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The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was founded in 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi six years before his exile from South Korea in 1972 and seven years before the WTF. His first visit of good will to North Korea was in 1980, when he introduced Taekwon-Do there. It is one the two major international Taekwon-Do organisations, the other being the public Olympic International Federation called World Taekwondo Federation or WTF. The WTF though only operates competitions and has nothing to do with curriculum. For that, the WTF only recognizes the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Headquarters). General Choi was the primary figure in the development of Taekwon-Do during the 20th century and headed meetings with the senior Taekwon-Do masters to unify a large number of the Korean martial arts schools under the name Taekwon-Do. He is also responsible for providing Taekwon-Do with its name which was agreed upon on April 11, 1955. He is acknowledged by practitioners of ITF Taekwon-Do as the founder and father of Taekwon-Do. Image File history File links Question_book-3. ... Image File history File links No higher resolution available. ... Shortcut: WP:WIN Wikipedia is an online encyclopedia and, as a means to that end, also an online community. ... Image File history File links Itf_logo. ... Jamo redirects here. ... Hanja is the Korean name for Chinese characters. ... The Revised Romanization of Korean is the official Korean language romanization system in South Korea. ... McCune-Reischauer romanization is one of the two most widely used Korean language romanization systems, along with the Revised Romanization of Korean, which replaced (a modified) McCune-Reischauer as the official romanization system in South Korea in 2000. ... This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... Pburka 03:51, August 13, 2005 (UTC) Categories: Possible copyright violations ... The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is the International Federation (IF) member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the competition events of the martial art of Taekwondo. ... is the 101st day of the year (102nd in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 1955 (MCMLV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar). ...

The original headquarters of the ITF from its inception in 1966 until it relocated to Canada in 1972 was in Seoul, Korea. It then moved from Canada to its former headquarters in Vienna, Austria in 1985. Shortly before General Choi's death, he flew to North Korea to be able to die in his homeland. During this period, internal debate concerning the rightful successor to General Choi became so serious as to cause a serious fracture of the ITF. There are now three major groups claiming to be the rightful ITF (see below). Short name Statistics Location map Map of location of Seoul. ... For other uses, see Vienna (disambiguation). ...

Recent history

This recent history is very politically charged and one must be careful when approaching it. When General Choi Hong Hi died on June 15, 2002, there was a political split between the different masters within the International Taekwon-Do Federation. The rest of this article mainly refers to the ITF as led by Master Choi. This article or section does not cite its references or sources. ... is the 166th day of the year (167th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Also see: 2002 (number). ...

General Choi Hong Hi, Founder of Taekwon-Do, had been elected unanimously as President for another term and stated that after two years he would retire. The congress members unanimously elected then-Master Choi, Jung Hwa to replace Gen. Choi after his retirement at the end of the two-year initial term. This vote was in accordance with the legal procedures for the organization and was done with the approval of the ITF's Legal Consultant. Master Choi, Jung Hwa informed the North Koreans that they would be welcome as a member country in the ITF after he became President, but that they would exercise no undue influence on the organization, which had been devised as a non-political body. After this Master Choi was "expelled" from the ITF during an Extraordinary Congress. The meeting did not meet the ITF's constitutional requirements (not meeting the required number of member countries in attendance and not being requested by the members). As such, its decisions were not binding.

However it is important to note that though Master Choi and his followers use the fact that the congress was unconstitutional, they neglect to address why the ITF felt the need to hold an Extaordinary Congress to expel what was then the President-Elect. Regardless of the reasons, however (and it seems to be due to the urgings of the North Koreans), it is evident that the meeting that was called did not meet the ITF's own requirements.

Another "special" congress was held in North Korea, after the death of Choi Hong Hi, to introduce Mr. Chang Ung, a North Korean government official, IOC Member and basketball coach, Mr. Chang Ung, presented himself as per General Choi's last words, which were witnessed by over a dozen Grand Masters and Masters. Mr. Chang Ung was accepted as President by some present and rejected by others. This group has come to be known on online bulletin boards as ITF North Korea. Many ITF members who originally broke from Master Choi, despite the claim of the non-constitutional nature of his "expulsion," now balked at following Chang Ung.

• The ITF-C (President Choi Jung Hwa) ^[1] claims legitimacy because its president was elected at the 2001 Rimini Congress - the last unified congress before the death of General Choi. General Choi later attempted to overturn that result, although the attempt allegedly failed to meet the requirements of the ITF Constitution. Master Choi moved the ITF headquarters back to Canada while General Choi was still alive and holding the office of President.

