ITF England Congress 2026 - Official Statement - Resignation of ITF England President
- Mar 4
- 3 min read
During the ITF England Congress 2026, Master Lear formally stepped down from his position as President of ITF England.
Master Lear submitted a written letter of resignation addressed to all affiliated members, Grand Masters and Masters. In his letter, he outlines the reasons for his decision and provides context to ensure clarity and transparency across the organisation.
In the interest of openness and respect for our membership, the full letter is published below in its entirety. For record-keeping and accessibility, a downloadable PDF version is also available at the end of this post.
Resignation Letter from Master Lear
2nd March 2026
To: ITF England Affiliates, Grand Masters, Masters and members, It is with deep regret that I have tendered my resignation with immediate effect from my position as ITF England President.
I have always sought to be humble in my role as ITF England President and
have always prioritised actions that were in the best interests of ITF England.
When I took on this role my vision was to facilitate positive change, bring ITF England together as one, help to build an ITF England that our members would be proud to belong to and to leave ITF England in a stronger position than when I assumed the role.
I believe that I have achieved that vision as during my time as President significant achievements including the following have been recorded:
Bringing 5 affiliates together to compete, for the first time, as ITF
England Club in both individual and team competitions at the 9th
World Cup held in Argentina, and achieving 2nd in the overall country
classification.
Organising the 2025 National Championships and securing a new
agreement for affiliates to host the National Championships moving
forwards.
Negotiating a highly beneficial sponsorship deal with Bytomic/Top
Ten.
Creating the first ever Masters Summit, bringing together Masters
from all over England to train with the Grand Masters of ITF England.
Creating the first ITF England Umpire Committee.
Introducing the ITF England Selection process for the National Team.
Updating the ITF England Child and Adult Safeguarding Policies and
appointing a designated DSL.
Holding weekly meetings with the ITFE Secretary General, Treasurer
and Executive Committee and regular, at least monthly, meetings
with the entire Board and DSL.
Changing ITF England’s social media presence to make it more
relevant to members.
As you will be aware, all of the work that is carried out on behalf of ITF England, including by the Executive Committee, is voluntary. I would like to personally thank all of the ITF England volunteers for their dedication time and effort. However, without the sterling efforts of both the Secretary General and the acting Treasurer in particular, ITF England simply would not have functioned. I would, therefore, like to extend a special thank you to Mr Turner and Dr Brider for their incredible work ethic and delivery of an exemplary service to ITF England.
My reasons for resigning are a culmination of various unprecedented situations that have occurred in the last 12 months that have severely affected my health, my family and my business. Unfortunately, the congress was the final straw where it was clear the membership had no faith in my leadership. Therefore, I felt the right and appropriate action was to step down.
Moving forward, it has become clear that the way ITF England currently functions is not sustainable. We need to re-structure our organisation, move towards incorporation and engage the services of a CEO and administrative support. This will require investment & we must all work together to make this happen. At present members pay a membership subscription to their Affiliates but not to ITF England. It is highly unusual for a national sports governing body not to levy a membership fee directly on its members. Membership revenue is essential in order to support the changes that are required to future proof ITF England and enable its continued growth and sustainability. It will be for my successor to navigate the changes that are required and I wish them, the Board, the affiliates and members every success in the future.
Yours in Taekwon-Do,
Master Philip Lear VIII
A PDF copy of the letter can be downloaded below.
ITF England recognises Master Lear’s contribution and service during his time as President. His commitment has supported the continued development of ITF Taekwon-Do in England.
ITF England remains focused on stability, progression and serving its members at every level. Further updates regarding leadership arrangements will be communicated separately.
We thank Master Lear for his dedication and wish him well for the future.
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