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Is ITF taekwondo real?

Author

Mia Smith

Updated on June 26, 2026

ITF (International Taekwon-do Federation) is more traditional and focused on self-defense; it allows punches to the face; and punches in its forms are thrown from further above the hip than in WTF. ITF is also often called a North Korean school of Taekwondo.

Is Northern ITF taekwondo real?

Northern ITF Taekwondo (북파ITF태권도, 北派ITF跆拳道, 北派ITFテコンドー, "Bukpa ITF Taekwondo") is a type of martial art developed in modern North Korea. This type of Taekwondo is derived from ITF Taekwondo which favour straight,fast attacks and, unlike WTF Taekwondo, allows all forms of fighting without protection.

Which is better ITF vs WTF Taekwondo?

Ever wondered the difference between WTF vs. ITF Taekwondo? Both WTF and ITF refer to the two main governing bodies for Taekwondo. Both of these styles of Taekwondo have their origins in Korean martial arts and are very similar but the focus of WTF is for sport and the focus for ITF is for self defence.

Are ITF and WTF the same?

So, what is the real difference between the two? The main difference between ITF and WTF Taekwondo is that ITF serves as an institution where students may learn the art of Taekwondo and WT (formerly WTF) is a Taekwondo governing body that focuses on rules and regulations of Taekwondo competitions.

Is taekwondo traditional ITF?

In ITF circles, the term Traditional Taekwondo is sometimes used to refer to the non-Sine Wave version of the ITF style.

33 related questions found

Is ITF North Korean?

International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) is an international taekwondo organization founded on March 22, 1966, by General Choi Hong Hi (Korean: 최홍희) in Seoul, South Korea. The ITF was founded to promote and encourage the growth of the Korean martial art of Taekwon-Do.

What does WTF stand for in Taekwondo?

The acronym “WTF,” which stands for “What the [fudge],” no longer has to compete with the World Taekwondo Federation for meaning, although really, it never did. After having used the acronym for 44 years, the organization declared Friday it will now be known simply as World Taekwondo.

Can ITF taekwondo go to Olympics?

Taekwondo fighters who practice the martial art's traditional style — including those in North Korea — will now be eligible to compete in all competitions, including the Olympics.

Is Rhee Taekwondo ITF or WTF?

Rhee Taekwon-Do is an independent martial art organisation. It was once affiliated to the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), but has had no relation to the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).

Is ITF taekwondo Olympic?

The WTF runs the sport in the Olympics and until now, taekwondo athletes were only allowed to fight in their own federation's tournaments. Under a new agreement, athletes registered with the WTF and ITF are free to compete in the other federation's events.

When did ITF and WTF split?

This article describes the split that occurred in the ITF circa 2001-2003.

What are the three types of taekwondo?

Types of Taekwondo

International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) - This style is a traditional style of taekwondo that puts more emphasis on punching and less emphasis on kicking. American Taekwondo Association (ATA) - As you can probably tell by its name, ATA is the most popular style of taekwondo in America.

Is ATA legit?

ATA Martial Arts has been headquartered in Little Rock, Arkansas since 1977, and presided over by Soon Ho Lee since December 2020. With over 300,000 active members in over 21 countries—800 schools and 120,000 members in the United States alone—it is one of the largest taekwondo organizations in the world.

What is the most powerful martial art?

It probably comes as no surprise that the world's most effective and dangerous form of martial art is also the deadliest in the world. Krav Maga is a non-sport form of martial arts, which means it doesn't care for rules and opponents well being.

Is Jiu Jitsu better than Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is focused heavily on kicks and standing defenses, whereas Jiu-Jitsu focuses heavily on ground movements, similar to wrestling. Jiu-Jitsu is better for self-defense and for someone smaller and/or weaker, whereas Taekwondo may work better for someone taller or for whom competitions are important.

What is the first belt in Taekwondo?

There are eight belts in Taekwondo, the first being white, which you receive when you commence training. The following belts are yellow, blue, red, red/black, Cho Dan Bo, black/white and black belt. On each of the colour belts you wear stripes indicating your level of attainment on that belt.

What is renewal taekwondo?

Renewal Taekwondo, or RE Taekwondo, is a type of martial art developed in modern South Korea. It is used by Jin Mo-Ri and Jin Tae-Jinin the series. It is emphasized in strong, linear kicks like its base WTF Taekwondo.

When did taekwondo come to Australia?

Taekwondo may have origins stemming back over 2000 years, but it was only at Sydney 2000 that it became an Olympic sport. Australian under-49 kilogram class competitor Lauren Burns had the honour of claiming the first Australian gold medal in taekwondo.

What type of taekwondo is in the Olympics?

World Taekwondo oversees the Kukkiwon-defined style of taekwondo that is commonly referred to as Olympic taekwondo.

When was the inclusion of the Taekwondo in the Olympics?

Taekwondo was included as an official event in the World Games in 1981, the Asian Games in 1984, the Pan American Games in 1986, and as a demonstration sport in the 1988 and 1992 Olympic Games before being voted into the Olympic Programme as an official sport at the 1994 Internal Olympic Committee meeting for the 2000 ...

What was taekwondo called before 1955?

The name Taekwondo was created on April 11, 1955. For ten years, however, Taekwondo was also called Gong Soo Do (meaning empty hand), Tang Soo Doo (meaning China hand) and Soo Bak Do (meaning fighting hand).

Who is the best taekwondo player in the world?

Hadi Saei

He is considered the most titled champion in this sport by winning 9 world-class titles. He has won numerous international taekwondo championships and is one of the few Iranian athletes to take home the Olympic Medal.

How many taekwondo federations are there?

As of 2021, the global membership of World Taekwondo stands at 211 national member associations, spanning five continents.