About Us
Tigrai International Martial Art Combatant Sport Association (TIMACSA) is a non-profit, international sports organization dedicated to the development, promotion, and governance ofmartial arts and combat sports in Tigrai and across the global Tigraian community.
Rooted in the rich heritage, resilience, and discipline of the Tigrai people, we unite athletes, coaches, clubs, and federations under one platform to promote excellence in martial arts and combat sports such as Taekwondo, Wushu, Karate, Judo, Boxing, and other recognized disciplines.
Our association works to empower youth, strengthen communities, and represent Tigrai on the international sporting stage through structured training, competitions, education, and ethical leadership.
Vision
Our vision is to become a globally recognized martial arts and combat sports association that nurtures talent, preserves cultural identity, and builds strong, disciplined, and empowered generations.
We aspire to see Tigraian athletes competing and succeeding at the highest international levels while serving as role models for integrity, excellence, and unity.
Mission
Our mission is to develop world-class martial artists and combat sport athletes while promoting discipline, respect, health, and unity through sport.
We are committed to:
- Expanding access to martial arts training and education
- Supporting athletes, coaches, and officials at all levels
- Promoting peace, confidence, and personal development through sport
- Representing Tigrai in regional, continental, and international competitions
Values
Discipline & Excellence
We uphold high standards of training, professionalism, and continuous improvement.
Respect & Fair Play
We promote respect for athletes, coaches, officials, cultures, and opponents, both on and off the field.
Unity & Inclusion
We believe sport unites people beyond borders, backgrounds, and beliefs.
Empowerment
We use martial arts to build confidence, leadership, resilience, and life skills, especially among youth.
Integrity & Transparency
We operate with honesty, accountability, and ethical governance in all our activities.
Founded 2026
Leadership
Board Members
President
Global Master Henok Reda
Global Master Henok Reda is an internationally respected Taekwondo master, coach, and martial arts leader whose lifelong dedication to martial arts education, athlete development, and community empowerment has made a significant impact in both Africa and the United States.
With nearly two decades of experience in martial arts training and leadership, Master Henok has played an important role in promoting Taekwondo as a tool for discipline, leadership, and youth development.
He holds a 6th Dan Black Belt in Taekwondo, a 4th Dan Black Belt from Jidokwon, and a 1st Dan Black Belt in Kummooyeh (Gumdo). He is also a 3rd Class Global Licensed Taekwondo Master, a U.S. Masters Member, and a graduate of international instructor training programs in Korea.
Master Henok is the Founder and Head Instructor of Henok World Taekwondo Club, where he has trained athletes, instructors, and young martial artists while promoting the core values of Taekwondo: respect, perseverance, integrity, and indomitable spirit.
Throughout his career, he has served in several leadership roles, including President of the Tigray World Taekwondo Association and Board Member of the Ethiopia World Taekwondo Federation Dan Promotion Test Committee, where he helped evaluate and promote black belt candidates while strengthening technical standards in Taekwondo.
He also serves as the Country Representative for Sangrok World Taekwondo Academy – Ethiopia, supporting international cooperation and the global exchange of martial arts knowledge.
As a competitor, Master Henok has achieved success in international tournaments, winning multiple medals including Gold at the 13th AU Taekwondo Championship Princess Cup in Thailand and several Washington Governor’s Cup championships in the United States.
His contributions to martial arts development, youth empowerment, and community leadership have received international recognition and were featured by BBC Tigrinya, highlighting his work in promoting martial arts and supporting young athletes.
Through his leadership, teaching, and mentorship, Global Master Henok Reda continues to inspire the next generation of martial artists and contribute to the worldwide growth of Taekwondo.
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Distinguished Achievements
• Gold Medal – 13th AU Taekwondo Championship Princess Cup, Thailand (2017)
• Silver Medal – Australia Masters Cup (2018)
• Multiple Gold Medals – Washington Governor’s Cup Championships (USA)
• Gold Medal – Northwest Martial Arts Festival
• Medalist – U.S. Masters Cup (Sparring, Poomsae, Team Fighting)
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Legacy & Contribution
Global Master Henok Reda is recognized for his dedication to:
• Developing future Taekwondo athletes and instructors
• Promoting martial arts education and self-defense
• Strengthening international martial arts cooperation
• Empowering youth through discipline, leadership, and sport
His lifelong commitment to martial arts excellence continues to inspire students, instructors, and martial arts communities around the world.
