DRAGON OPEN
12 SEPTEMBER 2026
ASSEN, THE NETHERLANDS
The early bird registration period runs from May 22 until July 12, 2026. Competitors and clubs can register for the tournament until September 3, 2026 via the official SportData registration system. We encourage all clubs and athletes to register early to secure their participation in this international event. All registrations and payments are processed via the SportData platform.
ABOUT THE DRAGON OPEN
Get ready for the 2nd 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 12, 2026, 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 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.
Stay updated via the website and register early to benefit from the early bird discount and secure your spot at Dragon Open 2026
TOURNAMENT DETAILS
Everything you need to know about the in one place.
Find all key information regarding the event date, location, competition categories, registration process and spectator access below.
WHEN
Saturday
September 12, 2026
WHERE
De Bonte Wever
Stadsbroek, 9405 BK Assen, NL
WHAT
ITF Taekwondo tounament with Patterns and Sparring
IMPORTANT DATES
Registration Opens:
We’ll announce the date soon – stay tuned on our website!
Early Bird Entry Closes:
We’ll announce the date soon – stay tuned on our website!
Entry Closes: We will announce the date soon – stay tuned on our website!
HOW TO ENTER
Entries are submitted collectively by club instructors or association head, on behalf of all competitors via the Sport-Data system.
Limited spots available – only 8 black belts per category, 2 per club can register!
SPECTATOR TICKETS
Entrance Fees
- General admission (13 years and older): €10,-
- Children(5–12 years): €5,-
- Children -5 years: € 0,-
Payments can be made via QR code or in cash at the entrance.
DRAGON OPEN 2025
Last year’s edition of the brought together top athletes, passionate supporters and world class Taekwon-Do in an unforgettable atmosphere. With competitors from multiple countries, spectacular sparring matches and outstanding patterns performances, the tournament proved to be one of the highlights on the international ITF calendar.
Experience the energy, passion and fighting spirit once again and take a look at our photo book for an impression of last year’s amazing event.
14
COUNTRIES
+ 300
COMPETITORS
+ 500
SPECTATORS
MEET THE PROMOTORS
Sahyun
Stephen Tapilatu
7th Degree Black Belt
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:
- 2 x ITF Taekwon-Do World Champion
- 2 x ITF European Champion
- 2 x King of Taekwon-Do
As well as ITF, he is a former K1, Kickboxing and MMA Fighter.
Sahyun Stephen is a professional Instructor and international coach.
His full time academy “TKD Groningen” are situated in his home town Groningen, The Netherlands.
Sayhun
Johann de Silva
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 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.
Sabum
Tim Kool
6th Degree Black Belt
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
Rory de Vries
6th Degree Black Belt
Sabum Rory de Vries is an ITF international umpire who began his umpire career at the 2012 World Cup in Brighton.
Since then, he has officiated at every European Championships, World Cup, and World Championships.
Sabum Rory is regarded with trust by top-level international athletesand with respect by national coaches for his fairness, consistency, clarity, and composure under pressure.
Now, he is the main umpire across this full tournament series: the Warrior Open, the Holland Cup, and the highly anticipated Dragon Open.
ROUTE DESCRIPTION
From Schiphol Airport (Amsterdam)
De De Bonte Wever is easily accessible from Schiphol Airport by both car and public transport.
By car
Travel via the A1 and A28 towards Assen. The journey takes approximately 2 hours depending on traffic conditions. Parking is available at the venue.
By train
Take a direct train from Schiphol Airport to Assen Station. From Assen Station, De Bonte Wever can be reached within approximately 10 minutes by taxi or public transport.
We wish all athletes, coaches and supporters a safe journey to the tournament .
