Mission
To promote the art and discipline of traditional Taekwondo through a unified global federation that upholds integrity, respect, and excellence - empowering individuals and schools to grow in character, leadership, and skill.
Vision
To build a worldwide network of Taekwondo practitioners who embody the highest standards of martial arts discipline, cultural respect, and global brotherhood - with the Philippines standing as a proud leader in technical excellence and organizational unity.
Core Values
Integrity
Respect
Perseverance
Self‑Control
Indomitable Spirit
Service
Our Leadership Team
Founder
GRANDMASTER
JUN LEE
CHAIRMAN
GRANDMASTER jULIUS MELEGRITO
President
Master Donald
David Geisler III
Vice President
MS. FAITH MELEGRITO
Vice President
ATTY WILLIE RIVERA
SECRETARY GENERAL
MR. CHRISTIAN ARDIENTE
GTTF Founder
GRANDMASTER JUN LEE
Grandmaster Jun Lee, a 9th Dan (degree), is the founding President of the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF). Grandmaster Jun Lee was born in South Korea and has been teaching Taekwondo in the United States since 1982. In 2015, he became the youngest person ever to achieve 9th Dan by Kukkiwon. His commitment to Taekwondo is to preserve the values and philosophy of traditional Taekwondo and to nurture the next generation of Taekwondo leaders who can carry on that mission.
He has a special sense of mission to build the much-needed infrastructure of Taekwondo, considering service - one of the five tenets of Taekwondo - as his life motto.
In 2021, Grandmaster Jun Lee was appointed as the first Kukkiwon Spokesperson for International Affairs since the establishment of Kukkiwon, where he has served ever since.
In 2008, he was elected as the President of the International Coalition for Good Health and Good Friends (ICG), a global community service organization for Taekwondo, and has been serving to build educational facilities in developing countries.
In 2023, Grandmaster Jun Lee and five other Taekwondo grandmasters from five countries, who shared concerns about the future of Taekwondo, gathered in Panama, South America. There, they trained together and deeply discussed the need to set the direction for the art. They pledged to take the lead in this movement and established the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF).
GTTF was founded in response to growing concerns among Taekwondo practitioners and masters regarding the increasing dominance of sport-focused Taekwondo in the public eye. While Sport Taekwondo has contributed to global recognition, many within the Taekwondo community have expressed concern over the diminishing emphasis on traditional values, discipline, and philosophical teachings that have historically defined Taekwondo.
Chairman
GRANDMASTER jULIUS MELEGRITO
Grandmaster Julius Melegrito is a John Maxwell Certified Coach, Speaker, and Trainer, and the owner of Martial Arts International School in Bellevue, Nebraska. He is the founder of the Philippine Martial Arts Alliance and the creator of Stix 4 Kids, Philippine Combatives™, and the Sandata Self-Defense System.
A dynamic communicator and lifelong martial artist, Grandmaster Melegrito has taught across the United States and around the world, sharing his unique approach to self-defense and weapons training with civilians, military, and law enforcement personnel. His teaching emphasizes leadership, discipline, and personal growth through martial arts.
Honored as Black Belt Magazine’s 2012 Weapons Instructor of the Year and featured twice on the magazine’s cover, Melegrito holds a 7th-degree black belt in Filipino Martial Arts, a 6th-degree in Tang Soo Do / Tae Kwon Do, a 5th-degree in Combat Hapkido, and a 1st-degree in Kavanah Krav Maga.
GTTF Philippines PRESIDENT
MASTER DONALD DAVID GEISLER III
Master Donald David Geisler III is a highly respected Filipino Taekwondo athlete, coach, and mentor who has proudly represented the Philippines on numerous international stages, including the 2000 and 2004 Summer Olympic Games. Over the years, he has become one of the country’s most recognized figures in Taekwondo, admired not only for his competitive achievements but also for his dedication to the development of future martial artists and leaders.