Vice President
Commissioner Solomon Bereh
Commissioner Solomon Bereh, who resides in Fort McMurray, Alberta, Canada, has been appointed as the Ethiopian and Canadian Commissioner of the World Alliance of Boxing Associations (WABA). He is originally from the Tigray ethnic group of Ethiopia and is the Founder, Commissioner, and President of the Africa-Canada International Sports Association (ACISA).
Solomon is a former elite and star boxer who competed in both Ethiopia and Canada. He has made remarkable contributions to the development and promotion of boxing and sports across North America.
His appointment as WABA Commissioner comes as a result of WABA’S extensive global expansion efforts across all continents. Among his major responsibilities as a WABA Commissioner is the establishment of WABA’s African Headquarters Office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia-the diplomatic capital of Africa and home of the African Union (AU).
Solomon studied at Royal Mount University of Calgary, Alberta, Canada, where he earned a degree in Physical Education and Sport Recreation Management. He is a highly skilled sports professional who has successfully organized, promoted, and managed numerous boxing tournaments and sporting events in both Canada and Ethiopia.
In addition, the Africa-Canada International Sports Association (ACISA) has officially become an affiliate member of WABA. ACISA is an international sports organization that represents and supports African-Canadian diaspora communities through sports development initiatives.
Solomon is also a WABA Board Member and the Founder and Executive Director of Solo International Sports Association in Ethiopia.
On March 24, 2024, he organized Ethiopia’s first-ever professional boxing tournament at the historic Adwa Museum in Addis Ababa, The tournament featured participants from five African countries and marked a major milestone in Ethiopian boxing history.
Through his continuous efforts, Solomon is playing a significant role in promoting sports development, empowering youth, protecting them from substance abuse, and encouraging healthy, productive lifestyles. His dedication stands as a powerful example of leadership, commitment, and service to Ethiopian and African communities worldwide.
Technical Director
Sabom Adel Mohamed
Sabom Adel Mohammed Yassin is a distinguished martial arts leader, instructor, and coach who has made a significant contribution to the development of Taekwondo in Tigray, Ethiopia. As the Founder of International Taekwondo in Tigray, he has played a pioneering role in introducing and promoting the sport, creating opportunities for young people to engage in martial arts and benefit from its values of discipline, respect, perseverance, and self-confidence.
Throughout his career, Sabom Adel has been a dedicated advocate for the growth of Taekwondo and martial arts education. He has worked extensively to establish training programs, develop athletes, and support the advancement of coaching standards within the region. His leadership and commitment have helped lay the foundation for a strong and sustainable Taekwondo community in Tigray.
Sabom Adel holds a World Taekwondo (WT) 1st Dan Black Belt and is a Certified International Instructor Course (IIC) Graduate. He is also a Certified Taekwondo Instructor with extensive experience in coaching, athlete development, and martial arts education. Over the years, he has trained and mentored numerous practitioners, helping them develop both technical skills and strong personal character.
As the Technical Director of the Tigray International Martial Arts and Combative Sports Association (TIMASCA), Sabom Adel is responsible for overseeing technical standards, coaching development, training programs, and athlete progression. His expertise ensures that the association maintains high-quality instruction while fostering excellence in martial arts and combative sports.
Widely respected for his knowledge, leadership, and dedication, Sabom Adel continues to inspire athletes, coaches, and martial arts enthusiasts across Ethiopia. His vision and lifelong commitment to martial arts development remain central to TIMASCA’s mission of promoting sports excellence, youth empowerment, and international cooperation through martial arts.
Mr. Zeyede Tilahun
Mr. Zeyede Tilahun Desalegn is an experienced finance professional, administrator, and business leader with a long record of service in both public and private sectors.
He studied at Addis Ababa University, Commercial College, where he graduated in Banking and Finance. Following his graduation, he began his professional career as Chief Accountant at the Ethiopian Water Works Construction Authority (EWWCA). He also served in various capacities within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church and worked with JRP as a Regional Coordinator, contributing to community and organizational development initiatives.
After his public service roles, Mr. Zeyede transitioned into private enterprise and has successfully worked as a merchant in Mekelle for the past 34 years. Currently, he serves as the Technical Director of the Tigray International Martial Arts and Combative Sports Association, where he continues to contribute his leadership and organizational expertise.
With decades of experience across finance, administration, religious institutions, and business leadership, he brings valuable governance, strategic oversight, and community engagement skills to the board.
