Taekwondo

What is Taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art and combat sport centered primarily on kicking techniques. The name is generally explained as tae, “to strike with the foot,” kwon, “to strike or punch with the hand,” and do, “way” or “art.” A practitioner trains not only kicks, but also punches, blocks, patterns, sparring, breaking techniques, self-defense, conditioning, and conduct.

The two major international traditions are ITF Taekwon-Do and Kukkiwon/WT Taekwondo. ITF, or Chang Hon, places relatively strong emphasis on hand and leg techniques, 24 Tul, controlled semi-contact, and a comprehensive self-defense system. Kukkiwon provides the technical foundation for many WT programs, with Poomsae and Olympic full-contact Kyorugi. These branches share a name and historical roots, but are not simply the same sport with a different competition uniform.

Taekwondo is practiced without weapons. A school may offer additional training with sticks or other training weapons, but weapons are not part of a universal Taekwondo curriculum.

• Forms - Hyeong, Poomsae, or Tul: set sequences featuring techniques, stances, and changes of direction.
• Sparring - Kyorugi, point sparring, or other formats with their own contact and scoring rules.
• Gyeokpa - breaking tests for training, examinations, or demonstrations.
• Hosinsul - self-defense techniques, depending on the style and school.

Origins of Modern Martial Arts

After the end of the Japanese occupation in 1945, new Korean martial arts schools, known as kwans, emerged in Seoul. Their founders came from different backgrounds. Some had studied karate, judo, or kendo in Japan; others had been influenced by Chinese or Manchurian martial arts. The modern history of Taekwondo is therefore a combination of Korean reformulation and multiple Asian influences, rather than a completely unbroken line from antiquity.

The Nine Original Kwans

The first kwans used names such as Chung Do Kwan, Song Moo Kwan, Moo Duk Kwan, Kwon Bop, Yun Moo Kwan, Chang Moo Kwan, Oh Do Kwan, Ji Do Kwan, and Jong Do Kwan. Not every historical list is identical, because organizations, names, and successions changed during the postwar period. Together, however, these schools formed the institutional foundation on which later standardization was built.

Choi Hong Hi and the Name Taekwon-Do

General Choi Hong Hi was a Korean army officer and one of the central architects of the modern Taekwon-Do tradition. In 1955, the name Taekwon-Do was officially put forward as a common name. Earlier names included Tang Soo Do, Kong Soo Do, and Tae Soo Do. The choice of name and the reference to older Korean footwork such as Taekkyon are part of a complex history in which sport, national identity, and politics converged.

Choi worked with Nam Tae Hi and other military instructors on the technical design of the system. His approach combined Korean terminology and historical symbolism with influences from karate, military training, biomechanics, and existing martial arts practices. The precise balance between these influences remains a subject of historical debate.

From KTA to ITF, Kukkiwon, and WT

The Korea Taekwondo Association was established in 1959 through cooperation among representatives of the kwans. The attempt to create a single common curriculum ultimately led to different directions. On March 22, 1966, Choi Hong Hi founded the International Taekwon-Do Federation and continued developing his Chang Hon system. The KTA and the South Korean government also developed the lineage that was later disseminated internationally through Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo.

In 1972, the KTA Central Dojang became the national academy that was later named Kukkiwon. In 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation was founded, now known as World Taekwondo. The political split surrounding Choi’s contacts with North Korea intensified the distinction between the ITF and the South Korean lineage. The ITF operated from Canada and continued to disseminate Choi’s system internationally.

IOC recognition followed in 1980; Taekwondo was a demonstration sport in Seoul in 1988 and became an official Olympic medal sport starting in Sydney in 2000. In 2018, the South Korean government officially designated Taekwondo as a national martial art.

The origin stories surrounding Taekkyon and ancient Korean martial arts should be read carefully. They are important to Taekwondo’s cultural identity, but they do not prove that the modern sport emerged directly and unchanged from a single ancient style.

The development of the major styles

Traditional Taekwondo and the old kwans

Traditional Taekwondo often refers to the martial arts practices of the 1940s and 1950s, before a single curriculum had been fully standardized. The schools used names such as Tang Soo Do, Kong Soo Do, and Tae Soo Do and differed in forms, terminology, and training emphases. Some of these lineages still exist under names such as Tang Soo Do and Soo Bahk Do.

ITF, Chang Hon, and GTF

ITF Taekwon-Do, more precisely called Chang Hon Taekwon-Do, uses Tul as the term for the 24 prescribed patterns. Choi Hong Hi described the system extensively in his 1983 Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. The ITF approach uses controlled semi-contact, a relatively equal role for hands and feet, the Theory of Power, and the Sine Wave.

The Global Taekwondo Federation emerged in 1990 as a breakaway from the ITF with additional elements. After Choi's death in 2001, the ITF itself split in 2002 into several organizations that use the name ITF. The GTF and the various ITF federations share the Chang Hon foundation, but their competition rules, organizational claims, and additional forms may differ.

ATA, Songahm, and Jhoon Rhee

Haeng Ung Lee, a former instructor in the South Korean military, founded the American Taekwondo Association in Omaha in 1969. ATA Taekwondo developed into Songahm Taekwondo, with its own forms, rank systems, and a large international school network. From the 1960s onward, Jhoon Rhee spread Traditional Taekwondo in the United States and later developed his own approach with traditional and ITF influences.

Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo

Kukkiwon is the technical and educational academy of Kukki Taekwondo and manages international Dan and Poom certification. World Taekwondo primarily governs international competition. Therefore, “WT style” and “Kukkiwon style” are not perfect synonyms: Kukkiwon technically defines the style, while WT manages the competition rules and sports structure.