Master Geisler began his Taekwondo journey at the early age of seven under the guidance of a Korean instructor. His natural passion for the martial art, combined with hard work, discipline, and perseverance, quickly set him apart from his peers. From a young age, he displayed the characteristics of a true martial artist - humility, respect, and determination - qualities that would carry him through years of competition at the highest levels.
Gold Medal – 23rd Southeast Asian Games (2005)
Gold Medal – 22nd Southeast Asian Games (2003)
Bronze Medal – 15th Asian Taekwondo Championships (2002)
Silver Medal – 21st Southeast Asian Games (2001)
Silver Medal – 14th Asian Taekwondo Championships (2000)
Gold Medal – 20th Southeast Asian Games (1999)
Silver Medal – Bangkok Asian Games (1998)
Silver Medal – World Cup Taekwondo (1998)
Bronze Medal – 1st World Taekwondo Junior Championships (1996)
Vice President
MS. FAITH MELEGRITO
Ms. Faith Melegrito is the Vice President of the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF) Philippines, a passionate leader dedicated to empowering communities through martial arts education and leadership development. Known for her unwavering commitment to the values of discipline, respect, and service, Ms. Melegrito plays a vital role in shaping the federation’s mission to preserve and promote traditional Taekwondo across the Philippines and beyond.
With a strong background in organizational management and program development, Ms. Melegrito has been instrumental in expanding GTTF Philippines’ initiatives — from nationwide instructor certification programs to student leadership workshops and international partnerships. Her leadership ensures that every project upholds the federation’s core philosophy: Taekwondo as a way of life, not just a sport.
A lifelong advocate of youth empowerment, Ms. Melegrito has worked closely with dojangs and instructors throughout the country to provide students with opportunities for personal growth, cultural exchange, and global recognition. Her strategic vision and compassionate leadership continue to inspire both practitioners and leaders within the Taekwondo community.
Vice President
ATTY WILLIE RIVERA
Atty. Willie Rivera serves as the Vice President of the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF) Philippines, bringing with him a wealth of leadership experience, integrity, and a deep commitment to the values that define traditional Taekwondo. As both a legal professional and a long-time advocate of martial arts, Atty. Rivera combines discipline, wisdom, and strategic insight to support the federation’s vision of uniting Taekwondo practitioners across the nation under one global standard of excellence.
A respected figure in both the legal and martial arts communities, Atty. Rivera has been instrumental in guiding the federation’s organizational direction — ensuring that every initiative upholds fairness, accountability, and professionalism. His background in law provides GTTF Philippines with a strong foundation in governance, helping establish clear policies and ethical standards that reflect the federation’s mission and values.
SECRETARY GENERAL
MR. CHRISTIAN ARDIENTE
Mr. Christian Ardiente serves as the Secretary General of the Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation (GTTF) Philippines, where he plays a key role in the coordination, communication, and execution of the federation’s national and international initiatives. Known for his strong organizational skills and deep dedication to the values of Taekwondo, Mr. Ardiente ensures that all operations run with precision, transparency, and unity - reflecting the discipline and harmony at the heart of the martial art.
With years of experience in administrative management and event coordination, Mr. Ardiente has been instrumental in streamlining GTTF Philippines’ internal systems and strengthening collaboration between instructors, schools, and members across the country. His attention to detail and commitment to excellence have made him a vital force in promoting efficiency and professionalism within the organization.
Global Network & Affiliations
GTTF Philippines is part of an international network of national federations under the GTTF umbrella - including member nations from Asia, Europe, North America, the Middle East, and Africa.
Our affiliations ensure that Filipino instructors and athletes are globally recognized and have access to international rankings, cross-training opportunities, and certification systems that meet world-class standards.
Affiliations Include:
Global Traditional Taekwondo Federation Headquarters (South Korea)
GTTF USA, GTTF Europe, GTTF Australia
Official collaboration with Global Taekwondo Festival (GTF 2026 and beyond)
Join the Movement
Be part of a federation that connects Filipino Taekwondo practitioners to the world. Whether you’re a student, instructor, or school owner, GTTF Philippines welcomes you to grow, lead, and inspire.
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