Competition & Events Director
Mr. Seife Minda
Seife Minda is a seasoned Athletics Representative and Sports Management Agent with extensive experience in the fitness and sports industry. Born and raised in Tigray, Ethiopia, Seife’s journey began with his involvement in a local troupe known as Circus Tigray. There, he cultivated his foundational skills and passion for physical training and performance. In addition to his circus background, Seife earned a black belt in Kung Fu from a local martial arts club in Mekelle, adding a strong martial arts discipline to his diverse skill set.
Over the years, he transitioned into personal training, spending over nine years working in gyms and helping individuals achieve their fitness goals. Today, as a certified international Athletics Representative and Soccer Agent, Seife manages athletes’ careers across the globe.
In recent years, he has been actively helping youth athletes from Ethiopia transition to opportunities in Europe and worldwide, guiding them through the complexities of international sports careers. He is also currently studying for the NASM Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) certification to further enhance his expertise.
World Athletics Certified Athlete Representative
Sports Management Worldwide Graduate
Martial Arts Black Belt Holder
Certified Fitness Trainer (Ethiopia & USA)
Youth Soccer Development Specialist
Master Ermiyas Tekulu
Ermiyas Teklu Atsbeha is a highly experienced martial arts professional, coach, and sports administrator with over 20 years of dedication to the development of martial arts in Ethiopia and internationally.
His martial arts journey began in the early 2000s under renowned masters in Taekwondo and Tong Il Moo Do. As a national athlete, he represented Ethiopia at the 2007 Tong Il Moo Do World Cup in Thailand and later led the Ethiopian team at the 2008 World Cup in South Korea, where the team earned a Bronze Medal and Trophy.
Ermiyas has held several leadership positions, including President of the Ethiopian Tong Il Moo Do Association (2009–2011) and Head Coach of the Jang Sung Tong Il Moo Do Club. He also established and led Gideon Taekwondo School–Ethiopia after gaining international experience in South Korea.
His contributions extend to serving as Assistant to the General Secretary of the Ethiopian World Taekwondo Federation (2022–2024) and Representative of the World Latardo Federation in Ethiopia (2023–2024). He has participated in and coordinated numerous international seminars, tournaments, and training programs across Africa, Asia, and Europe.
As a board member, Ermiyas brings extensive expertise in coaching, sports leadership, athlete development, and international relations, along with a strong commitment to character building and the advancement of martial arts communities.
Research, Development & Education Director
Dr. Mulay Gebretensay
Dr. Mulay Gebretensay is an accomplished sport science scholar, educator, and academic leader based in Mekelle, Tigray, Ethiopia. With a PhD in Exercise Physiology, he has dedicated his professional life to advancing the scientific understanding of human performance, physical fitness, and athletic development. His academic journey and career reflect a strong commitment to excellence in teaching, research, and institutional leadership.
With over 17 years of experience as a lecturer at Mekelle University, Dr. Mulay has significantly contributed to the education and mentorship of undergraduate and postgraduate students in sport science. His teaching focuses on exercise physiology, sports performance, and the scientific foundations of training and conditioning. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that prepare them for impactful careers in sports, health, and academia.
In addition to his teaching responsibilities, Dr. Mulay currently serves as the Academic Vice Dean of the Sport Science Academy at Mekelle University. In this leadership role, he supports academic planning, curriculum development, quality assurance, and strategic growth within the academy. His work helps strengthen the institution’s mission to promote research, innovation, and professional development in sport science.
Dr. Mulay continues to be driven by a vision of enhancing sports education and promoting evidence-based practice in Ethiopia and beyond. His dedication to academic leadership and student success reflects his belief in the transformative power of education and sport.
Mr. Rufail Tesfay
Rufael T. Gebremichael is a sports professional, researcher, and development practitioner currently serving as Research, Development and Education Director at the Tigrai International Martial Arts and Combative Sports Association. His work brings together technical expertise in martial arts, leadership, and research-driven program design.
He holds a First Dan black belt in World Taekwondo and a black belt in Wushu, reflecting a long-standing commitment to training, coaching, and education. Over time, his involvement in sport has expanded beyond practice and competition into governance, youth development, and international collaboration.
Rufael served for more than a decade as President of the Tigrai World Taekwondo Federation, where he helped build and strengthen the institution from the ground up. During this time, he led athlete development programs focused on discipline, leadership, and social inclusion, contributing to the growth of grassroots participation. He also worked to modernize the sport in the region by organizing regional and national competitions and introducing a digital scoring system at the local level, which had previously been limited to national use.
