ITF vs WTF

[matthewkemp]

I am 16 years old and have been studying ITF tkd for over 10 years with the TAGB and UKTF yet i am ashamed to say i am still unaware of the differences between ITF and WTF styles. and if any1 could give me some more info about the other styles such as chung moo kwan it would be appreciated.

Matthew Kemp, England

[Damian Mavis]

Quick version:

-different patterns
-different uniforms
-different rules for sparring (WTF does not punch to the head or face like ITF)
- different protective gear (WTF wears chest protector and flimsy shin foot protector and foam helmet whereas ITF wears relatively thick hand and feet foam protectors)

Damian Mavis
Honour TKD

[matthewkemp]

cheers mate
would i be correct in guessing honour TKD is ITF

[Damian Mavis]

Yes it is, you can check the website out if you like by clicking the www link.

Damian Mavis
Honour TKD

[fullcircle]

WTF: Crazy monthly dues, testing monthly and crazy testing fees.

[Damian Mavis]

Not all WTF schools are like that, but the ones that are have given TKD a bad name no matter what federation you're in.

Damian Mavis
Honour TKD

[fullcircle]

Every WTF school I've come across has been like that. And yes, they are the ones that give TKD a bad name.

[AaronC]

From my understanding the ITF has stronger kicks and do not focus so much on speed as the WTF does. The ITF also is a purer form of TKD considering the WTF was created by the Korean govt. when Choi moved to Canada. The WTF expanded to the United States while the ITF expanded to Europe and other parts of the world. I have never seen an ITF school in the U.S.

[Damian Mavis]

You never heard of the USTF? ITF has tons of schools in the U.S. Or rather, I should say they did.

Damian Mavis
Honour TKD

[ipscshooter]

I have never seen an ITF school in the U.S.

Aaron: The school where I take lessons is not an "ITF school", but my instructor teaches the ITF katas, etc. He is a 6th degree black belt under Grand Master Van Binh. GM Van Binh is the Chairman of the Masters' Promotion Committee of the ITF. GM Van Binh has been operating his school here in Houston, I believe, since the 1950's. I'm pretty sure his is an ITF school. There have to be many more, as I see ITF katas being performed at tournaments all the time.

[Spookey]

Dear Sir,
There are several ITF schools in the US what state are you in?
Furthermore, the ITf(s) are an organization which represents a style of TKD...Oh Do Kwan and the Ch'Ang Hon Tuls/Hyungs...there are several dojangs that are independent (of politics) that teach quality traditional hard line TKD...and remember even though WTF promotes sport there are still quality masters in the WTF. Many of whom were trained by Gen. Choi before they were forced to become WTF "spokes people"!

TAEKWON!

[MichiganTKD]

WTF vs. ITF

WTF Tae Kwon Do was not created by the Korean government. The KTA, the precursor to the WTF was created by the coming together of various kwan heads, Gen. Choi included. The KTA was sanctioned by the Korean government to foster unity among the different schools. After Gen. Choi was forced to leave Korea (for leading a team into North Korea), the WTF was formed as the main rival to the ITF by the kwans, with the support of the government (not by the government). It was felt that the main organization for Tae Kwon Do should remain in Korea. Gen. Choi's ITF, a private organization, was free to go wherever he did.
It is actually the Kukkiwon that issues Dan certificates, standardizes forms and techniques, holds and authorizes Dan testings, and promotes Korean Tae Kwon Do. The WTF is more responsible for tournament activities.

[Spookey]

Question?

Michigan TKD,

If the WTF is only an "arm" of the Kukkiwon...which was created first the Kukkiwon or the WTF?

Also, is the KTA not a government controlled organization?

TAEKWON!
Spookey

[MichiganTKD]

ITF vs. WTF

The WTF was created first. The Kukkiwon was built later to provide it with a headquarters that the whole TKD world could be proud of. The WTF was founded in 1973, and the Kukkiwon built later as a headquarters.

The KTA is a quasi-government organization, meaning it receives some government financing. The government is not active in KTA affairs, and if the KTA gets in trouble the government does not help.

It is comparable to the United States Post Office.

[Spookey]

WTF / Government ?

Michigan TKD,

An offense against the US Postal Service is a Federal Offense! That leaves to reason that the goverment DOES lend assistance to the US Postal Service...furthermore, it is government funded (ie emplyment, holidays, pay scale, benefits, retirement)!
On a simular note the position of President of the WTF has been filled since its inception by a government official, receives funds from the goverment!
Is it fair to say that you are a WTF/USTU member!

TAEKWON!
Spookey!