Can I take W.T.F and I.T.F tae kwon do simultaneously?

[koreantiger81]

hi...I've been an I.T.F tae kwon do stylist for the most part of my martial art life. I've just recently started W.T.F. Is it possible for me to do both, considering the differences in rules in sparring?

[spinninggumby]

You can decide to learn anything you like, just as you keep in mind that the rules/techniques, ideologies are different I don't see a problem.

 

On a side note, unfortunately some instructors or schools (esp. traditional ones) look down upon or do not like it if they know that you are learning from another school or another style (due to a pathetic superiority complex or due to tradition, one or the other). I do not know how ur ITF instructor would react if he found out u were taking WTF, but what he/she doesn't know won't hurt him, and it will only make you a more well-rounded person, as far as I can tell.

 

 

[Bretty101]

I've done both ITF and WTF, nearly 2 years of WTF and nearly 10years of ITF the thing you realise most is how narrow minded each style is of the other.

 

Making the transition from WTF to ITF you'll learn to punch and keep a nice high tight guard to stop you face getting punched.

 

ITF to WTF you'll learn you need to be more fitter, quicker and powerful.

 

Do them both it's great just respect your instructors and learn.

 

Bretty

[mastertae]

my 8th degree grandmaster was a member of both the ITF and the WTF so sure... ...my ninth degree also new both the ITF and WTF ruled but was only part of wtf

[MichiganTKD]

Nope. Unless your Instructor is some no-name that either organization could care less about, I feel it is not possible to practice WTF and ITF simultaneously. Why? Aside from the fact that they are antagonistic organizations, the technical approaches are different. Could you be a member of the Catholic and Protestant Churches at the same time? Absolutely not. Same here. No self respecting WTF or ITF Instructor with any credibility would allow his student to be a member of the other at the same time. Leaving one and joining the other are different. You would still have to relearn technique and form

 

Keep in mind, each organization also has a different approach to doing technique. If you try both at the same time, your body and motor skills cognition will get confused since you are forcing them to practice two different methods concurrently. The Instructor at the University near my school does this (claim WTF/ITF membership) but he is a jack-off anyway.

 

One of my students joined us from ITF, and he is still in the process of changing his technique over.

[Bretty101]

But unlike religion, with martial arts you can pick and choose the best bits and use what works best for you.

 

I've never found the politics an issue. I guess this all comes down to the instructors. I wouldn't say my instructors were "no-names" if your honest, open and respectfull I can't see the problem.

 

I always say to the (WTF) instructor I'm from an ITF background but want to develope a mean back kick, some super quick 45degree kicks and some footwork. These compliment rather then conflict my current style.

 

I steal the best bits from both ITF and WTF, there is a time and place for it all. I also use thai boxing and boxing and use it all as a 'freestyle' fighter. (I generally compete in ITF tournaments.)

 

I really wish I had the time to learn them both simultaneously!

 

Check out Hank meijers, I believe he started out in ITF then went onto become WTF world champion. What have you got to lose?

 

Bretty

[ninjanurse]

I agree bretty, religion and politics have no bearing on how many techniques you know . ITF & WTF can indeed compliment each other and we can all learn a thing or two from other styles too. Who here hasn't picked up a trick or two from an opponent of a different style! If you are looking at it strictly from a loyalty standpoint and your Master instructor has a problem with it then I guess you have a decision to make.

 

[Toast]

Everyone showers WTF w/ so many insults and blames...

 

But there is so much to learn from the 2 Federations, each has its strong points and weaknesses...and both promote TKD as an art just as much as a sport...

[MichiganTKD]

I will not disagree with the idea that you can take some bits from an opposing organization (i.e. if you are WTF, there are things from ITF, such as self defense you can learn). But as far as practicing both at the same time? No way. Each organization has a different approach. Not better or worse, but different. If you were in ITF and wanted to practice WTF-style free fighting, you would have to radically change your technique to adapt to new free fighting rules and the way they execute their kicks to accomodate the scoring system. How could you possibly practice ITF-style and do this at the same time? You are forcing your body and mind to practice two separate, not complimentary, methodologies.

 

I have a problem with students, notably Westerners, who feel the need to pick and choose techniques and styles as they see fit, like a buffet. I can't be a TKD student, I have to practice WTF and ITF, along with BJJ, aikido, tai chi, and kung fu because I want to be well rounded. Why can't you just pick one, be loyal to it, and stay with it?

[Spookey]

Michigan TKD,

 

In regards to your no name comment regarding training in both WTF and ITF... are you aware that many, many, WTF Grandmasters were ITF masters first ...Furthermore, ITF accepts Kukkiwon Certifications up to 4th Dan!

 

Now hows that for anti-propoganda!

 

TAEKWON!

 

Spookey