There are two main Taekwondo organizations: ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) and WTF (World Taekwondo Federation). The majority of people practicing Taekwondo worldwide belong to the WTF, which is the largest and most influential organization. However, ITF is still a very popular choice for those looking for an authentic Taekwondo experience. In this article, we will take a closer look at the key differences between these two governing bodies. Which one do you choose? Read on to find out!
What is ITF?
ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) is a taekwondo organization founded on March 22, 1966 by Choi Hong Hi in Seoul, South Korea. ITF style taekwondo is characterized by its linearity, larger repertoire of kicks than the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) style, and greater focus on developing hand techniques for self-defense purposes. ITF taekwondo is practiced in over 170 countries and has over 30 member national federations. ITF-sanctioned tournaments are held throughout the year all over the world and are open to anyone regardless of their affiliation.
ITF taekwondo training can be conducted anywhere in the world as long as there is an ITF-certified instructor present. ITF taekwondo instructors must undergo a rigorous training and certification process in order to ensure that they are able to properly teach the ITF curriculum. The ITF taekwondo training program is divided into three levels: student, instructor, and master. Each level has different requirements that must be met in order to progress to the next level. ITF taekwondo instructors are required to have a minimum of 2nd-degree black belt rank in order to be certified.
What is WTF?
WTF is the World Taekwondo Federation, the international federation governing the sport of taekwondo. The WTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in South Korea. The WTF is responsible for promoting and developing taekwondo around the world, as well as setting the rules and regulations for international taekwondo competitions. WTF-sanctioned taekwondo competitions are held at the local, national, and international levels, including the Olympic Games. The WTF is also responsible for providing education and training for taekwondo athletes, coaches, and officials.
Difference between ITF and WTF
ITF and WTF are two different organizations that govern the sport of taekwondo. ITF was founded in 1966 and is headquartered in Vienna, Austria. WTF was founded in 1973 and is headquartered in Seoul, South Korea. ITF taekwondo focuses on self-defense and uses a larger variety of techniques, while WTF taekwondo emphasizes sport and competition. ITF practitioners wear red or blue belts, while WTF practitioners wear white belts. ITF also uses a different scoring system than WTF.
The main difference between ITF and WTF taekwondo is the focus of each organization. ITF taekwondo focuses on self-defense and uses a larger variety of techniques, while WTF taekwondo emphasizes sport and competition. ITF practitioners wear red or blue belts, while WTF practitioners wear white belts. ITF also uses a different scoring system than WTF. However, both organizations share the same core values of respect, honor, and discipline.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although the ITF and WTF are both excellent techniques for improving your fighting skills, they have different purposes. If you are looking to improve your offensive capabilities, then the ITF is a better choice. However, if you want to focus on defending yourself and avoiding attacks, the WTF is a better option. Whichever technique you choose to learn, make sure that you practice regularly and with a partner who can provide feedback.
