International ASAS Taekwon-Do Federation

**OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

The International ASAS Taekwon-Do Federation (IATF) is proud to officially announce the appointment of **Boosabum-nim Carolina Alicea, II Dan**, as the new **Director of Adaptive Taekwon-Do**.

Boosabum-nim Carolina Alicea brings together a unique combination of martial arts experience, educational training, and a deep commitment to serving individuals with diverse learning and developmental needs.

In addition to her rank as a 2nd Degree Black Belt in Taekwon-Do, she holds a Bachelor's Degree in Special Education and currently serves as a Special Education teacher in Puerto Rico, dedicating her professional career to helping students reach their full potential.

As Director of Adaptive Taekwon-Do, she will lead the development and implementation of inclusive programs designed to make Taekwon-Do accessible to individuals with different abilities and learning styles, promoting confidence, discipline, social development, physical activity, and personal growth in a supportive environment.

This appointment represents an important step in the continued growth of the IATF and reinforces our commitment to creating opportunities for every student to experience the life-changing benefits of Taekwon-Do.

Please join us in congratulating Boosabum-nim Carolina Alicea on this important leadership role.

**Congratulations and welcome to this new chapter of service within the IATF family.**

**ANUNCIO OFICIAL**

La International ASAS Taekwon-Do Federation (IATF) se complace en anunciar oficialmente el nombramiento de **Boosabum-nim Carolina Alicea, II Dan**, como la nueva **Directora de Taekwon-Do Adaptado** de nuestra organización.

Boosabum-nim Carolina Alicea reúne una valiosa combinación de experiencia marcial, preparación académica y un profundo compromiso con el servicio a personas con diversas necesidades educativas y de desarrollo.

Además de su rango de Segundo Dan en Taekwon-Do, posee un Bachillerato en Educación Especial y actualmente se desempeña como maestra de Educación Especial en Puerto Rico, dedicando su carrera profesional a ayudar a sus estudiantes a alcanzar su máximo potencial.

Como Directora de Taekwon-Do Adaptado, tendrá la responsabilidad de desarrollar e implementar programas inclusivos diseñados para hacer el Taekwon-Do accesible a personas con diferentes capacidades y estilos de aprendizaje, promoviendo la confianza, la disciplina, el desarrollo social, la actividad física y el crecimiento personal dentro de un ambiente seguro y de apoyo.

Este nombramiento representa un paso importante en el crecimiento continuo de la IATF y reafirma nuestro compromiso de crear oportunidades para que todos los estudiantes puedan experimentar los beneficios transformadores del Taekwon-Do.

Les invitamos a unirse a nosotros para felicitar a Boosabum-nim Carolina Alicea por esta importante responsabilidad.

**¡Felicidades y mucho éxito en esta nueva etapa de servicio dentro de la familia IATF!**

People often ask me whether I focus on sport or self-defense. My answer is simple: I believe true self-defense is not found in techniques alone, it is found in preparation.

At Team Elite Warriors IATF Taekwon-Do, we teach that self-defense is a combination of awareness, prevention, physical skill, mental resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure. Techniques have value, but they must be trained realistically and repeatedly to become functional when stress levels are high.

This is one reason why sparring, drills, and controlled resistance training are so important. They develop timing, distance, adaptability, confidence, and the ability to react against an opponent who is actively resisting. At the same time, traditional training through fundamental movements, patterns, and technical practice builds power, balance, coordination, discipline, and character.

For us, self-defense is not about winning a street fight. It is about avoiding danger whenever possible, creating an opportunity to escape when necessary, and having the skills and mindset to protect yourself and others if no other option remains.

The ultimate goal of martial arts is not to become more aggressive, it is to become more capable, more aware, and more responsible.

**OFFICIAL ANNOUNCEMENT**

The International ASAS Taekwon-Do Federation (IATF) is proud to announce the appointment of **Sabum-nim Matthew Alicea, IV Dan**, as our new **Director of Communications and Public Relations**.

Sabum-nim Matthew Alicea has dedicated his life to the martial arts, beginning his training at the age of four under the instruction of his father and mentor, Grandmaster Jesús M. Alicea. Throughout the years, he has distinguished himself as a multiple-time champion, instructor, school administrator, and martial arts business professional.

In addition to holding the rank of 4th Degree Black Belt in Taekwon-Do, he also holds Black Belt ranks in Hapkido and Premier Martial Arts (Karate and Krav Maga). His professional experience includes managing a Premier Martial Arts school in the United States and directing a Crouching Tigers program in Indianapolis, where he specialized in youth martial arts education and leadership development.

Sabum-nim Alicea brings extensive expertise in martial arts school administration, marketing, branding, student development, and organizational growth. As a member of the Martial Arts Business Association (MABA), he continues to stay at the forefront of industry best practices and professional school management.

In his new role, he will oversee the federation's public image, communications strategy, media relations, digital presence, and promotional initiatives as we continue expanding the reach and impact of the IATF worldwide.

Please join us in congratulating Sabum-nim Matthew Alicea on this important appointment.

**Congratulations and welcome to your new leadership role within the IATF family!**

**ANUNCIO OFICIAL**

La International ASAS Taekwon-Do Federation (IATF) se complace en anunciar el nombramiento de **Sabum-nim Matthew Alicea, IV Dan**, como nuevo **Director de Comunicaciones y Relaciones Públicas** de nuestra organización.

Sabum-nim Matthew Alicea ha dedicado su vida a las artes marciales desde los cuatro años de edad, entrenando bajo la dirección de su padre y maestro, el Grandmaster Jesús M. Alicea. A través de los años se ha destacado como competidor campeón en múltiples ocasiones, instructor, administrador de escuelas de artes marciales y profesional en el desarrollo de programas educativos.

Además de su rango de 4to Dan en Taekwon-Do, posee grados de cinturón negro en Hapkido y Premier Martial Arts (Karate y Krav Maga). Su experiencia profesional incluye la dirección de una escuela de Premier Martial Arts en los Estados Unidos y la administración de un programa Crouching Tigers en Indianapolis, especializado en la enseñanza y formación de niños.

Sabum-nim Alicea aporta una sólida preparación en administración, mercadeo, desarrollo organizacional, retención de estudiantes y promoción de escuelas profesionales de artes marciales. Como miembro de la Martial Arts Business Association (MABA), se mantiene actualizado en las mejores prácticas de liderazgo y gestión dentro de la industria de las artes marciales.

En su nueva función será responsable de fortalecer la imagen pública de la federación, coordinar las comunicaciones oficiales, desarrollar estrategias de relaciones públicas, supervisar iniciativas promocionales y apoyar el crecimiento continuo de la IATF a nivel internacional.

Les invitamos a unirse a nosotros para felicitar a Sabum-nim Matthew Alicea por este importante nombramiento.

**¡Felicidades y mucho éxito en esta nueva responsabilidad al servicio de la familia IATF!**

Yesterday, dedication, discipline, and perseverance were on full display at the color belt promotion test held at Team Wolf Academy in Arecibo. Under the leadership and evaluation of Master Mario Crespo, head instructor of the academy, alongside Master Richard Santiago, every student demonstrated the true spirit of Taekwon-Do with determination, respect, and excellence.

The International ASAS Taekwon-Do Federation proudly congratulates all participants for successfully completing their examinations and taking another important step in their martial arts journey. Your hard work, courage, and commitment continue to honor the values of our art and inspire the future of Taekwon-Do.

Keep moving forward. Every belt earned represents not only technical growth, but also stronger character, leadership, and indomitable spirit.

Congratulations to all students, instructors, and families who made this event a success! 🥋🔥