This project is the result of two people whose very different life paths led them to a shared understanding of sport — and especially ITF Taekwon‑Do — as a unifying force and an important social anchor for those who need support, particularly in challenging times.
We see our initiative as a local response to global issues: increasing social fragmentation, growing isolation, and the gradual disappearance of safe spaces where people can develop, find like‑minded individuals, and feel part of a living community.
Our goal is to create an environment that supports inner growth, strengthens social connections, and helps individuals find their place in society. We aim to support those who are especially vulnerable and to contribute to their integration into a broader, open, and supportive community.
Iurii Golovin
Iurii Golovin, VI Dan ITF
Iurii is the co‑founder of the project, responsible for the sports and administrative aspects, and the head coach of the Ukrainian‑German ITF Taekwon‑Do club “Parus”.
He is an ITF Taekwon‑Do Instructor (Sabum‑nim, 사범님) with an international coaching license, a professional jazz trumpeter and showman, and has 35 years of coaching experience. Iurii is a Master of Sports of Ukraine, a 6th Dan ITF holder, the 2013 European Champion (Bled, Slovenia), the long‑time head coach of the Dnipropetrovsk regional team, and one of the coaches of the Ukrainian national team.
Since 2022, Iurii has served as the head coach and a member of the coaching staff of the German national team within the Original ITF system, as well as the Representative of the International Original Taekwon‑Do Federation (ITF) for North Rhine‑Westphalia. Among his students are medalists of European and World Championships. Like many Ukrainians, Iurii became a refugee in Germany in 2022 after Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine. Despite the significant efforts of the German government to support and integrate refugees, the stress of forced relocation, personal tragedies, cultural differences, and the language barrier created extremely difficult conditions — especially for children.
To support his compatriots, Iurii independently founded two sports clubs that initially operated entirely on a volunteer basis. Their purpose was to create a social “anchor” and a place where Ukrainian refugees could come together. The initiative quickly proved its value: training sessions helped both children and adults cope with the stress caused by war and forced emigration. Even after a severe spinal injury in 2024, which left him unable to walk for several months, Iurii continued to lead the clubs. The benefit they brought to refugee children was too clear and too important to stop. This is a vivid expression of one of the core principles of ITF Taekwon‑Do: indomitable spirit.
These are the qualities Iurii cultivates in his students, helping them prepare for the challenges of life in a new country and a new culture. All his initiatives are a direct embodiment of the philosophy of Hongik Ingan.
Pavel Tyan
Pavel is the co‑founder of the project, responsible for the cultural and administrative aspects and serving as an assistant instructor in ITF Taekwon‑Do.
He is a medical doctor working in oncology research, a hobby musician, and a student of martial arts. As an ethnic Korean, he devotes significant attention to studying his family’s Korean heritage, culture, and traditions.
In addition to practicing ITF Taekwon‑Do as a sport, Pavel sees it as a kind of gateway into the history and culture of Korea. A part of this worldview is the philosophy of Hongik Ingan — the idea of serving society and living “for the benefit of all people.”
The principles of Hongik Ingan naturally resonate with Pavel’s medical and scientific work, as well as with his volunteer support for Ukrainian refugees, which he has been engaged in since the beginning of Russia’s military aggression against Ukraine.
Together for a stronger community
Pavel and Iurii share the conviction that martial arts, culture, and human connection create a solid foundation for both personal and collective growth.
Iurii, for example, successfully carried out integration work through sports with the Taekwon-Do WT club, which was very positively received by all participants and the club leadership:
Over 90 German and Ukrainian children and youth, along with their parents, came together for a day of shared sports and cultural exchange at TG Neuss. Led by Iurii Golovin and Levent Büyüktunca, the event emphasized lived integration through the joy of movement and mutual understanding.” — TG Neuss, 20. Mai 2023 ([Link zum Artikel])
Levent Büyüktunca (Taekwon-Do WT) und Iurii Golovin (Taekwon-Do ITF)
Taekwon-Do WT und Taekwon-Do ITF Teams
Through this project, they aim to pass on these values and support people on their individual paths.
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