Table of contents
• Introduction
• WTF Taekwondo
• ITF Taekwondo
• Differences between WTF and ITF
• Similarities between WTF and ITF
• Which Style to Choose?
• Conclusion
Introduction
Taekwondo is a martial art known for its quick and powerful kicks, as well as its emphasis on discipline and mental focus. Its origins can be traced back to Korea, where it has been continually practiced for centuries. Taekwondo has evolved over time, and today there are two main styles: World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) and International Taekwondo Federation (ITF).
The WTF was founded in 1973 and is recognized as the official Taekwondo governing body by the International Olympic Committee. It focuses on sparring and competition, and its techniques are often flashy and acrobatic. The ITF, on the other hand, was founded in 1966 and emphasizes practical self-defense techniques. Its forms are more linear and traditional.
Both styles have their own ranking systems, uniforms, and philosophy, but they also share many similarities. They both value etiquette and discipline, and their basic techniques are largely the same. Ultimately, choosing a style will depend on your goals, physical abilities, and personal preferences.
Whether you choose WTF or ITF, Taekwondo offers a challenging and rewarding path towards physical fitness and personal growth.
WTF Taekwondo
Introduction:
Taekwondo is a martial art that originated in Korea and has since spread across the world. It is a dynamic and powerful sport, with two main styles: WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) and ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation).
Brief history of WTF:
WTF Taekwondo was developed in the 1950s and 60s by the Korean government as a way to promote a unified style of taekwondo. In 1973, the first World Taekwondo Championships were held, and the WTF was officially established in 1975.
WTF forms and techniques:
WTF Taekwondo emphasizes fast and agile kicking techniques, with a focus on sparring. Forms, or poomsae, are standardized sequences of movements used for training and competition. WTF forms are fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong emphasis on acrobatics and athleticism.
WTF ranking system:
WTF Taekwondo uses a colored belt system to indicate a student’s rank and level of mastery. Students must pass tests at each level to advance to the next one, with tests including both technical skills and sparring ability.
Overall, WTF style is known for its flashy kicks, fast-paced sparring, and emphasis on athleticism and acrobatics.
ITF Taekwondo
ITF Taekwondo, also known as Chang Hon-style, was founded by General Choi Hong Hi in 1966. It was developed as an alternative to the traditional style of Taekwondo and aimed to incorporate more aspects of traditional martial arts.
ITF forms and techniques include a focus on strong, powerful movements, with an emphasis on kicks, strikes, and blocks. It is also known for its use of patterned forms or “Tul,” which are pre-arranged sequences of movements used for practicing techniques and improving overall physical fitness.
The ITF ranking system starts with white belt and progresses through ten different levels, with black belt being the highest achievable rank. Unlike the WTF, the ITF emphasizes the importance of self-defense techniques and incorporates them into their testing and ranking systems.
In terms of philosophy, ITF Taekwondo also emphasizes the value of discipline, respect, and self-control, but places less emphasis on sport competition compared to the WTF.
Overall, ITF Taekwondo offers a unique take on the traditional Taekwondo style and is a great option for those looking to improve their technique and abilities in a more traditional martial arts setting. However, it’s important to weigh the pros and cons of both WTF and ITF and choose the style that aligns with your personal goals and preferences.
Differences between WTF and ITF
Are you confused about which style of Taekwondo to choose? Well, you’re not alone. With two prominent styles, WTF and ITF, it can be challenging to pick one. In this blog, we’ll analyze the differences between these two styles – so, let’s dive in!
Sparring Rules:
WTF sparring allows punches to the body and head, while ITF sparring prohibits punches to the head. Also, ITF uses more hand techniques and allows more contact, whereas WTF is more focused on kicks and lighter contact.
Patterns/Forms:
Both styles have different patterns/forms that are specific to their practice. However, ITF patterns are more complex, with more hand techniques and different stances. In contrast, WTF forms are more visually appealing with more spectacular kicks.
