Whats the difference between CHOIs ITF Taekwon-do and WTF Taekwondo?
A. Technically, there tends to be more kicking and competition emphasis in WTF Taekwondo, and more forms emphasis in ITF Taekwon-do. In size, the World Taekwondo Federation is much bigger, with many more people involved world wide all committed to spreading the art. WTF schools vary widely in what forms are practiced, how much stress is given to self-defense versus competition, testing requirements, etc. Its history is that of tolerating differences and sharing credit. The ITF is a small (although worldwide) organization driven by one man, who makes sure the entire organization does the same forms in the same way. Since Choi’s death the ITF has started to splinter, with several different people claiming to be in charge. Politically, Choi has received much criticism for his trips to North Korea and support of the Communist dictator Il Jung KIM. In particular Choi’s creation and use of the ‘Juche’ form is onerous, because Kim’s political ideal of ‘juche (self-reliance)’ has been blamed f
A. Technically, there tends to be more kicking and competition emphasis in WTF Taekwondo, and more forms emphasis in ITF Taekwon-do. In size, the World Taekwondo Federation is much bigger, with many more people involved worldwide all committed to spreading the art. WTF schools vary widely in what forms are practiced, how much stress is given to self-defense versus competition, testing requirements, etc. Its history is that of tolerating differences and sharing credit. The ITF is a small (although worldwide) organization driven by one man, who made sure the entire organization did the same forms in the same way. Since Choi’s death the ITF has started to splinter, with several different people claiming to be in charge. Politically, Choi has received much criticism for his trips to North Korea and support of the Communist dictator Il Jung KIM. In particular Choi’s creation and use of the ‘Juche’ form is onerous, because Kim’s political ideal of ‘juche (self-reliance)’ has been blamed for
