The Two Styles of Taekwondo “Itf” and “Wtf”

Taekwondo is a martial art that originated in Korea and is now practiced all over the world. It is known for its powerful kicks and striking techniques, and is also an Olympic sport. However, there are two main organizations that govern the sport of taekwondo: the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). In this article, we will explore the differences between ITF and WTF taekwondo and discuss the key features of each organization.

The International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) was founded in 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi, who is considered the “father of taekwondo.” The ITF is based in Vienna, Austria and has over 100 member countries. The organization’s main focus is on traditional taekwondo, which places an emphasis on self-defense and the preservation of the art’s traditional values. The ITF’s taekwondo competitions include both sparring and forms (also known as poomsae) and typically use a smaller and lighter target area.

The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was founded in 1973, and is based in Seoul, South Korea. It is the governing body for taekwondo in the Olympics and has over 200 member countries. The WTF’s focus is on sport taekwondo and its competition rules reflect this, with the emphasis on sparring, using larger and heavier target area. The WTF has developed a point-scoring system for sparring which rewards techniques that land on the legal target areas.

The main difference between ITF and WTF taekwondo is their approach to the sport. ITF taekwondo is more traditional and focuses on self-defense and the preservation of the art’s traditional values. On the other hand, WTF taekwondo is more sport-oriented and focuses on competition and winning medals.

Both ITF and WTF taekwondo are legitimate forms of the martial art, and the choice between the two ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you are looking for a more traditional and self-defense focused approach, ITF taekwondo may be the better choice for you. However, if you are more interested in competing and winning medals, WTF taekwondo may be the better choice.

In conclusion, both ITF and WTF taekwondo have their own unique characteristics and both are legitimate forms of the martial art. It is important to research and understand the differences between the two organizations before choosing the right one for you.

We offer a Taekwondo course to school going kids at Finstock Evarsity College. We invite parents to enroll their children in our taekwondo course. Learn discipline, focus, and self-defense while having fun. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to build confidence and physical fitness.