Sports
Ethiopia's First Taekwondo for the Blind Pilot Program
Launched the nation's first adaptive taekwondo program for blind and visually impaired youth, pioneering inclusive martial arts training in Ethiopia.
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Taekwondo for All
Building stronger bodies, sharper minds, and independent futures for blind children and youth.
Taekwondo for the Blind is a pioneering adaptive martial arts program designed for blind and visually impaired children and youth.
Built under Bright Minds Disability Empowerment Center, the program was created to solve a clear gap: the absence of structured physical training and empowerment opportunities for visually impaired youth.
Through consistent, guided training, participants develop balance and coordination, confidence and discipline, self-defense and leadership abilities.
But beyond skills, this program builds something deeper: belief, identity, and independence.
About the Program
Our Story
Taekwondo for the Blind was founded by Master Dagim Teklay to challenge one idea: that disability defines limitation.
There was no existing model. No system to follow. No infrastructure to support it.
So it was built from the ground up through direct work with visually impaired students, constant adaptation, and real-world experimentation.
What started as a small pilot has now become a recognized and growing model of inclusive sport.
Our Vision
A Future Without Limits
“To build a future where blind and visually impaired children across Ethiopia and eventually across Africa have access to structured martial arts training that develops strength, confidence, discipline, and leadership.”
Why Taekwondo
Transformative Benefits
Balance
Sharpens stability and body control through guided, repetitive practice
Confidence
Builds self-assurance through mastery of challenging physical skills
Coordination
Develops smooth, controlled movement and awareness of body position
Discipline
Instills focus, respect, and commitment to personal growth
Leadership
Develops leadership qualities through peer mentoring and demonstration
Self-defense
Provides practical skills for personal safety and empowerment
Our Approach
Adaptive Training System
Clear verbal instruction
Guided physical positioning
Partner-based learning
Audio-based orientation
Repetition-based structured movement
Program Activities
What We Do
Basic Taekwondo Training
Structured martial arts classes with certified adaptive instructors
Self-Defense Training
Practical self-defense techniques adapted for blind practitioners
Demonstrations & Public Showcases
Community performances showcasing student achievements and raising awareness
Success Stories
Impact in Action
Sports
Hanmadang Festival Participation
Our taekwondo students proudly participated in the prestigious Hanmadang Festival, showcasing their skills on an international stage.
Community
Mekelle Boarding School Water Project
Completed a vital water infrastructure project at Mekelle Boarding School, providing clean water access for students with disabilities.
Community
500+ Sanitation Pads Distributed
Distributed over 500 sanitation pads to girls with disabilities, addressing critical hygiene needs and promoting dignity.
Broader Impact
Impact Beyond Training
At Mekelle Boarding School for the Blind, students trained without access to clean water. Through this initiative and its network, that challenge was addressed, improving health, dignity, and training conditions.
Our Team
The People Behind the Movement
A multidisciplinary team of instructors, mentors, and advocates committed to inclusive empowerment through Taekwondo.
Dagim Teklay Alemayoh
Founder & Program Director
Founder & Program Director
Dagim Teklay Alemayoh
3rd Dan Black Belt · 17+ years of Taekwondo experience
Founder of the Taekwondo for the Blind Initiative and Executive Director of Bright Minds Disability Empowerment Center. He provides overall strategic leadership — program design, adaptive teaching methodology, direct student instruction, partnership coordination, and advocacy — overseeing both the technical and developmental direction of the initiative.
Technical Instruction Team
Instructor Fana Tesfay
Technical Instruction Team
Supports practical training sessions and adaptive instruction delivery, reinforcing technical consistency for every student.
Instructor Filmon Mehari
Technical Instruction Team
Assists with adaptive instruction and student supervision, ensuring safety throughout each training session.
Instructor Abel Hagos
Technical Instruction Team
Supports student development and helps prepare the team for public demonstrations and performances.
Instructor Zayda Gebremariam
Technical Instruction Team
Assists in training delivery and student supervision, reinforcing technical consistency and safety.
International Support & Mentorship
Grandmaster Kim Do-Jin
International Support & Mentorship
International Support & Mentorship
Grandmaster Kim Do-Jin
Government Dispatch Taekwondo Master, Kukkiwon · Korea / Ethiopia
Provided outstanding mentorship and humanitarian support over the past two years. He personally sponsored the participation of visually impaired students in the Ethiopian–Korean Hanmadang Festival 2025 and funded a groundwater well project that resolved long-standing clean-water challenges at Mekelle Boarding School for the Blind.
Global Master Henok Gebremariam
Mentor & Technical Advisor
Mentor & Technical Advisor
Global Master Henok Gebremariam
6th Dan Black Belt · Taekwondo Master · Washington, D.C., USA
A long-term supporter providing consistent mentorship, technical guidance, and strategic support. His commitment extends beyond athletic development to rebuilding Taekwondo infrastructure in the Tigray region and creating opportunities for underserved and visually impaired youth.
Rufael Gebremichael
Mentor & Institutional Advisor
Mentor & Institutional Advisor
Rufael Gebremichael
Former President, Tigray World Taekwondo Federation (2015–2023)
One of the earliest mentors and strongest supporters of the initiative, providing continuous motivation, strategic guidance, and institutional encouragement since its inception. His leadership helped transform the initiative from an idea into an emerging model for disability inclusion through martial arts.
Gallery
Photos & Videos
Our journey told story by story — tap any milestone to view its full album.
Partners
Supported By
The partners standing behind Taekwondo for the Blind.
Support the Program
Help Us Grow
This work is growing, but the need is greater. Join us in expanding access to adaptive martial arts for blind and visually impaired youth.
Join the Taekwondo for the Blind Movement
Partner with us to expand adaptive martial arts access for blind and visually impaired youth.