• The ITF-NK (Professor Chang Ung) claims legitimacy as the chosen successors of General Choi, which was later affirmed at the ITF World Congress in Greece during the 2003 World Championships. This congress was arranged due to Master Tran Quan sending emails to all ITF National Associations around the world with a message from the Polish ITF saying that anyone who supports Prof. Chang Ung will not be allowed to participate in their ITF World Champs, Poland.

• The ITF-V ^[2](Master Trân Triêu Quân) claims legitimacy through the ITF constitution, which would invalidate the claims of the ITF-NK, but would also invalidate some of its own claims. The current president was elected at the 14th ITF Congress Meeting, held in Warsaw, Poland on June 13, 2003. Recent court results in Canada and Austria show Quân is the legally elected successor according to the ITF constitution. This was proven by providing evidence the Warsaw Congress election is the only election that can be considered constitutionally valid. Of course, the court results will be appealed.

Choi Jung Hwa claims the trademarks and licensing rights to the ITF in Canada belong exclusively to President Choi Jung Hwa. However, according the latest court decision of the Federal Court of Canada states that the trademarks used by Master Choi are invalid. This means that he may no longer use ITF symbols. Also, a judgment of the Superior Court of Justice of the Province of Ontario states that the group under Master Choi Jung Hwa may no longer use the name International Taekwon-Do Federation or any similar name.

The rights to the ITF in other countries are believed to be owned by the former NGB's under the old unified regime. In the UK that is believed to be Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha. It is also widely believed in the UKTA that the branch of the ITF that Grand Master Rhee oversees is the rightful ITF, since it was allegedly General Choi's wish that Rhee took over the ITF after he died.

However, the IOC recognizes the North Korean ITF and has entertained talks with the WTF. This started when Mr. Chang Ung, President of one of the ITF, had the ITF recognized by GAISF, the President of which was Dr. Un Yong Kim, also the President of the WTF. There are currently ongoing talks between the ITF-NK under Mr. Chang Ung and the WTF to merge the two Taekwon-Dos, which was General Choi's strongest hope for reunification between North and South Korea. The talks were recently given increased energy with the direct involvement of the IOC President, with the presidents of both the ITF-NK & WTF at a meeting held at IOC Headquarters. There are very few or no other articles that link to this one. ...

ITF Returns to South Korea

As a result of continued efforts by the ITF Canada (President Choi Jung Hwa) to return the ITF to its homeland, the Federation became the first to establish a local organisation in South Korea. In 2003 5th Degree Black Belt Mike Morningstar became the first instructor officially sent by ITF Canada to teach Taekwon-Do in South Korea since 1972. In 2004 the KITF hosted the historic first ITF World Championship and Junior World Championship in Daegu (Daejeon), South Korea. As a result of this trailblazing, both the Vienna and DPRK groups have been able to establish branches in South Korea as well. As none of the Kukkiwon schools train to Choi Hong Hi's pattern (TUL) system it should be interesting to see the growth of these over the years. The Oh Do Kwan practiced the Chang Hun tuls in the military and approximately 60% of civilian schools did as well.

All three groups now have representation in South Korea. There was a group affiliated to the ITF-NK that visited North Korea in May of 2006, to celebrate the 40th Anniversary of the ITF.

It is important to note, however, that the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), the International Federation for Taekwondo under the International Olympic Committee, has been in talks with the ITF President, Chang Ung of North Korea. Expect soon that the North Korean Taekwondo group will apply for Member National Association (MNA) status with the WTF. North Korean Taekwon-Do practitioners are already learning the Kukkiwon curriculum.

Patterns

Patterns or forms ("tuls" in Korean, equivalent to the kata in karate) originally called Hyung, are considered by many to be one of the most important aspects of training in Taekwon-Do. The patterns practised by members of the ITF are originally the patterns of the OH DO KWAN and rather different from those performed by Kukkiwon, especially the Taegeuk Poomsae, and form one of the major differences between the two styles. ITF style patterns are performed with a unique movement known as sine wave. when stepping the body is raised on the standing leg, the "top" of the wave, and when the movement is finished the body drops again, completeing the sine wave. it is a common misconception that the wave involves raising and dropping 2 or more times during the step, creating a "bouncy" movement, this is not correct sine wave, and it also hinders the speed of the technique. Kata (åž‹ or å½¢) (literally: form) is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs. ... For other uses, see Karate (disambiguation). ...