Uniforms:
WTF and ITF have different color styles for their uniforms, with the color of the belt representing the level of expertise. However, ITF has a more traditional and straightforward uniform, while WTF has a more modern, tighter-fitted uniform.
Ranking System:
Both WTF and ITF have a color belt and black belt system to recognize an individual’s progress in Taekwondo. In ITF, there are ten color belts before the black belt, while WTF has more color belts, ranging from white to red.
Philosophy:
ITF emphasizes the five tenets – courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit – and the principles of power, speed, balance, breath control, and visualization. In contrast, WTF highlights the principles of respect, courtesy, perseverance, self-control, and integrity.
With these differences in mind, you may be wondering which style to choose. However, it’s essential to consider what you want to achieve through Taekwondo. If you want to focus on self-defense techniques and striking, ITF might be your choice. But if you’re looking more towards Olympic-style sparring and precise forms execution, WTF is the right choice.
Finally, don’t forget to consider your strengths and weaknesses. If you prefer kicks over hand techniques, WTF is the way to go. But if you’re not that flexible and prefer hand techniques, then ITF is for you.
In conclusion, both WTF and ITF have their unique features and benefits. It’s up to you to decide what’s best for you based on your goals, abilities, and preferences. So, go ahead and make that choice and begin your journey towards becoming a Taekwondo expert!
Similarities between WTF and ITF
Both WTF and ITF Taekwondo styles have their differences, but they also share some commonalities. For instance, they both originated in Korea and are based on the same fundamental techniques. Both styles adhere to the values of etiquette and discipline and place a high value on the mental and physical development of the practitioner.
In terms of basic techniques, the punches, kicks, and strikes are very similar. It is the methods of executing these techniques which varies slightly. Etiquette and discipline are also valued in both styles, and practitioners should show respect to their instructors, opponents, and training partners while adhering to the codes of conduct.
Both WTF and ITF styles place a lot of importance on forms or patterns, which are pre-arranged sequences of techniques used to simulate real-life combat scenarios. While the two styles differ in their forms’ composition and execution, both forms offer practitioners a way to hone their technique, gain cardiovascular fitness and develop mental discipline.
Overall, while WTF and ITF Taekwondo styles differ in many ways, they share many fundamental similarities. Anyone interested in beginning a Taekwondo journey should research both styles and make an informed choice as to which style will best suit their goals and needs.
Which Style to Choose?
When it comes to choosing between WTF and ITF, there are several factors to consider. Firstly, consider your goals. Are you looking to compete in tournaments and earn recognition for your skills? If so, WTF might be the way to go due to its well-established competitive scene. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in self-defense and practical application, ITF might suit you better with its emphasis on realistic combat scenarios.
Your physical abilities should also be taken into account. If you have a history of joint or flexibility issues, the less rigorous patterns/forms in ITF may be more suitable. However, if you’re someone who enjoys high-intensity workouts and has a good range of motion, the fast-paced sparring and more complex forms in WTF might be more enjoyable.
Finally, preferences play a key role. If you’re drawn to the more traditional aspects of martial arts and appreciate strict adherence to etiquette and discipline, ITF might be a good match. If you prefer a more modern approach with a greater focus on athleticism and speed, you might find more enjoyment in WTF.
It’s important to note that there is no right or wrong choice – it ultimately comes down to what style resonates with you the most. Consider trying out both styles before making a decision, and don’t be afraid to switch it up if your interests or goals change over time.
Conclusion
After analyzing the differences and similarities between WTF and ITF Taekwondo, it’s clear that both styles have their unique advantages and appeal to different individuals based on their goals, abilities, and preferences. Ultimately, the choice between WTF and ITF comes down to what the practitioner wants to achieve from the art. Whether it’s to compete professionally or to focus on self-defense, both styles have their strengths and weaknesses. Each practitioner’s journey is unique, and the decision to choose a particular style should be based on personal motives. In summary, both WTF and ITF Taekwondo can deliver an empowering experience, and the choice of style shouldn’t be taken lightly.
