A Overview Of WTF Vs ITF Taekwondo
A Overview Of WTF Vs ITF Taekwondo
by Jason Arnold
When doing a comparison of WTF vs ITF Taekwondo, it will be important that an individual bear in mind what their goal for training in this martial art is. Although the differences may seem subtle between the two organizations, they are important differences that will lead the student down different paths as an athlete or an individual who develops the confidence to protect themselves when confronted by an aggressor.
WTF Taekwondo was recognized as an official Olympic Sport in 2000 after giving a demonstration of the art in 1988. This highlights one of the main differences when comparing the two organizations. WTF is a full-contact Olympic sport, while ITF taekwondo is a semi-contact martial art. Both organizations teach the 24 patterns that are used in traditional Taekwondo, however the focus on training differs and emphasis is placed in different areas. Therefore, determining which organization will best meet your individual needs will require that you so some research on each of these groups.
A person who is interested in learning self-defense and is not planning on competing in the “sport” of Taekwondo may find the ITF taekwondo will be a better match for their needs. This group trains participants to use hand techniques as well as their legs in sparring. No protective gear is worn and execution of techniques tend to be a little lower, relying on sine waves which make it look more like Karate. There is less emphasis on the sport of Taekwondo and more on theory with sparring consisting of controlled kicks and an attack-block-counter attack method of sparring.
WTF Taekwondo is a full-contact sport. Individuals are trained to use a wide range of kicks that are very powerful and vary from the traditional kicks used in ITF taekwondo. Among the many kicks used are 360 half turn, bada chagi (counter round house kick), ahp bal chagi (front leg kick) and more. The technique taught is an attack-counter attack method of sparring that limits an individuals ability to block effectively. Students are taught to keep the arms lowered and keep the body relaxed so that kicks are powerful and more accelerated. There is less emphasis on hand techniques in this school of training.
Sparring differences can make it hard for a student from an ITF taekwondo school
to participate effectively against a student of a WTF school. This is due primarily to the different emphasis on training. WTF focuses on power, strength, and speed incorporating several variations of the traditional Taekwondo pattern. Another notable different in sparring are that the ITF allows kicks and hits to the face, groin and all legal parts of the body, while the WTF combatants are not allowed to use hand techniques on the face, grapple, or hit below the waist.
In order to qualify for the Olympic Team a student must develop their skills through the WTF organization. A person with ITF training alone will find that the techniques they have developed will place them at a disadvantage both in style and speed of sparring when applied to the “sport” of Taekwondo. Most schools have separate classes for students that want to develop the skills necessary for Olympic qualification.
Based almost entirely on Japanese principles, techniques and concepts, ITF Tae Kwon Do adheres to four core training methods. Patterns (Poomse or Hyung), breaking (Kyukpa, Sparring (Kyorugi), and self-defense (Hoshinsul) are emphasized with equal importance. The WTF follows Chinese philosophies including Palgwe, Yudanjo and Taeguk theories, concepts and principles. This training emphasizes attitude, vital points, blocking, punching, stance, kicking, one/three step sparring, and Poomse.
Many schools affiliated with the ITF taekwondo organization have aligned themselves with the WTF so that students can qualify for competition leading to the Olympics.
These schools often have instructions that have been trained in both styles of Taekwondo and are able to provide a holistic program that meets the needs of individuals who want to learn traditional Taekwondo and athletes that want to enjoy the challenge and excitement of the fast moving sport that has evolved through the WTF organization.
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