The majority of the patterns (excepting Ul-Ji and Tong-Il) start with a defensive move, which emphasizes Taekwondo's defensive 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.

There are 24 patterns (틀) in the official ITF syllabus, developed by General Choi with assistance form associates such as Nam Tae Hi, Kim Bok Man, Han Cha Kyo, CK Choi and Park Jung Tae. General Choi also developed the Confucious based Korean Patriotic philosophy of each pattern. The names of these patterns typically refer to a patriotic instance or person of Korean history, with the exception of the controversial Juche Tul. They are as follows (with Hangul/Hanja names), and with related articles: Jamo redirects here. ... Hanja is the Korean name for Chinese characters. ...

• Chon-Ji (천지/天地)
• Dan-Gun (단군/檀君)
• Do-San (도산/島山)
• Won-Hyo (원효/元曉)
• Yul-Gok (율곡/栗谷)
• Joong-Gun (중근/重根)
• Toi-Gye (퇴계/退溪)
• Hwa-rang (화랑/花郎)
• Choong-Moo (충무/忠武)
• Gwang gae (광개/廣開)
• Po-eun (포은/圃隱)
• Ge back (계백/階伯)
• Eui-am (의암/義菴)
• Choong jang (충장/忠壯)
• Juche (주체/主體)
• Samil (삼일/三一)
• Yoosin (유신/庾信)
• Choi-yong (최영/崔榮)
• Yonggae (연개/淵蓋)
• Ulji (을지/乙支)
• Moonmoo (문무/文武)
• Sosan (서산/西山)
• Sejong (세종/世宗)
• Tong-il (통일/統一)

Originally there was another pattern called Kodang, but this has been replaced by Juche in the current official syllabus of the ITF. As Juche is an important element of North Korean ideology, this change is sometimes controversial. In some studios, Juche is taught in addition to Ko-Dang, rather than replacing it, because the instructor feels that both are important. Chon-Ji Hyung (천지/天地) (also Chon-Ji tul or poomsae) is an official pattern of the International Taekwon-Do Federation. ... Dan-Gun Hyung (단군/檀君) (also Tan-Gun tul or poomsae) is an official pattern of the International Taekwon-Do Federation. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ... A hyung, poomsae or tul (casually referred to as forms) is a martial arts form that is typically used in a Korean martial art. ...

It is also interesting to note that Oh Do Kwan representative HYUN, Jong Myung was one of the eight people from various kwans who created the Palgwe and Dan Poomsae (patterns) for the Korea Taekwondo Association in 1965, and was also on that same committee when the Palgwe Poomsae was replaced with the Taegeuk Poomsae, and some Dan Poomsae was revised in 1971–72, for the Kukkiwon. The Korea Taekwondo Association is the World Taekwondo Federation-recognized National Governing Body for the Martial Art sport of Taekwondo, in South Korea. ...

Sparring

ITF style sparring differs greatly from the WTF type of sparring. ITF sparring is similar to that of full contact kickboxing rules with a few exceptions. Round are 2 minutes and in national and international levels of competition they hold two rounds each 2 minutes with a one minutes rest in between. Certain rules are no strikes below the belt, no hitting to the back of the head, no elbow strikes, no knee strikes, no out of control fighting, no falling down, no going outside of the ring. The tae kwon do ring is a 24 foot by 24 foot ring marked by square mats or tape instead of a traditional style boxing or kickboxing rings with ropes it has no sides allowing the fighter to move out of bounds. Whenever a fighter creates an infraction of the rules the center referee will issue a warning to the fighter who created the infraction. 3 warnings equals a minus point. If a fighter does not listen to the referees instruction he or she may be given a foul which is an automatic minus point and if the fighter continues to not listen they can be disqualified. ITF Tae kwon do is fought in continuous point sparring. Four judges score the fights in each of the corners in the square ring. After the fight a judge votes for which ever fighter has the most points and a winner is declared. In the case of a draw the fighters go to a one minute overtime round. If there is another draw the fighters go to a sudden death round where the fighter who scores first is declared the winner. Points are given for certain techniques each ITF group has certain way of scoring. For the ITF-Vienna a kick to the head is 3 points, a kick to the body 2 points, a punch to the body or face 1 point. ITF-Canada rules differ somewhat having jump punches being 2 points, kicks to the head 2 points and a jumping and or spinning kick to the head being 3 points.

