Sport, music, dance, emotions and technology came together at Rome’s Foro Italico to celebrate 60 years of Taekwondo in Italy and the conclusion of the Rome 2026 World Taekwondo Grand Prix. It was an unforgettable evening that not only told the story of a sport but also highlighted the values, people and emotions that make it so special.
To understand the significance of this anniversary, it is important to take a step back. Taekwondo is a martial art and combat sport that originated in Korea. Its roots date back more than 1,400 years, although the modern discipline was officially codified in 1955 by General Choi Hong-Hi together with other Korean masters. Its name comes from three Korean words: “Tae,” meaning to strike with the foot, “Kwon,” meaning fist, and “Do,” meaning way or discipline. Today, taekwondo is known around the world for its spectacular kicking techniques and for the values of respect, self-control and perseverance that it teaches.
Taekwondo arrived in Italy in 1966 thanks to Grand Master Park Sun Jae, who is considered the father of Italian taekwondo. Since then, the discipline has continued to grow, becoming one of the most popular Olympic sports in the country and leading Italian athletes to success on the international stage.
To celebrate this remarkable journey, the Italian Taekwondo Federation organized a special show entitled “The Way”, an emotional experience that combined Korean culture with Italian history. The evening opened with a captivating taekwondo showcase performed in traditional Korean costumes, paying tribute to the discipline’s origins and to the bond that still connects Italy and South Korea today.
From that moment on, the audience was taken on a journey through some of the most iconic decades of Italian history. Music, dance and artistic performances brought to life personalities and atmospheres that shaped entire generations. Walter Ricci portrayed the legendary Vittorio De Sica, while Karima paid tribute to the timeless elegance of Sophia Loren. Choreographer and dancer Giulia Boscolo celebrated the energy and charisma of Raffaella Carrà, while Alessandro Tomasi guided spectators into the 1990s with the famous song “Gli Anni.” The show also featured references to “Tarzan Boy,” the unforgettable atmosphere of the 1990 FIFA World Cup and the iconic anthem “Notti Magiche.”
One of the most moving moments of the evening came when sixty children dressed in white doboks recited the athletes’ oath to the notes of “La Cura,” performed live by EroCaddeo together with the young singers of the Milleunavoce Choir. It was a powerful and symbolic image representing the future of Italian taekwondo. Shortly afterward, Olympic champion Vito Dell’Aquila presented a special belt to young athlete Flavia Carandente, symbolizing the passing of the torch to the next generation.
The energy then reached new heights with the performance of the Demo and Ciao Team. Thirty-four freestyle athletes transformed the competition mats into a spectacular stage, delivering breathtaking acrobatic kicks, impressive jumps and perfectly synchronized routines. Dressed in the colors of the Italian flag, red and green, they showcased not only technical excellence but also the core values of taekwondo: unity, respect and responsibility.
What made the evening even more special was its ability to combine tradition and innovation. Through sporting demonstrations, artistic performances, creative staging and technology, the audience experienced a modern and engaging show that looked toward the future without forgetting its roots.
The grand finale left everyone looking up at the sky. Karima, accompanied by the Milleunavoce Choir, performed the Italian National Anthem a cappella, creating one of the most emotional moments of the celebration. Immediately afterward, 250 drones illuminated the sky above the Olympic Stadium, creating breathtaking images that retraced sixty years of taekwondo history in Italy. The aerial display highlighted the most important milestones of this incredible journey before forming the words “Taekwondo Olympic Sport” and the logo of the Italian Taekwondo Federation.
Sixty years after its arrival in Italy, taekwondo continues to be much more than a sport. It is a school of life that teaches discipline, respect and determination. And the celebration at the Foro Italico proved that its journey is far from over—the future has already begun.
EroCaddeo – Milleunavoce
Vito Dell’Aquila – Flavia Caradente – Milleunavoce
Karima – Milleunavoce
Drone Show
