Tae Kwon Do ITF VS WTF

[alterego]

Hi

 

I am about to start to practice tae kwon do. I'd like some informations on the main differences between ITF or WTF. All i knew is that WTF uses kicks only (or mainly), but i went to check a WTF class and they were using pleny of punches as well.......so i am confused. any insights will be much appreciated.

 

Thanks

[John G]

Don’t be too concerned about what you have heard, as TKD clubs can vary from full on Olympic sports TKD through to full on martial arts TKD.

 

All I can suggest is that you make a list of what you want out of TKD and go down to the local WTF and ITF clubs and ask the instructor/s if they can meet your requirements. As long as you are polite I can’t see you having any problems.

 

Respectfully,

[Guy_Mendiola]

In my dojang we do ITF Tae Kwon Do like the forms and patterns of ITF but I am not sure on what the WTF forms and patterns are but I have a book on both ITF and WTF styles.

[Spookey]

Dear Interested Party,

 

The most important thing to remember is that each dojang (training hall) is run by the chief instructor! The WTF offers plenty of self defense in its cirriculum even though most dojangs emphasize sport training.

 

Secondly, the ITF, although focusing on the more traditional aspects, also has plenty of emphasis on competition (although different from Olympic Sparring) if you are interested.

 

The instructors physical and teaching ability coupled with your drive and willingness to advance are the two single biggest factors in the effectiveness of any art!

 

TAEKWON! (ITF)