Ranks

The ITF has a unique ranking system. It consists of five solid color belts (kups - also commonly called gups), five intermediate colour belts (indicated by a stripe around one or both hanging ends of the belt or a stripe around the middle of the entire belt), and nine degrees of Black.

• 10th kup (white)
• 9th kup (white with yellow stripe)
• 8th kup (yellow)
• 7th kup (yellow with green stripe)
• 6th kup (green)
• 5th kup (green with blue stripe)
• 4th kup (blue)
• 3rd kup (blue with red stripe)
• 2nd kup (red)
• 1st kup (red with a black stripe)

The nine degrees (dans) of Black are organized into skill levels:

• 1st-3rd dan (Novice) with the title of Assistant Instructor (Boo-sabum)
• 4th-6th dan (Expert) with the title of Instructor (Sabum)
• 7th-8th dan (Master) with the title of Master (Sahyun)
• 9th dan (Grand Master) with the title of Grand Master (Saseong)

The reason for nine black belt degrees, according to General Choi, is that the number nine is not only the highest of the single-digit numbers, but also is the number of three multiplied by three. In the Orient, three is the most esteemed of all numbers. The Chinese character for 3 is three horizontal lines, one above the other. The bottom line represents earth; the middle line represents mortals; the upper line represents heaven.

In some country's organisations, such as National Taekwon-Do Norway, children and juniors have additional degrees in between. Students under the age of 16 also have a white stripe following the middle of the belt all the way around. In addition, two extra partial degrees must be accomplished on red belt before applying for 1st degree black belt. An illustration of the complete colored belt ranking system can be found on NTN's homepage.

Each colour has a specific philosophical meaning. They are as follows:

• White - signifies innocence and ignorance toward Taekwon-Do, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do;
• Yellow - signifies the earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Taekwon-Do foundation is laid;
• Green - signifies the plant's growth, as the Taekwon-Do skill begins to develop;
• Blue - signifies Heaven, towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progress;
• Red - signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away;
• Black - Opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do. It also indicates the wearer's imperviousness to darkness and fear.

Up to 6th dan, all ranks require the student to perform a test of all skills and knowledge up to their rank to be promoted. Ranks above 6th dan may be awarded with consent of the promotion committee with no physical test required; due to the nature of and responsibilities of a master no longer being centered on the physical development of students. However, if the recipient desires, a demonstration may be performed. 9th degree (being the highest) can only be awarded when the special committee examines and reaches a unanimous consent. There are minimum times that practitioners must remain at a black belt degree before being promoted to the next grade: 1st degree: minimum 18 months as 1st degree before promotion to 2nd degree; 2nd degree: minimum 2 years; 3rd degree: minimum 3 years; 4th degree: minimum 4 years; and so on.

References

See also

• All Europe Taekwon-Do Federation
• Taekwondo
• World Taekwondo Federation
• TKD Power

The All Europe Taekwon-Do Federation was founded by General Choi Hong Hi in June 1979 in Oslo. ... Taekwondo (also Tae Kwon Do, Taekwon-Do, or Tae Kwon-Do) is a Korean martial art and combat sport. ... The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is the International Federation (IF) member of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for the competition events of the martial art of Taekwondo. ... TKD Power Logo TKD Power is an ITF Taekwon-Do group based in the UK. It was founded by 1997 European Champion, Antony Panteli. ...

External links

• ITF Main Site - International Taekwon-Do Federation
• Chang Ung Group - NK Headed Group, President Prof. Chang Ung
• Choi Jung Hwa Administration - President Choi Jung Hwa
• Korea Taekwon-Do Federation South Korea organisation, affiliated to President Choi Jung Hwa
• TKD Seoul TKD branch based in Seoul, South Korea. Affiliated to President Choi Jung Hwa
• National Taekwon-Do Norway Norway's largest martial arts organisation. Led by Master Per Andresen
• United Kingdom TKD Association Original UK ITF National Association, founded by Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha
• TKD Power UK Based ITF Group
• GTI Taekwondo UK UK traditional ITF organisation
• Cornwall Taekwondo UK UK traditional ITF organisation
• Taekwondo South Africa South African Traditional ITF Taekwondo