from every corner of the globe.
On Friday, July 3, 2026, senior representatives of ITF Union met with authorities from the University of Flores (Argentina) to formally advance the creation of an ITF Taekwon-Do specialization within the University’s Higher Technical Degree in Martial Arts and Combat Sports. The meeting marked a defining moment in the history of Taekwon-Do’s academic recognition worldwide.
One of the program’s most visionary features is that it will be delivered entirely online — making it accessible to students from every country and establishing it as a truly global academic initiative. Crucially, while developed in close cooperation with ITF Union, the specialization will be open to practitioners from all ITF organizations, embodying the principles of inclusion, diversity, and excellence that define ITF Union’s mission.
“This is more than an academic program — it is a bridge between the tradition of Taekwon-Do and the future of international education. We are deeply grateful to the University of Flores, to Carolina Mariani, and to Gabriel Taraburelli for their trust and vision.”
— Grand Master Fabián Pini, IX Dan · ITF Union
The meeting was led by Carolina Mariani, Director of the University’s Higher Technical Degree Program and one of Argentina’s most distinguished sporting figures. A three-time Olympian in judo, World Championship silver medalist, and Argentina’s flag bearer at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, Mariani brings an unparalleled blend of athletic excellence and academic leadership to this initiative.
Also present was Gabriel Taraburelli, a towering figure in Argentine Olympic Taekwondo. An Olympian, Pan American medalist, and former Head Coach of the Argentine National Team, Taraburelli guided Sebastián Crismanich to Argentina’s historic Olympic gold medal at the London 2012 Games — and played a decisive role in bringing the University of Flores and ITF Union together to build this project.
Representing ITF Union were Grand Master Fabián Pini (IX Dan), Master Carlos Martín (Spain), and Lic. Leonardo Oros Duek (Israel), Professor of Sports Psychology at the renowned Wingate Institute.
A Meeting of Minds and Vision
The session opened with Carolina Mariani presenting the vision and objectives of the Higher Technical Degree program, underscoring the importance of combining rigorous academic education with the deep expertise of international martial arts organizations.
A rich intellectual exchange followed between Carolina Mariani and Lic. Leonardo Oros Duek, covering educational frameworks, academic models, and curriculum development tailored to the specific needs of martial arts practitioners. Together with Master Carlos Martín, the group also explored diverse mechanisms for the international recognition and accreditation of academic degrees and professional certifications — a critical pillar for the program’s global impact.
The meeting concluded in an atmosphere of warmth, mutual respect, and shared ambition. All parties committed to ongoing collaboration through future working sessions, with the clear goal of making this program a global benchmark in university-level education for Taekwon-Do and martial arts — offering a unique academic opportunity to students from every continent.
Participants
- Carolina Mariani — Director, Higher Technical Degree in Martial Arts & Combat Sports, University of Flores · Three-time Olympian, Judo World Championship Silver Medalist, Argentina Flag Bearer – Atlanta 1996
- Gabriel Taraburelli — Olympian, Pan American Medalist, Former Head Coach Argentine National Taekwondo Team · Coach of Olympic Gold Medalist Sebastián Crismanich, London 2012
- Grand Master Fabián Pini (IX Dan) — ITF Union, Argentina
- Master Carlos Martín — ITF Union, Spain
- Lic. Leonardo Oros Duek — Professor of Sports Psychology, Wingate Institute, Israel
ITF Union celebrates this milestone as a powerful demonstration of Taekwon-Do’s capacity to transcend competition and enter the highest levels of formal education. This initiative has the potential to reshape how martial arts are studied, taught, and recognized worldwide — and ITF Union is proud to be at its forefront.
#ITFUnion #TaekwonDo #UniversityOfFlores #AcademicExcellence #MartialArtsEducation #ITFTaekwonDo #OnlineEducation #Argentina
