About ITF Taekwon-Do
Taekwon-Do was developed by General Choi Hong Hi on 11th April 1955 in Seoul, South Korea.
In 1959 Taekwon-Do begins to spread internationally through demonstration tours, and then in 1962 the first batch of Taekwon-Do instructors were dispatched abroad.
The ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) was officially founded on 22nd March 1966 with associations in Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, West Germany, the United States, Turkey, Italy, Arab Republic of Egypt and Korea.
ITF Taekwon-Do was officially recognised in the UK on 2nd July 1967 when Pioneer Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha (GB-9-1, Then Mr Rhee as a 5th Dan) introduced Taekwon-Do to the UK and Ireland.
At BUTL we offer opportunities for all variations of ITF Taekwon-Do practitioner. We are aware of the different affiliations and styles and ensure our events cater for everyone equally. The ITF style of Taekwon-Do has a specific set of sparring and patterns and a unique syllabus that covers an array of self-defence and practical techniques.
ITF style sparring is semi-contact in nature, and competitors wear protective head gear, covered hands and feet pads, alongside shin guards, mouthguards etc. Scoring predominantly covers a basic 1 (hand), 2 (body kick) and 3 (head kick) point system and has it’s own set of warnings and fouls. Competitors are permitted to scores punches (and kicks) to the upper body and head.
ITF style patterns are sequences of fundamental movements against imaginary opponents. Competitors perform patterns against one another at competitions and are scored for correct technique, rhythm, balance and power. The following patterns are recognised: Chon Ji, Dan Gun, Do San, Won Hyo, Yul Gok, Joong Gun, Toi Gye, Hwa Rang, Choong Moo, Po Eun, Kwan Gae, Gae Baek, Eui Am, Choong Jang, Juche (Ko Dang Also), Yoo Sin, Choi Yong, Yong Gae, Ul Ji, Moon Moo, So San, Se Jong, Tong Il.
At BUTL we offer Championships, Training Events, Award Recognition, Education, Personal Development and Elite Athlete Pathways for all styles of ITF Taekwon-Do practitioner.
About WT Taekwon-Do
WT Taekwondo (formally known as WTF Taekwondo) was founded on May 28th 1973 in Seoul, South Korea and is known as Sport Taekwondo.
Previously in 1971, the Kukkiwon was founded by Dr Un Yong Kim as the body for sport Taekwondo in South Korea and he would go on to be the first WTF President in 1973.
In the 1988 Seoul Olympics, WT Taekwondo featured as a demonstration sport and then achieved full Olympic Status in 2000.
In 2027 the WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) name was amended to WT (World Taekwondo).
At BUTL we offer opportunities for all variations of WT Taekwondo practitioner. We are aware of their may be slight differences between affiliations and styles and ensure our events cater for everyone equally. The WT style of Taekwon-Do has a specific set of sparring and poomsae and is a more sport focused in its delivery.
WT style sparring is full contact in nature, and competitors wear protective headgear, open hands and feet pads, hogu body armour, alongside shin guards, arm guards, mouthguards etc. Scoring predominantly covers a a point system where competitors are rewarded for higher level techniques and is constantly under review through World Taekwondo. It has its own set of warnings and fouls known as Gamjeon. Competitors are permitted to scores punches to the body only and kicks to the upper body and head.
WT style poomsae are sequences of fundamental movements against imaginary opponents. Competitors perform poomsae against one another at competitions and are scored for correct technique, rhythm, balance and power. The following poomsae are recognised: Taegeuk Il Jang, Taegeuk Ee Jang, Taegeuk Sam Jang, Taegeuk Sa Jang, Taegeuk Oh Jang, Taegeuk Yuk Jang, Taegeuk Chil Jang, Taegeuk Pal Jang, Koryo, Keumgang, Taebaek, Pyongwon, Shipjin, Jitae, Cheonkwon, Hansu, Ilyo.
At BUTL we offer Championships, Training Events, Award Recognition, Education, Personal Development and Elite Athlete Pathways for all styles of WT Taekwondo practitioner.
