International Taekwon-Do Federation - Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia

International Taekwon-Do Federation

ITF Logo

Abbreviation ITFFormation Mar. 22, 1966Purpose/focus Martial art and sportLocation Pyeongyang, North Korea and

Middlesex, United Kingdom

Region served InternationalPresident Chang Ung, Choi Jung Hwa, Pablo

Trajtenberg

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

InternationalTaekwon-DoFederation (ITF) is ataekwondo organizationfounded on Mar. 22,1966, by General ChoiHong Hi () inSeoul, South Korea.[1]

The ITF exists topromote and encouragethe growth of theKorean martial art oftaekwondo. After theSouth KoreanGovernment abandonedthe ITF, it establishedthe World TaekwondoFederation to continuethe mission oftaekwondo'sglobalization.[2] OnceGeneral Choi Hong Hi() was exiled outof South Korea, hereturned to North Koreaand introduced theorganization which

International Taekwon-Do Federation - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/International_Taekwon-Do_Federation

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Remarks Is not recognized by South KoreanGovernment and is not recognized bythe International OlympicCommittee (IOC)

settled there.[3] In 2001,the ITF Congress votedfor General Choi HongHi as President for fouryears of the six-yearterm, then for his son(Choi Jung Hwa) to serve as President for the remaining two years. Thiswas overturned (whether legally or illegally is disputed) by General Choi,causing a rift between himself and his son[citation needed]. Choi Jung Hwasplit away from his father[citation needed] and created another organisation,which Choi Jung Hwa claimed to be the true ITF. While the majority of theTKD world stayed with General Choi, many others decided to follow ChoiJung Hwa. General Choi subsequently died in June 2002, having neverreconciled with his son. On his deathbed in June 2002, General Choiallegedly said that he wanted a man known as Chang Ung, a North KoreanIOC member, to take over as President[citation needed]. An ExtraordinaryCongress of the ITF was called with Chang Ung declared as the newPresident; but the legality of this Congress is disputed. Those claiming thatthe Congress was illegal (i.e. against the ITF's Constitution) held anotherCongress, at which Master Trn Triu Qun (an 8th degree black belt) waselected as President. Thus there are now three organisations claiming to bethe ITF. ITF's main functions are to coordinate and approve tournamentsand seminars, set standards for teaching (patterns, sparring, destruction),collaborate with affiliated member organizations, and service members inregards to rank and certifications.[1]

Contents1 Patterns2 Sparring


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3 Ranks3.1 Black belt promotion

4 Philosophy4.1 Taekwon-Do Oath4.2 Taekwon-Do Tenets

5 See also6 References7 External links

PatternsMain article: Hyeong

Patterns, or teul () in Korean, originally called hyeong (), form animportant aspect of training in Taekwon-Do. They are equivalent to thekata in karate. The majority of the patterns (except Yul-Gok, Ul-Ji andTong-Il) start with a defensive move, which emphasizes taekwon-do'sdefensive nature. All of the patterns start and end at the same location.This ensures that the practitioners' stances are the correct length, width,and in the proper direction.[citation needed]

There are 24 patterns in the official ITF syllabus; this is symbolic of the 24hours in a day. One additional pattern, Ko-Dang (or Go-Dang), wasretired/replaced by Juche in 1986 by General Choi Hong Hi.[4][5] Ko-Dangand Juche are similar, and some Taekwon-do organisations have renamedJuche to Ko-Dang though most perform the newer pattern[citation needed].The names of these patterns typically refer either to events in Koreanhistory or to important people in Korean history. Elements of the patternsmay also be historical references, such as the number of moves, thediagram, the way the pattern ends, and so on.


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Patterns (teul) are performed in accordance with "The Encyclopedia ofTaekwon-Do" in 15 volumes written by General Choi Hong Hi, the latestedition being from 1999 (later editions have been published, but the 1999editions were the last General Choi Hong Hi was directly involved with).This comprehensive work contains 15 volumes with volumes 8 through 15dedicated to the 24 patterns and containing descriptions of the patternmovements as well as pictures showing possible applications of some ofthe movements. There is also the book entitled "The Korean Art of SelfDefense" (the 1999 edition, the latest used by ITF under GrandmasterTran Trieu Quan and ITF under Grandmaster Choi, or the 2004 edition, thelatest used by ITF under Chang Ung), also known as the CondensedEncyclopedia, written by General Choi Hong Hi. This is a singlecondensed encyclopedia of approximately 770 pages with a sectiondedicated to the 24 patterns.

