International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)

The International Taekwon-Do Federation, or ITF, is one of the two major styles of modern Taekwondo. It is the original, traditional style of the art, and it emphasizes self-defense, a powerful, linear fighting style, and a deep-rooted philosophy. While often seen as the more "old-school" style, it remains one of the largest and most influential martial arts organizations in the world.

The History and Founder

The ITF was founded on March 22, 1966, by the "Father of Taekwondo," General Choi Hong Hi. A decorated military officer, General Choi dedicated his life to creating a martial art that was both effective for self-defense and deeply philosophical. He combined the ancient Korean fighting arts of Taekkyon and Soo Bahk Do with the Okinawan martial art of Karate he learned while studying in Japan.

General Choi's vision was to create a truly global martial art, and he travelled the world to spread his teachings. His goal was to develop an art that was so comprehensive and so well-defined that it could be practiced anywhere in the world and still be exactly the same. He authored the multi-volume Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do, which remains the definitive text for ITF practitioners.

Core Philosophy

The philosophy of the ITF is based on five key tenets:

Courtesy: To be polite to one's opponent and show respect to all.
Integrity: To be honest and have a strong moral compass.
Perseverance: To have a relentless spirit and never give up.
Self-Control: To have the ability to manage your emotions and actions.
Indomitable Spirit: To have the courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of impossible odds.

These tenets are not just words; they are a way of life that is taught and practiced in every class. They are the foundation of the art and are considered more important than any physical technique.

Key Characteristics and Training

ITF Taekwondo has a distinctive look and feel. The training is characterized by:

Patterns (Tul): The ITF has 24 patterns, or Tul, which represent the art's techniques. These patterns are based on a powerful, linear movement with a "sine wave" motion, a signature of the ITF style. They are a library of movements, with each form named after a figure in Korean history.
Sparring: ITF sparring is a "semi-contact" style. While contact is allowed, the goal is to score a point with a clean, controlled technique, not to knock out the opponent. Punches to the face are permitted, which is a major difference from the WT style.
Hand Techniques: Unlike the WT style, ITF places a strong emphasis on hand techniques. Practitioners learn a wide variety of strikes, blocks, and hand strikes, making the art a comprehensive system for self-defense.
Power and Physics: General Choi's teachings were heavily influenced by physics. The style is designed to generate maximum power through the use of mass, speed, and reaction force. The training focuses on creating powerful, explosive movements from a relaxed state.

Modern Situation and Legacy

Today, the ITF continues to thrive around the world. While the organization has experienced some splits and political issues since its founding, the original style and philosophy of General Choi Hong Hi are kept alive by hundreds of federations and thousands of schools. ITF students are known for their strong foundational techniques, their discipline, and their unyielding spirit. It is an art that remains true to its traditional roots, offering a powerful path for physical and philosophical growth.

World Taekwondo (WT)

World Taekwondo, or WT, is the other major style of modern Taekwondo and is the style that gained global recognition through its inclusion in the Olympic Games. Formerly known as the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), it is often referred to as "Olympic-style" Taekwondo due to its focus on sport sparring and powerful, athletic kicks.

The History and Grandmaster

The WT was officially established on May 28, 1973, in Seoul, South Korea. The style is governed by the Kukkiwon, also known as the "World Taekwondo Headquarters" and the "National Academy of Taekwondo." While the WT is not directly linked to a single founding grandmaster in the way the ITF is to General Choi, its roots are in the Korean government's effort to unify all the original Kwans (schools) under a single, globally recognized system.

The WT's mission was to transform Taekwondo into a modern, legitimate sport that could be practiced and competed in on a global scale. This effort was a resounding success, culminating in Taekwondo's debut as a full medal sport at the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games.

