ABOUT THE DRAGON OPEN
Get ready for the first edition of the Dragon Open — a premier ITF Taekwon-Do tournament organized by Stephen “The Dragon” Tapilatu, a true icon in the Taekwon-Do world.
On September 13, 2025, De Bonte Wever in Assen, the Netherlands, will host this high-level competition, bringing together talented athletes from around the world for an unforgettable event. With a focus on professionalism, top-tier organization, and strong competition, the Dragon Open is set to become a must-attend tournament on the ITF calendar.
Black belt competitors will compete in the Black Belt League, where a double-elimination system guarantees multiple matches, more rounds, more time on the tatami, and greater experience.
Register early to take advantage of the early bird discount and secure your place at the Dragon Open 2025!
WHEN
Saturday
September 13, 2025
WHAT
Events with Patterns
and Sparring
TOURNEMENT DETAILS
IMPORTANT DATES
Registration Opens:
May, 2025
Early Bird Entry Closes:
July 1st, 2025
Entry Closes:
August 31st, 2025
HOW TO ENTER
Entries are submitted collectively by club instructors/association head, on behalf of all competitors via the SportData system.
Limited spots available – only 5 black belts per category can register!
SPECTATOR TICKETS
Spectators will able to pre-book their spectator tickets in advance and collect at the venue.
MEET THE PROMOTERS
Stephen “The Dragon” Tapilatu is one of the legends of ITF Taekwon-Do.
There are very few who, to this day, can match his competitive record:
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2 x ITF Taekwon-Do World Champion
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2 x ITF European Champion
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2 x King of Taekwon-Do
As well as ITF, he is a former K1, Kickboxing and MMA Fighter.
Sabum Stephen is a professional Instructor, international coach and the current National Coach for The Netherlands. His full time academies “TKD Groningen” are situated in his home town of Groningen, The Netherlands.
Sahyun
Stephen Tapilatu
7th Degree Black Belt
Johann de Silva is the former Head Coach of the ITF England and currently the Wales Head Coach with considerable coaching experience at international level since 2006.
In 2019, he was promoted to ITF Master, 7th Degree Black Belt, by the ITF Technical Committee.
A former World Champion, he has conducted sparring seminars in Sri Lanka and India, and in February of 2018 he delivered sparring seminars in four cities in Argentina.
Sahyun Johann started his Taekwon-Do Association, De Silva Taekwon-Do, in 1998. He now has six academies all based in West London, England.
7th Degree Black Belt
Sayhun
Johann de Silva
Sabum Tim Kool is a two-time ITF Taekwon-Do World Champion and a former WKA Kickboxing World Champion. He is also the founder of Sportschool Tim Kool in Delft, the Netherlands — a renowned Taekwon-Do academy for training and competition.
Not only is Sabum Tim known for his former competitive career, he is also the head organizer of the highly successful ITF Taekwon-Do tournament, the Holland Cup. In addition, he co-organizes, alongside his friend and business partner, Sahyun Johann de Silva — another hugely popular ITF Taekwon-Do competition: The Warrior Open.
Sabum
Tim Kool
6th Degree Black Belt
Equipment requirements
To ensure safety, fairness and professionalism, all competitors at the Dragon Open must comply with the ITF equipment standards.
Sparring equipment
All participants must bring their own complete set of sparring equipment. For the black-belt competitors it is mandatory to bring blue and red equipment (including headguard). This will be checked prior to entering the ring.
Required items:
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Headguard
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Semi-contact gloves
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Semi-contact boots
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Mouth guard (transparent)
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Shin guards
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Groin guard (mandatory for male competitors)
Please ensure all equipment is clean, in good condition, and ITF-standard. Black-belt competitors without the required equipment will not be allowed to participate in sparring matches.
TRAVEL & ACCOMODATION
All participants are responsible for arranging their own travel and accommodation. Competitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult throughout the tournament.
Getting there
Most competitors travel to the Dragon Open by either flying or driving.
By air
Fly into Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, then take a regular train from Amsterdam Central Station to Assen. The venue, De Bonte Wever, is located just minutes from the train station.
Where to stay
We recommend booking your accommodation at the tournament venue:
De Bonte Wever, Assen
Website: www.debontewever.nl
This hotel offers the convenience of staying on-site with easy access to the competition areas.
Additional information
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Food and drinks: While there may be refreshments available at the venue, we strongly recommend bringing your own snacks, sandwiches, and water. Avoid items with sauces, as they can leak and stain your uniform.
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Spectator tickets: All spectators require a ticket.
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Parking: On-site parking is available at De Bonte Wever.