Ivan Tzatchev

Grand Master Ivan Tzatchev is a 9th Dan Grand Master of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation and one of the federation’s most dedicated educators and ambassadors. Originally from Bulgaria and now residing in Tromsø, Norway, he has devoted nearly five decades to the teaching, development, and promotion of authentic Taekwon-Do, guided by a simple philosophy:

“Taekwon-Do for everyone.”

Originally trained as a professional musician, Grand Master Tzatchev discovered Taekwon-Do while studying in the United States during the late 1970s. Although he was immediately impressed by the dynamic techniques of the martial art, it was its philosophy that left the greatest impression. Watching an instructor teach both elite athletes and people with disabilities in the same dojang convinced him that Taekwon-Do should be accessible to everyone, regardless of age, ability, or background. That experience became the foundation of his life’s work.

After joining the Global Taekwon-Do Federation in its early years, Grand Master Tzatchev established Advanced Taekwondo Norway (ATN) in 1993. Built upon the principles taught by Grand Master Park Jung Tae, ATN has grown into a successful organization serving hundreds of students through multiple affiliated clubs in northern Norway. Its mission extends beyond developing skilled martial artists, emphasizing character, personal growth, and preparing future generations to meet life’s challenges with confidence and integrity.

Alongside his work as an instructor, Grand Master Tzatchev has built a distinguished academic and professional career. A university lecturer in sports management and martial arts, he has also educated instructors and coaches throughout Norway, sharing his expertise in coaching, pedagogy, organizational leadership, and martial arts instruction.

Throughout his career, Grand Master Tzatchev has become especially recognized for his commitment to Inclusive Taekwon-Do. His classes have welcomed students with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD, and other physical and intellectual disabilities, all training alongside students of every age and ability. Rather than lowering expectations, he adapts instruction to each individual’s abilities while encouraging every student to pursue continual improvement.

One of the most inspiring examples of this philosophy is Ahmed Nordin, who began training with Grand Master Tzatchev as a teenager with Down syndrome. Through years of dedicated training, Ahmed earned his black belt, becoming the first person with Down syndrome in Norway—and believed to be one of the first in Europe—to achieve this milestone in Taekwon-Do. He later represented Norway internationally, demonstrating that determination, patient instruction, and belief in the individual can overcome barriers once thought impossible.

Although many of his students have achieved success at national, European, and World Championships, Grand Master Tzatchev has often said that his greatest accomplishments are not measured by medals, but by helping people discover confidence, purpose, and belief in themselves.

His lifelong dedication has earned recognition both within and beyond the martial arts community. He has received the City of Tromsø’s Honorary Culture Award, was nominated among Norway’s leading coaches, and was awarded the Norwegian Sport Federation’s Golden Pin (Hederstegnet), one of the country’s highest sporting honours.

Promoted to 9th Dan Grand Master in the Global Taekwon-Do Federation, Grand Master Tzatchev currently serves as Under Secretary General, continuing to teach, conduct international seminars, mentor instructors, and promote the philosophy and legacy of Grand Master Park Jung Tae throughout the world.

Year	Milestone
1973	Left Bulgaria to pursue studies abroad.
Late 1970s	Discovered Taekwon-Do while studying in the United States.
1993	Founded Advanced Taekwondo Norway (ATN).
1996	Promoted to 4th Dan by GM Park Jung Tae during the seminar in Toronto.
1999	Promoted to 5th Dan by GM S.C. Lim.
2003	Promoted to 6th Dan by GM S.C. Lim.
2009	Promoted to 7th Dan Master, GTF.
2010	Awarded the Tromsø Honorary Culture Award.
2014	Nominated among Norway’s Top Coaches.
2016	Promoted to 8th Dan Senior Master, GTF.
2018	Awarded the Norwegian Sport Federation’s Golden Pin (Hederstegnet).
2018	Norway joined the International Inclusive Taekwon-Do Association (IITA).
2024	Promoted to 9th Dan Grand Master, GTF.
Present	Under Secretary General, Global Taekwon-Do Federation.

Building a More Inclusive Martial Art

For Grand Master Tzatchev, inclusion has never been a separate program—it has always been central to his understanding of Taekwon-Do.

For more than three decades he has welcomed students of all ages and abilities into his dojang, creating an environment where every individual is challenged according to their own potential. His classes include practitioners with Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, autism, ADHD, and other physical and intellectual disabilities, training alongside all other students as one Taekwon-Do family.

Rather than focusing on limitations, his teaching emphasizes possibility.

Through patience, consistency, and genuine belief in every student, Grand Master Tzatchev has demonstrated that Taekwon-Do can improve confidence, independence, coordination, physical health, and quality of life for people of every ability.

His work has become an inspiration to instructors around the world seeking to make martial arts more accessible while maintaining the highest technical standards.

The Impossible Can Become Possible

One afternoon, a mother arrived at the dojang with her teenage son, Ahmed.

Without hesitation she introduced him with a simple statement:

“This is my son Ahmed, and you are going to be his instructor.”

Ahmed had Down syndrome.

Although many believed he would never progress beyond the beginner grades, Grand Master Tzatchev accepted the challenge. He spent countless hours studying, consulting professionals, adapting training methods, and encouraging Ahmed through every obstacle.

Years later, Ahmed earned his black belt, becoming the first person with Down syndrome in Norway—and believed to be among the first in Europe—to achieve this milestone in Taekwon-Do.

He later represented Norway internationally, proving that determination, patience, and belief can accomplish what others once believed impossible.

Today Ahmed’s journey continues to inspire practitioners throughout the Global Taekwon-Do Federation and the International Inclusive Taekwon-Do Association.

“Taekwon-Do for everyone.”

“Believe in what you are doing, and you will succeed. The impossible can become possible.”

Grand Master Tzatchev believes that the true purpose of Taekwon-Do extends far beyond competition.

While championships are valuable, they are only one measure of success.

His life’s work has focused on helping people become healthier, stronger, more confident, and more compassionate. Through discipline, respect, perseverance, and continual self-improvement, he believes Taekwon-Do develops not only skilled martial artists but responsible citizens capable of making a positive contribution to society.

As he often reminds his students:

“We are not only building world champions, but generations of new people who will meet the challenges of the future.”

Over the course of his career, Grand Master Tzatchev has contributed to the international development of Taekwon-Do in numerous ways, including:

• Founder and President of Advanced Taekwondo Norway (ATN).
• Under Secretary General of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation.
• University lecturer in sports management and martial arts.
• International seminar instructor throughout Europe and beyond.
• Coach educator for the Norwegian martial arts community.
• Pioneer of Inclusive Taekwon-Do in Norway.
• Representative of the International Inclusive Taekwon-Do Association (IITA) in Norway.
• Mentor to national, European, and World Championship athletes.

• 9th Dan Grand Master – Global Taekwon-Do Federation.
• Under Secretary General – Global Taekwon-Do Federation.
• Honorary Culture Award – City of Tromsø (2010).
• Norwegian Sport Federation Golden Pin (Hederstegnet).
• Nominated among Norway’s Top Coaches.
• International Taekwondo Hall of Fame Inductee.
• Founder and President of Advanced Taekwondo Norway.

• Under Secretary General
• Member of the Executive Committee