Ivory Coast: TIMD Training Empowers Forest Commandos for Nature Conservation

By FFWPU Ivory Coast

1. Event Details

• Event Name: Training of OIPR Forest Commandos in Unarmed Combat Techniques – “Sport and Conservation” Program
• Dates & Schedule:
  • Monday, October 5 to Sunday, October 11, 2026.
  • Session Hours: 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.
  • Official Closing: Sunday, October 11, 2026.
• Location: Ivory Coast, Abiéby, Adzopé Department, Mabi Sector.
• Host & Organizer: Ivorian Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation (FITMD), in collaboration with the NGO YVEO, under the “Sport and Conservation” program, for the benefit of new agents of the Ivorian Office of Parks and Reserves (OIPR).
• Main Theme: Utilizing unarmed defense techniques and the educational values of Tong-Il Moo-Do to enhance agent safety and protect Ivory Coast’s natural heritage.

2. Scale of Event & Participants

• Total Number of Participants: A total of 95 new OIPR agents were trained under the supervision of 10 commando instructors. On-site physical training took place at Abiéby.
• Dignitaries Present:
  • For the Ivorian Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation (FITMD):
    • Master Georges KOUAME KHASSY, President of the Federation
    • Mr. YESSO Célestin, National Technical Director
    • Mr. GUILAHOUX Franck Kevin, Secretary General of the Federation
  • For the Ivorian Office of Parks and Reserves (OIPR):
    • Dr. Colonel TOURE Joseph, Head of Training at OIPR, representing the Director General

Congratulatory Messages & Speeches

Opening Remarks – Master Georges KOUAME KHASSY, President of FITMD

On behalf of the Ivorian Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation, the President welcomed the new OIPR agents. He expressed his gratitude to the Director General of OIPR, represented by Dr. Colonel TOURE Joseph, as well as the NGO YVEO, for their trust in the federation. He highlighted that Tong-Il Moo-Do is built upon the unity of mind and body, self-control, and respect for life, encouraging agents to approach training with discipline and humility: “True strength is not that which destroys, but that which protects.”

Closing Remarks – Dr. Colonel TOURE Joseph, Representative of the Director General of OIPR

On behalf of the Director General of OIPR, Dr. Colonel TOURE Joseph congratulated the 95 agents for their dedication and commitment throughout the week. He commended the work of the 10 commando instructors and the FITMD technical team. He emphasized that the unarmed defense skills acquired would strengthen agent safety in the field while adhering to the necessary and proportionate use of force. Finally, he expressed his desire to see this partnership with FITMD and NGO YVEO continue for future graduating classes.

3. Key Activities & Event Overview

Summary of Activities

In Abiéby, Tong-Il Moo-Do puts martial education at the service of nature protectors. The training of new OIPR forest commandos combines physical conditioning, unarmed defense, and self-mastery. It forms part of their official integration cycle ahead of surveillance missions in national parks and natural reserves.

• Opening & Welcome: The 95 agents assembled around the Ivorian national flag facing the instructors, in the presence of FITMD leadership and the representative of the OIPR Director General. Following the Federation President’s opening remarks, the salute and supervisory guidelines established respect and discipline at the core of the learning process.
• Physical Preparation: Stretching exercises, group conditioning, and partner drills prepared participants for technical practice. These exercises aimed to build the endurance, coordination, and mutual trust required for fieldwork.
• Demonstrations & Practical Application: Instructors demonstrated self-defense, break-away techniques, restraint, and immobilization skills. Agents practiced under supervision to protect themselves against attacks or disarming attempts, as well as to assist colleagues or third parties.
• Education in Responsibility: FITMD linked every technique to composure, respect for human dignity, and the necessary and proportionate use of force. Emphasis was placed on dialogue and situational control to minimize injury risks. Group solidarity and unity accompanied this learning process.
• Reported Outcomes: The federation observed enhanced unarmed defense skills, coordination, concentration, and teamwork among the 95 trained agents. These improvements were noted qualitatively; no quantitative assessment scores were released. Photographs illustrated the drills and assemblies of agents alongside their instructors.
• Future Outlook: FITMD aims to institutionalize training for future cohorts, develop a standardized “Sport and Conservation” module, organize refresher courses, and expand the initiative to other OIPR sectors. The federation proposes a long-term partnership with NGO YVEO and OIPR, alongside tracking metrics for skills and agent safety. It also requests guidance from the World Tong-Il Moo-Do Federation to further expand this initiative.

Sessions took place daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM, October 5–11, 2026, under 10 commando instructors. The course was opened by the President of FITMD and closed by the representative of the OIPR Director General.

Key Field Highlight

The guiding principle of the training is to control rather than harm. The demonstrations and supervised drills seamlessly connected defense techniques with respect for life and the protection of others. This approach practically translates the core values of Tong-Il Moo-Do into public service and conservation efforts.