Tae kwon do is an ancient Korean martial art. The word tae kwon do can be loosely translated to mean "the art of kicking and punching." While numerous ideologies and teaching styles of tae kwon do have developed, two main styles have emerged over time: traditional tae kwon do recognized and taught by the International Taekwondo Federation and sport tae kwon do, which is taught by the World Taekwondo Federation.
Traditional Tae Kwon Do
The International Taekwon-Do Federation was founded on March 22, 1966, by Gen. Chio Hong Hi "to promote the teaching of this martial art" to everyone across the globe, according to the group's website. The vision of this faction is clearly stated on its website: "ITF Taekwon-Do is a sport, a martial art, a way of life, and a tool for social development." While tae kwon do as a sport is mentioned, the main focus of the ITF is the personal and social effects of tae kwon do.
World Taekwondo Federation
The World Taekwondo Federation was established on May 28, 1973. This martial arts academy focuses on the sport of tae kwon do. While the WTF is a relatively new organization and values the sport of martial arts, the group also focuses on the traditional values of tae kwon do that focus on the mind, body and spirit.
Subgroups
During the Japanese occupation of Korea before the end of World War II, the Japanese attempted to eradicate all traces of Korean culture. As a result, many Korean schools taught Korean martial arts mixed with Japanese arts. Some of these mixed styles include moo duk kwan, a style that uses arm movements to keep opponents at a distance and, chung do kwan, a style that uses bent movements. These two schools have governing bodies as well.
Which is Better?
The main difference between the two training styles is the outcome of the athlete performing. If the goal is Olympic glory, then the proper training academy is the WTF. They focus on both Olympic-style training and ancient traditions. If one is not training for the Summer Olympics, then no startling difference exists between the two schools. Both federations will teach the same basic techniques and philosophies and they are not mutually exclusive, so you can combine your training from both the ITF and the WTF.
Making the Choice
When making the decision on a tae kwon do style and school, pay particular attention to the instructors. Tae kwon do is a lengthy process and affects your mental and physical strength. The most important factor in choosing a school is that you are comfortable with the teaching style of the instructors and can enjoy the training you receive.
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