The Big Picture
The International
Pathway
How a club in Limuru can put Kenya on the World Taekwondo international calendar — and why it takes more than ambition.
An Honest Overview
World Taekwondo recognition is the gold standard for any open tournament. It means the event is on the international calendar, athletes earn ranking points by competing, and the event is subject to WT quality standards.
It is not a simple process. It cannot be applied for directly by a private academy. It requires the support of the national federation, a proven track record of event management, and meeting World Taekwondo's infrastructure requirements.
We are at the beginning of that process. We are clear about where we are on that path — and clear about where we are going.
Step by Step
How It Works
Charles Michael Sports Hub
Organiser meets the standard
To be considered for inclusion on the World Taekwondo calendar, the event organiser must demonstrate the ability to run a safe, well-managed, technically correct tournament under World Taekwondo rules. The Mount Kenya International Taekwondo Open Tournament is one step in building that capability.
Kenya Taekwondo Federation (KTF)
Application goes through the National Federation
World Taekwondo does not deal directly with individual clubs or academies. All applications for recognised events must be submitted by the national federation — in Kenya's case, the Kenya Taekwondo Federation (KTF). CMSH works with KTF as our host and support. KTF is the applicant and the registered body.
World Taekwondo
World Taekwondo reviews and grants recognition
WT reviews the application, which covers venue standards, event management capability, anti-doping procedures, safety, and officiating. Recognition is not guaranteed and is not automatically renewed — it must be earned each cycle.
CMSH + KTF + WT
The international open is hosted
If recognition is granted, the event — we call it the Charles Michael International Open at that point — becomes part of the World Taekwondo international calendar. Kenyan athletes and athletes from recognised nations can earn WT ranking points by competing here. This is the long-term goal.
Kenya's Moment
The Context
In December 2025, Nairobi hosted the first World Taekwondo Under-21 Championships — 452 athletes from 75 nations. Kenya showed the world it can host at the highest level.
Charles Michael Sports Hub is building on that moment. We are not claiming to be the next big thing. We are doing the work — class by class, tournament by tournament — to become it.
Read Our Story →A Note on Event Names
Our current flagship event is the Mount Kenya International Taekwondo Open Tournament. The word "International" describes the event's ambition and reach; it does not claim World Taekwondo recognition. Our long-term aspiration is to work with KTF toward a recognised event, and we will never use the word "World" or the abbreviation "WT" in an event name without formal authorisation.