Core Philosophy

The philosophy of WT Taekwondo, while sharing many of the same core values as its traditional counterparts, places a strong emphasis on sportsmanship and fair play. The goal is not just to be a good fighter, but to be a good athlete and a good person. The core tenets are often simplified and adapted to a modern sporting context, but they still emphasize the following principles:

Courtesy: To show respect to your master, fellow students, and competitors.
Integrity: To be honest in your practice and competition.
Perseverance: To have the mental fortitude to train hard and overcome challenges.
Self-Control: To maintain control of your emotions during competition.
An Indomitable Spirit: To have the courage to compete and never give up.

Key Characteristics and Training

WT Taekwondo is instantly recognizable for its unique look and high-flying kicks. The training is characterized by:

Forms (Poomsae): The WT has a specific set of forms, or Poomsae, that are taught at each belt level. Unlike ITF patterns, WT forms have a more fluid, circular motion and focus on a dynamic, flowing rhythm. Each Poomsae has a symbolic meaning and is taught to develop balance, power, and muscle memory.
Sparring (Gyeorugi): This is the heart of WT. It is a full-contact sport where athletes wear protective gear, including a chest protector (hogu), head guard, and various pads. The rules are designed to be safe for athletes, with points awarded for controlled kicks to the body and head. Punches are only allowed to the body and are not highly valued for scoring.
Kicks and Footwork: WT is famous for its dynamic and athletic kicks. The training heavily emphasizes agility, speed, and timing to execute powerful kicks to score points. The art's focus on kicking to the exclusion of complex hand techniques is a clear distinction from the ITF style.
Emphasis on Competition: WT is a sport-first art. While traditional aspects are still taught, the training is often geared toward preparing for competition. This includes drills focused on speed, timing, and point-scoring strategies.

Modern Situation and Legacy

WT Taekwondo is the most widely practiced style of Taekwondo in the world, with millions of practitioners across more than 200 countries. It is an art that has successfully transformed itself from a traditional martial art into a global sport. Its inclusion in the Olympics has given it unparalleled visibility and has inspired a new generation of martial artists. WT's legacy is a testament to its ability to adapt and evolve while maintaining a focus on discipline, respect, and the indomitable spirit of its practitioners.

Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF)

The Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF) is an international organization that was founded to preserve the traditional values of Taekwondo. It is a unique style that shares much of its DNA with the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) but has its own distinct philosophy and a set of additional patterns. It was born out of a desire for a more unified, non-political approach to the art.

The History and Founder

The GTF was founded in June 1990 by Grand Master Park Jung Tae, a highly respected figure and one of the original masters of the ITF. He was known for his incredible technical skills and his dedication to the art. Grand Master Park left the ITF due to political differences and a desire to create a new organization that was free from such issues.

His vision was to create a federation that focused entirely on the technical excellence and integrity of Taekwondo, fostering a family-like atmosphere among its members. He wanted to ensure that the art would be passed down to future generations in its truest form.

Core Philosophy

The GTF's philosophy is deeply rooted in the Five Tenets of Taekwondo, similar to the ITF. However, the GTF also places a strong emphasis on what Grand Master Park referred to as "the spirit of the art," which includes:

Humility: To be humble and compassionate.
Integrity: To be honest and have a strong moral compass.
Respect: To show respect to all.
Indomitable Spirit: To have the courage to stand up for what is right, even in the face of impossible odds.
Outstanding Technical Achievement: To constantly strive for perfection in one's skills.

The GTF's mission is to be a non-political organization, and this is a core part of its philosophy. Its members believe that the art should transcend political boundaries and be about personal growth and technical mastery.

Key Characteristics and Training

GTF Taekwondo is very similar to the traditional ITF style, but it has a few key differences that make it stand out.