There are also three fundamental exercises, named Saju-Jirugi (FourDirection Punch), Saju-Makgi (Four Direction Block) and Saju Tulgi(Four Direction Thrust). Saju-Jirugi and Saju-Makgi are basic defenceexercises taught to beginners of the martial art. Saju Tulgi is less wellknown and is generally taught to 2nd Kup students just prior to Hwa-Rang.Saju Tulgi is not presented in the Condensed Encyclopedia but is presentin the 15 Volume Encyclopedia (see: Volume 10, page 122).[6]

The 24 Patterns in Taekwon-Do ITF are:

Chon-Ji (19 Movements)1.Dan-Gun (21 Movements)2.Do-San (24 Movements)3.Won-Hyo (28 Movements)4.Yul-Gok (38 Movements)5.Joong-Gun (32 Movements)6.Toi-Gye (37 Movements)7.Hwa-Rang (29 Movements)8.


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Choong-Moo (30 Movements)9.Kwang Gae (39 Movements)10.Po-Eun (36 Movements)11.Ge-Baek (44 Movements)12.Eui-Am (45 Movements)13.Choong-Jang (52 Movements)14.Juche (45 Movements)/Ko-Dang (39 Movements)15.Sam-Il (33 Movements)16.Yoo-Sin (68 Movements)17.Choi-Yong (46 Movements)18.Yon-Gae (49 Movements)19.Ul-Ji (42 Movements)20.Moon-Moo (61 Movements)21.So-San (72 Movements)22.Se-Jong (24 Movements)23.Tong-Il (56 Movements)24.

The 1 Retired Pattern in Taekwon-Do ITF is:

Go-Dang (39 Movements)1.

SparringITF competition sparring rounds are 2 minutes and in national andinternational levels of competition they hold two rounds each 2 minuteswith a one minute rest in between. Certain rules are no strikes below thebelt, no elbow strikes, brawling, no falling down, no going outside of thering, hit to the groin and knee strike are not allowed. The ring is a 9 metreby 9 metre (8 x 8 metre optional) ring marked by square mats or tapeinstead of a traditional style kickboxing rings with ropes. It has no sidesallowing the fighter to move out of bounds. Whenever a fighter creates aninfraction of the rules the centre referee will issue a warning to the fighterwho created the infraction. 3 warnings equals a minus point. If a fighter


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ITF approvedsparring gear

uses excessive contact, he or she will be given afoul, which is an automatic minus point ; three foulsin a bout results in disqualification. ITF taekwon-dois fought in continuous point sparring. Four judgesscore the fights in each of the corners in the squarering. After the fight, a judge votes for which everfighter has the most points and a winner is declared.In the case of a draw the fighters go to a one minuteovertime round. If there is another draw the fightersgo to a sudden death round where the fighter whoscores first is declared the winner.

The official rules for ITF sparring competition areavailable at the ITF website.[7]

RanksThe ITF ranking system consists of six solid color belts; white, yellow,green, blue, red, and black.[8]

Coloured belt ranks are defined as follows (from lowest to highest rank):


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GradeLevel Description

10thkup

White - Signifies innocence, as that of the beginningstudent who has no previous knowledge ofTaekwon-Do.

9th kup White with yellow tag

8th kupYellow - Signifies the earth from which a plantsprouts and takes root as the foundation ofTaekwon-Do is being laid.

7th kup Yellow with green tag6th kup Green - Signifies the plant's growth as Taekwon-Doskills begin to develop.5th kup Green with blue tag

4th kupBlue - Signifies the Heaven towards which the plantmatures into a towering tree as training inTaekwon-Do progresses.

3rd kup Blue with red tag

2nd kupRed - Signifies Danger, cautioning the student toexercise control and warning the opponent to stayaway.

1st kup Red with black tag

1st danBlack - Opposite of white, therefore signifyingmaturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do; alsoindicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness andfear.

