Types of Taekwondo

  • World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) - This style of taekwondo is the most common style, and it's known as the Olympic style. ...
  • International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) - This style is a traditional style of taekwondo that puts more emphasis on punching and less emphasis on kicking.

What is the difference between ITF and WTF Taekwondo?

Both of these styles of Taekwondo have their origins in Korean martial arts and are very similar but the focus of WTF is for sport and the focus for ITF is for self defence. WTF is the Taekwondo style used in the Olympics. Both WTF and ITF schools participate in tournaments but the rules for sparring vary.

Which is better ITF vs WTF?

Besides the obvious difference in spelling, with one being hyphenated, the answers usually boil down to the following: ITF (International Taekwon-do Federation) is more traditional and focused on self-defense; it allows punches to the face; and punches in its forms are thrown from further above the hip than in WTF.

Who is the father of Taekwondo?

Gen. Choi Hong Hi, widely acknowledged as the founder of tae kwon do, a martial art that began in Korea and spread rapidly to community centers and storefronts around the United States, died on June 15 in Pyongyang, North Korea. He was 83 and lived in Mississauga, Ontario, a suburb of Toronto.

How many Taekwondo forms are there?

The 24 patterns represent 24 hours, one day, or all my life. The name of the pattern, the number of movements, and the diagrammatic symbol of each pattern symbolizes either heroic figures in Korean history or instances relating to historical events."

39 related questions found

What are Taekwondo forms called?

The Korean terms hyeong, poomsae and teul are all used to refer to Taekwondo forms or "patterns." The word hyeong is often romanized as hyung - hyeong is the term usually used in Traditional Taekwondo.

What are Taekwondo patterns called?

Taekwondo patterns are also known as forms, teul, tul, poomse, poomsae, hyeong, hyung, etc. In Karate, this technique is known as kata. Taekwondo patterns are used to practice techniques (i.e. kicking combinations) as well as for improving strength & conditioning, balance, focus/concentration, etc.

Is Taekwondo Japanese or Chinese?

Taekwondo originated in Korea and has now spread around the world. The words tae, kwon, and do mean 'foot', 'fist', and 'way' respectively in Korean. The martial art puts emphasis on practitioners' foot movements.

How many belts are there in Taekwondo?

There are seven belts: white, yellow, orange, green, blue, brown and black. White is given to beginners and black is given to students who have progressed through the grades and have a solid foundation for learning the techniques of Tae Kwon Do.

Who founded WTF Taekwondo?

General Choi Hong-hi left for America and established I.T.F. (International Taekwondo Federation) Taekwondo, as a separate entity, two years later. Demonstrations were given all over the world. It took a while before real progress was made, but eventually, in 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation (W.T.F.) was founded.

What are the three types of taekwondo?

Types of Taekwondo

International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) - This style is a traditional style of taekwondo that puts more emphasis on punching and less emphasis on kicking. American Taekwondo Association (ATA) - As you can probably tell by its name, ATA is the most popular style of taekwondo in America.

What are the 5 rules of taekwondo?

Dragon Taekwondo has its own version of the five tenets:

  • Honesty.
  • Integrity.
  • Respect.
  • Perseverance.
  • Indomitable Spirit.

What does WTF taekwondo stand for?

The acronym “WTF,” which stands for “What the [fudge],” no longer has to compete with the World Taekwondo Federation for meaning, although really, it never did. After having used the acronym for 44 years, the organization declared Friday it will now be known simply as World Taekwondo.

What is the hardest martial art to get a black belt in?

Karate. Karate's many divisions have separate black belt requirements. The toughest may be Shodokan Karate, which requires around 75 memorized striking moves. It also calls for four different types of sparring sessions and a kata, a memorized sequence of techniques.

Is ITF North Korean?

International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) is an international taekwondo organization founded on March 22, 1966, by General Choi Hong Hi (Korean: 최홍희) in Seoul, South Korea. The ITF was founded to promote and encourage the growth of the Korean martial art of Taekwon-Do.

What is a taekwondo dojo called?

Dojang is a term used in Korean martial arts, such as Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do, Kuk Sool Won, and hapkido, that refers to a formal training hall. It is typically considered the formal gathering place for students of a martial art to conduct training, examinations and other related encounters.

What do you call a Taekwondo student?

A Taekwondo student is called Hak Saeng or Jeja (depending on the Taekwondo system). Moreover, a senior student is often called Sonbaenim and a Taekwondo instructor (master) is a Sabomnim.

What is black belt in Taekwondo?

In simple words, a black belt means you have mastered the fundamentals of Tae Kwon Do. You should be very proud of your accomplishment. Only a few ever manage to reach the level of black belt, and even fewer go on to become a “master” of Tae Kwon Do as an art. Children can achieve black belt status.

Can you get a black belt in one year?

A martial artist who trains in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu undergoes rigorous study. A black belt is extremely hard to achieve in this discipline. It is difficult to progress through the ranks; earning just a blue belt takes three to five years. A black belt may be earned in ten years.

What do you call a Taekwondo teacher?

Otherwise the korean terms we use to indicate the grades are : Boo Sabum - National Instructor (1st to 3rd dan) Sabum - International Instrucor (4th to 6th dan) Sahyun - Master (7th dan) Sanim Sahyun - Senior Master (8th dan) Sasung - Grand Master (9th dan)

Is Taekwondo or karate better?

If you're interested in learning more balanced, full-body moves, karate might be a better choice. For those interested in learning fast and more elaborate kicking moves, taekwondo is the better option. A good way to find out which martial arts style is best for you is to try taking beginner classes in both disciplines.

Is Taekwondo harder than karate?

So saying that Karate is harder than Taekwondo is maybe true for some people. But the other side may find Taekwondo to be harder simply as karate suits them better. But one thing is for sure, becoming a black belt in both of these arts is very, very hard.

Does Taekwondo do kata?

Kata is the Japanese word for form. However, Taekwondo is a Korean martial arts style and uses Korean words and terminology. The Korean word for form in Taekwondo is Poomsae. You may also find it spelled as Poomse or Pumsae.

What is the first Taekwondo pattern?

Chon-Ji is the first pattern taught to new ITF Taekwondo students. It is a beginner Taekwondo pattern that focuses on basic kicks, strikes and stances. Chon-Ji means literally the heaven and the earth. In the orient, it is interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history.

What is Chang Hon Taekwondo?

The International Chang-Hon Taekwon-do Federation (ICTF) is a not-for-profit organization which is dedicated to the practice and teachings of Taekwon-Do as they were originally developed and taught by the founder, General Choi Hong Hi.