Patterns (Tul): GTF practitioners learn all 24 of the traditional ITF patterns. However, Grand Master Park also created six additional patterns, which are unique to the GTF. These patterns, such as Jee-Sang, Dhan-Gooon, and Jee-Goo, were designed to improve fluidity and physical conditioning while also carrying their own symbolic meanings.
Technical Excellence: The GTF places a strong emphasis on the scientific principles of movement. Grand Master Park was a master of detail, and this is reflected in the GTF's focus on proper technique, body mechanics, and the generation of power through fluid, circular motions.
Self-Defense and Breaking: Like the traditional ITF style, GTF training includes a strong focus on practical self-defense techniques and power breaking, which is the breaking of boards and other objects to demonstrate force and technique.
Fluidity: Grand Master Park's teaching style emphasized a more fluid and continuous flow of movements. He believed that one movement should seamlessly become the next, creating a rhythmic and powerful style that looks beautiful in action.

Modern Situation and Legacy

The GTF continues to honor the legacy of its founder, Grand Master Park Jung Tae. While it may not be as large as the WT or ITF, it is a respected organization with schools around the world. It attracts practitioners who are drawn to its emphasis on technical perfection, traditional values, and its non-political stance. The GTF's legacy is a testament to one man's vision of a purer, more focused form of Taekwondo.

Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do is a traditional Korean martial art that is closely related to modern Taekwondo. While often grouped alongside Taekwondo, it maintains its own distinct identity, philosophy, and curriculum. The name itself translates to "The Way of the China Hand," a reference to the art's roots in Chinese and Japanese martial arts, blended with ancient Korean fighting forms.

The History and Founder

Tang Soo Do's history is inextricably linked to one man: Grandmaster Hwang Kee. After a period of intense martial arts study, including mastering the Korean art of Soo Bahk Do, Grandmaster Hwang Kee founded the Moo Duk Kwan (Institute of Martial Virtue) on November 9, 1945. It was one of the original Kwans, or martial arts schools, established in Korea after World War II.

While most Kwans eventually united under the single name of Taekwondo, Grandmaster Hwang Kee and his followers made the decision to maintain their traditional name and philosophy. They believed that by preserving the name Tang Soo Do and the original teachings, they could maintain the purity and integrity of the art as it was originally conceived. This decision is why Tang Soo Do exists today as a separate but related martial art.

Core Philosophy

The philosophy of Tang Soo Do is rooted in a focus on balance and character development. Practitioners strive to embody five core virtues, which are often symbolized in their training:

Courtesy and Respect: A deep reverence for others, masters, and the art itself.
Integrity: The courage to live an honest life.
Perseverance: The inner strength to endure difficult training and life challenges.
Self-Control: The ability to master one's emotions and reactions.
Indomitable Spirit: The courage to stand for what is right.

This focus on personal character and philosophical depth is what defines a true Tang Soo Do practitioner.

Key Characteristics and Training

Tang Soo Do is characterized by a balance of hard and soft movements, a deep reverence for tradition, and a focus on both physical technique and mental discipline.

Forms (Hyungs): Tang Soo Do uses forms called Hyungs. These forms are the backbone of the curriculum and are often a blend of Korean and Japanese-style patterns. They are taught to develop balance, power, and muscle memory. The forms are practiced slowly to start, focusing on precise breathing and proper technique, before being performed with speed and power.
Hand and Foot Techniques: Unlike the sport-focused WT style of Taekwondo, Tang Soo Do places an equal emphasis on hand and foot techniques. Its training includes a wide range of punches, blocks, open-hand strikes, and kicks. The kicks are powerful and dynamic, but the art does not prioritize them over hand strikes.
One-Step Sparring: This is a crucial part of Tang Soo Do training. It involves pre-arranged drills with a partner to practice self-defense applications, timing, and control. This helps students learn how to apply their techniques in a controlled, realistic setting.

Modern Situation and Legacy

Today, Tang Soo Do is practiced by thousands of students around the world. While it may not have the same global visibility as the Olympic-style Taekwondo, its schools and federations are a testament to the dedication of its practitioners to preserve the art's traditional values. Tang Soo Do's legacy is a reminder that the path to a martial arts black belt is not just about physical strength; it is also about developing character, mastering the self, and honoring the history of art.