2nd dan Assistant Instructor (must remain at this rank at least2 years)


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3rd dan Assistant Instructor (must remain at this rank at least3 years)

4th danInternational Instructor (must remain at this rank atleast 4 years). At this point, a person may become a"SaBum-Nim"

5th dan Instructor (must remain at this rank at least 5 years)6th dan Instructor (must remain at this rank at least 6 years)7th dan Master Instructor (must remain at this rank at least 7years)8th dan Senior Master Instructor (must remain at this rank atleast 8 years)9th dan Grand Master

In certain strains of ITF clubs, Kup is spelled "Gup".The reason for nine black belt degrees is that the number nine is not onlythe highest of the single-digit numbers, but also is the number of threemultiplied by three. In the Orient, three is one of the more esteemednumbers. The Chinese character for 3 is three horizontal lines, one abovethe other. The bottom line represents earth; the middle line representsmortals; the upper line represents heaven.[9] It was believed that a manwho could unite the three realms in himself, would aspire or be reborn intoa king.

Black belt promotionUp to 7th dan, all ranks require the student to perform a test of all skillsand knowledge up to their rank to be promoted. Ranks above 7th dan maybe awarded with consent of the promotion committee with no physical testrequired; due to the nature of and responsibilities of a master no longer


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being centered on the physical development of students. However, if therecipient desires, a demonstration may be performed. 9th degree (being thehighest) can only be awarded when the special committee examines andreaches a unanimous consent.

Some national associations, such as the National Taekwon-Do Norway,[10]

have longer training times between each black belt grade.

A 4th degree may grade students up to 2nd degree. A 5th or 6th degreeInternational Instructor may grade students up to 3rd degree, while a 7thdegree Master may grade students up to 5th degree. An 8th degree Mastermay grade students up to 6th degree. Promotion to 7th degree or abovemust be done by the ITF's Master Promotion Committee.[11]

PhilosophyThe upsurge in aggressive behaviour in todays society,[12] has led to a lossof the basic moral values that many people once shared. Analysts havenoted that many people are misguided, left to search for their own valuesin a disillusioned society where of war, crime and corruption is common.General Choi Hong Hi believed through the philosophy of taekwon-do thatwe could make the world a more peaceful place.[12] In a time where muchis corrupt it is hard for one to find their own way, to tell right from wrong,or to even resist temptation into doing that which believes is wrong.

The philosophy of taekwon-do is summarized in the oath and the tenets.

Taekwon-Do OathI shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do.All students must swear to carefully observe, acknowledge and live by


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each one of the taekwon-do tenets. Here is a brief and basic explanation ofeach:[12][13]

I shall respect the instructor and seniors.A student vows to respect their instructors and those senior to them (bothin age and rank). An instructor must also act respectfully to all studentsand persons in order to be respected and therefore not misusing Taekwon-Do.[13]

I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do.One will never misuse Taekwon-Do to harm other, for their own personalgain or for any other manner that is unjust (this one is particularlyimportant in any martial art, not just Taekwon-Do, as a trained martialartist could easily kill a person in unarmed close combat).[12][13][14]

I shall be a champion of freedom and justice.The 4th line, I shall be a champion of freedom and justice can apply tomany areas of life and although many may think one would have to dosomething amazing to achieve this, this part of the oath can be respectedby even the littlest things in ones daily activity. If one becomes moreopen-minded to understanding others ideologies or the way others goabout their lives instead of being quick to judge, then maybe the worldwould be a more understanding and accepting place. Thus allowing peopleto have the freedom they deserve. By accepting this belief one is bringingjustice to this world and therefore being a champion of justice.[13][14] Aswe often see, conflicts can occur over common misconceptions ofinformation. One must understand the full story and have all the factsbefore he can truly make a proper judgement.[12][13]

I shall build a more peaceful world.


