🤔 What’s the Difference Between ITF and WTF Taekwon-Do?

Understanding the two major styles of Taekwon-Do—and which one is right for your child.

If you're researching Taekwon-Do schools for your child, you may come across two common acronyms: ITF and WTF. While both come from the same Korean martial arts roots, they’ve developed into two distinct styles with different philosophies, techniques, and training goals.

At Woodford Taekwon-Do, we teach ITF Taekwon-Do—and here’s why we believe it offers something special for students looking to grow in confidence, discipline, and real-world skills.

🥋 A Quick Overview

Style	ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation)	WT/WTF (World Taekwondo)
Focus	Self-defence, technical precision	Olympic-style sport & competition
Founded	1966 by General Choi Hong Hi	1973, evolved from Kukkiwon
Techniques	Powerful hand and foot combinations; patterns (tuls)	Fast, dynamic kicking techniques; poomsae
Uniform	Traditional dobok with black trim for black belts	V-neck dobok, often with WT logo
Sparring	Kickboxing style sparring, Semi-contact, point-based	Electronic scoring

🧠 Philosophical Differences

ITF Taekwon-Do focuses on the original martial art as developed by General Choi Hong Hi. It emphasizes:

• Character development

• Practical self-defence

• Scientific movement (e.g., sine wave, reaction force)

• Traditional values like Courtesy, Integrity, and Self-Control

• Kickboxing style sparring

  
  

WT Taekwondo (formerly known as WTF) is more sport-oriented, especially as it’s part of the Olympic Games. Training often emphasizes:

• Competitive sparring

• Kicking speed and agility

• Athletic performance in tournaments

  
  

🥊 Training Differences You’ll Notice

In ITF classes like ours, your child will:

• Learn hand strikes, blocks, kicks, and traditional patterns

• Practice structured, respectful sparring (semi-contact)

• Focus on personal growth as well as physical skill

• Gain self-defence skills suitable for real-world situation

  
  

In a WT school, your child will likely:

• Spend more time on kicking drills

• Prepare for tournament-style sparring

• Use electronic gear in some competitions

  
  

👶 Which Style Is Better for Kids?

It depends on what you're looking for—but here’s why many parents choose ITF for their children:

✅ Balanced development – mental, emotional, and physical

✅ Structured syllabus – clear progression through belts

✅ Emphasis on discipline and respect

✅ Less focus on aggressive contact or competition pressure

✅ More practical self-defence skills for everyday life

🎯 Why Woodford Teaches ITF Taekwon-Do

At Woodford Taekwon-Do, our mission is to develop confident, respectful, and capable young people. ITF’s traditional roots, moral values, and technical approach help us do exactly that.

Whether your child is shy, energetic, or somewhere in between—ITF Taekwon-Do offers a space where they can grow at their own pace.

👋 Curious to try it out?👉 Book a Free Trial Class and experience the ITF difference for yourself.

P.S. No experience needed. Our friendly instructors will guide your child every step of the way.