ITF & WTF

1

There are 2 main international governing bodies for Taekwon-Do – The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) style which was founded by the late Grandmaster General Choi Hong Hi in 1966 and the partnership of the Kukkiwon and the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), founded in 1972 and 1973 respectively by the Korea Taekwondo Association. The World Taekwondo Federation is the organisation involved in the Olympics for Taekwondo.

Island Taekwon-Do Centre (ITC) practices the ITF-style of Taekwon-Do.

2

Patterns/Forms
ITF patterns are called 틀 tul while WTF forms are known as 품새 pumsae. These patterns/forms are a sequence of movements that demonstrates balance, power, and technique.

3

Sparring
WTF sparring style is more sport-oriented, meaning they focus more on points. ITF sparring style is more combat-oriented, meaning you are more focused on taking down the opponent. However, with that being said, ITF practices semi-contact sparring and not full contact.

4

Martial Arts Philosophy
ITF organisations recite the five Tenets of Taekwon-Do as well as the Student’s Oath and WTF organisations philosophy is based on the Hwarang tradition.