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The final line of the oath is I shall build a more peaceful world. One canalso easily obtain this goal by going about their daily lives in a morepeaceful manner. If everyone did this, the world would obviously becomea more peaceful place.[14] As we often see, conflicts can occur overcommon misconceptions of information. One must understand the fullstory and have all the facts before he can truly make a properjudgement.[13] However, this does not mean a student cannot defendthemselves against aggression directed towards themselves as that woulddefeat some of the purpose of Taekwondo, an art of unarmed self-defence.That does not mean though however a student can provoke aggressiontowards another individual, as that would breaking the oath.[14] As weoften see, conflicts can occur over common misconceptions ofinformation. One must understand the full story and have all the factsbefore he can truly make a proper judgement.[12][13]

Taekwon-Do TenetsThere are five tenets defined in the ITF.[12]

Courtesy (Ye Ui /)Showing courtesy to all, respecting others, having manners as well asmaintaining the appropriate etiquette at all times, both within andoutside the dojang () (designated training area).[13]

Integrity (Yom Chi /)Although it may be similar, this form of integrity takes on a morewider role then defined in the common dictionary. In Taekwondo,integrity means not only to determine what is right or wrong but alsohaving the conscience to feel guilt if one has done wrong and tohave the integrity stand up for what is right.[12]

Perseverance (In Nae /)


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One will persevere time and time again until they have achieved aresult which is adequate towards what one was trying to achieve.[12]

Self-control (Guk Gi /)This means to not only have control over one's physical acts, butalso their mental thoughts and actions.[12]

Indomitable spirit (Baekjul Boolgool /)To have indomitable spirit means to have the courage to stand up forwhat you believe in,[12] no matter what odds you are up against, andto always give 100% effort in whatever you do.

See alsoChang UngWorld Taekwondo Federation (WTF)Ki Ha RheeTrn Triu Qun

References^ a b "Brief History of ITF"(http://www.itftkd.org/?Content=HistoryOfITF).International Taekwon-DoFederation, President Trn TriuQun. Retrieved 2013-05-18.

1.

^ " 1, WTF"(http://article.joinsmsn.com/news/article

2.

/article.asp?total_id=3289316).. 2009-09-17.Retrieved 2011-03-23.^ "ABOUT GENERAL CHOI,HONG HI, AUTHOR OF THETAEKWON-DOENCYCLOPAEDIA"(http://www.itf-information.com/information02.htm).itf-information. 1999. Retrieved2011-03-23.

3.

^ http://www.itkd.co.nz4.


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/reference/essays/11-juche-kodang.php^ http://www.cullompton-taekwondo.co.uk/patterns/juche_versus_kodang.htm

5.

^http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showpost.php?p=633320&postcount=21

6.

^ International Taekwon-DoFederation (2000). "CompetitionRules and Regulations"(http://www.itf-information.com/information10.htm). Rules.www.itf-information.com.Retrieved 2008-05-17.

7.

^ "Guide to TKD - Reference :Belt colours" (http://taekwondo-legacy.com/reference-belt.php).Com-Do Corp. Retrieved2007-12-02.

8.

^ "Guide to TKD - Reference :System of rank"(http://taekwondo-legacy.com/reference-rank.php). Com-DoCorp. Retrieved 2007-12-02.

9.

^ "National Taekwon-DoNorway" (http://www.ntkd.no).Retrieved 2009-03-22.

10.

^ "Current Fee Structure"(http://www.itf-administration.com/download/FEE_STRUCTURE_05-02.pdf). January 2009. Retrieved2009-03-22.

11.

^ a b c d e f g h i j k InternationalTaekwondo Federation (2006)."ITF Information"(http://www.taekwondo-legacy.com/information-philosophy.php). TaeKwonPhilosophy. ITF Information.Retrieved 2008-03-05.

12.

^ a b c d e f g h InternationalTaekwon-Do Foundation of NewZealand (2007). "A plain englishexplanation of the ITF StudentOath" (http://www.itfnz.org.nz/ref/essays/calvin.htm). StudentOath. Grant Eccles. Retrieved2008-03-05.

13.

^ a b c d InternationalTaekwon-Do Federation (2007)."Moral Culture (JungshinSooyang)" (http://www.itftkd.org/?Content=MoralCulture).International. Retrieved2013-05-18.

14.

External linksInternational Taekwon-Do Federation (Chang)(http://www.itftkd.org/)


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International Taekwon-Do Federation (Choi) (http://www.itf-administration.com/)Unified International Taekwon-Do Federation (Hwang)(http://www.unified-itf.com/)International Taekwon-Do Federation (Tran) (http://www.tkd-itf.org/)Taekwondo Federation of India (ITF) (http://www.taiitf.com/)

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