Alongside this, he has been actively involved in youth development work, including coordinating programs at the SIM Ethiopia Mekelle Youth Center (MYC). In this role, he worked with local and international partners to support community development and youth empowerment through sport (Mind-Body-Soul).
His professional strengths include project management, stakeholder engagement, and monitoring and evaluation. He has experience designing frameworks to track program performance and uses research and data to improve outcomes and guide strategies.
Rufael is known for his collaborative approach and his ability to build strong working relationships across different groups. His work is grounded in the idea that sport can be a practical tool for education, social development, and long-term community impact.
He holds a Master’s degree in Community Development and Leadership from Mekelle University, Ethiopia, and a Master of Science in Innovation, Human Development, and Sustainability from the University of Geneva, Switzerland.
Media & International Relations Director
Mr. Daniel Werkeliule
Mr.Daniel Workluel is a dedicated media professional, sports journalist, and community development practitioner with extensive experience in journalism, leadership, and sports administration.
He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) Degree in Journalism and Communication and a Master of Arts (MA) Degree in Community Development and Leadership. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a strong commitment to effective communication, community engagement, and the promotion of sports and youth development.
Currently, Daniel serves as a Sports Journalist and Head of the Sports Department at Dewt TV and Radio Station, where he leads sports coverage, content development, and public engagement initiatives. His expertise in media and communication has enabled him to build strong connections between sports organizations, communities, and the public.
Beyond his professional media career, Daniel has been actively involved in martial arts and fitness. He has a long-standing passion for bodybuilding and Wushu martial arts and previously served as a Committee Member and Vice President of the Ethiopian Wushu Martial Arts Federation from 2007 to 2010.
At present, he serves as the Media and International Relations Director of the Tigray International Martial Arts and Combative Sports Association, where he contributes to strengthening international partnerships, promoting martial arts development, and enhancing the organization’s public presence.
Daniel brings valuable expertise in leadership, communication, community development, sports management, and international relations, making him a respected and influential member of the board.
Health and Medical Director
Dr. Fasica Atsbehasilase
Dr. Fasika Amdeslasie Gebrekirkos is an Associate Professor of Surgery and a highly skilled Surgical Gastroenterologist and Minimal Access (Laparoscopic) Surgeon. He is a faculty member at Mekelle University, College of Health Sciences, where he contributes to medical education, surgical training, and clinical advancement.
In addition to his academic and clinical roles, Dr. Fasika serves as a Board Member in the health sector and holds the position of Medical Director for the Tigray International Martial Arts and Combative Sports organization, where he supports the integration of medical oversight in sports and athlete safety.
He brings extensive experience in surgical practice, medical leadership, and health system development, contributing valuable expertise to organizational governance and strategic direction.
Website & development Director
Sabom Kibreab Mengesha
Kibreab Mengesha is a technology professional and martial arts practitioner with extensive experience in both fields. He holds a Master’s Degree in Software Engineering and has worked as a software developer for over 2 years, gaining expertise in software development, problem solving, and modern technological solutions.
An accomplished martial artist, Kibreab is a World Taekwondo 2nd Dan Black Belt and has served as a Taekwondo coach for more than 3 years, demonstrating dedication, leadership, and a commitment to community development through sport.
Currently, he serves as Website & Development Director at the Tigray International Martial Arts and Combative Sports Association (TIMACSA), where he develops and manages the website and oversees social media platforms, driving digital growth and engagement for the organization.
Through his combined expertise in technology and martial arts, Kibreab provides visionary leadership that empowers youth, fosters community development, and promotes innovation, discipline, and personal growth. His work inspires the next generation to leverage technology and sports as tools for learning, leadership, and social impact.
Official Partner
The partnership between WFMAF and TIMACSA represents a strong commitment to advancing martial arts and combative sports under internationally recognized standards.
Through this official collaboration, TIMACSA operates in alignment with WFMAF’s global framework for training, certification, technical development, and competition. The partnership ensures quality instruction, standardized ranking systems, and opportunities for athletes, coaches, and officials to engage at both national and international levels.
Together, TIMACSA and WFMAF promote excellence, discipline, professionalism, and unity within the global martial arts community—strengthening athlete development pathways while fostering international cooperation and mutual respect across cultures.
Head Office
Address: Mekelle, Ethiopia
Phone: +1 (206) 503-5229
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee. The hands can’t hit what the eyes can’t see
Muhammad Ali
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Tigray International Martial Arts And Combative Sports Association