Modern hybrid forms

Modern projects such as Extreme Taekwondo combine Taekwondo with elements from other disciplines, such as karate or capoeira. Such hybrid forms can be interesting as sports or demonstration formats, but they are not the same as ITF, GTF, Kukkiwon, or WT.

Training and curriculum

A Taekwondo lesson takes place in a dojang. The curriculum varies by school, organization, and age group, but may include warm-ups, stretching, stances, kicking and hand techniques, combinations, forms, sparring, breaking tests, self-defense, falling, and conditioning.

Forms, sparring, and breaking

Hyeong or hyung is used mainly for older or traditional Korean systems, Poomsae is the usual term within Kukkiwon/WT and ATA, and Tul belongs to the ITF/Chang Hon tradition. The terms resemble kata in karate, but each system uses its own series, sequence, and technical interpretation.

Sparring may consist of free sparring, point sparring, or prearranged one-, two-, three-, and seven-step combinations. Gyeokpa or Weerok uses breaking boards for testing, training, and demonstrations. Power Breaking focuses on strength, Speed Breaking on speed, and Special Techniques on height, distance, or clearing obstacles.

Choi's Theory of Power

Choi Hong Hi's Theory of Power describes Reaction Force, Concentration, Equilibrium, Breath Control, Mass, and Speed. The training model emphasizes that speed, timing, body rotation, balance, and well-directed impact together determine how effective a technique becomes. The relax/strike approach calls for relaxation between techniques and focused tension during execution.

The Sine Wave, in which the center of gravity moves up and down in a controlled manner, is particularly characteristic of the Chang Hon/ITF tradition. Not all ITF schools explain it identically, and it is not a general rule for every Taekwondo style. The physics comparison between speed and mass is a useful training model, but not a complete description of every kick or punch.

Techniques and stances

Common kick names include ap chagi, dollyeo chagi, yeop chagi, dwi chagi, dwi dollyeo chagi, hulyeogi chagi, and bit chagi. Hand techniques include jireugi, chigi, makgi, gwon, deungjumeok, sonkal, sonkkeut, batangson, and palkkum. Examples of stances are junbi seogi, jeongul seogi, hugul seogi, gima or juchum seogi, sagolib seogi, and gyocha lib seogi.

Korean terminology is not fully standardized. For example, ap seogi within Kukkiwon/WT may refer to an upright walking stance, while ITF/Chang Hon uses the same name for a longer, lower forward stance. Always check your organization's own glossary for exams.

Philosophy, values, and global spread

The five virtues that Choi Hong Hi associated with Taekwondo are courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and an indomitable spirit. His oath emphasizes respect for instructors and seniors, the responsible use of the art, freedom, justice, and working toward a more peaceful world.

ITF, WT, and Kukkiwon organizations refer to the Hwarang and Korean philosophical ideas in different ways. Taegeuk, yin and yang, and the interplay between heaven, earth, and humanity provide symbolic frameworks in this context. The reference to the Hwarang is a modern moral and cultural reference, not necessarily a literal, uninterruptedly transmitted code of conduct.

The Twelve Masters

An important part of ITF history is the work of the twelve Korean masters who were sent abroad by Choi Hong Hi in the 1960s and 1970s. They brought the martial art to new countries, established schools and national associations, and shaped generations of instructors. Their work explains why ITF Taekwon-Do developed its own strong tradition in some European, Latin American, and former Eastern Bloc countries.

GM Rhee Ki-ha arrived in the United Kingdom in 1967, founded the UKTA, and played a major role in the spread of Taekwon-Do across Europe. GM C.K. Choi developed an important branch in Malaysia and western Canada. GM Park Jung-tae brought Chang Hon Taekwon-Do, among other places, to countries behind the Iron Curtain. These masters were not uniform copies of one another: each built their own network, teaching practice, and regional history on the shared foundation.

From military network to global sport

Korean instructors traveled to Europe, North America, Asia, Latin America, and other regions through military contacts, diplomatic networks, and private schools. WT grew significantly through Olympic sport and international federations. ITF remained recognizable through its traditional patterns, theory, Tul, semi-contact sparring, and explicit focus on the complete martial art.

Good Taekwondo training combines technical ambition with safety, respect, and responsibility. A high kick, black belt, or title is never a license to apply techniques outside the agreed training context.

Taekwondo in the Netherlands

The Netherlands has both an active ITF and WT community. The two branches have their own federations, schools, examinations, competition calendars, and competition rules. The Taekwondo Bond Nederland represents the WT line within the Dutch sports structure and is affiliated with World Taekwondo Europe and World Taekwondo. Membership figures, numbers of schools, and recognitions are snapshots in time and change over time.

The Dutch ITF Masters

GM Park Jong-soo, one of the twelve original masters, arrived in the Netherlands in 1966 and founded the Dutch Taekwon-Do Association. His work forms an important bridge between Choi Hong Hi’s international pioneering mission and Dutch ITF history.

GM Wim Bos from Appingedam became one of the most influential Dutch ITF practitioners of his generation. He became a seven-time Dutch champion, European champion in 1976, and later served as technical director of the Italian federation for 32 years. His ITF Patterns Manual is part of the Dutch contribution to the systematic teaching of the Chang Hon patterns.

The Tapilatu family from Groningen represents another important Dutch lineage. Master Wijnand Tapilatu was part of the 1984 world champion team; his son Stephen became a two-time ITF world champion and gained recognition as King of Taekwon-Do. Their history shows that the Dutch contribution consists not only of federations, but also of families, schools, competition teams, and the transmission of knowledge across generations over many years.

Dutch federations and competitions

I.T.F. Netherlands, Dutch ITF, ITF HQ Netherlands, ITF-RD, and other organizations support Dutch ITF schools with training sessions, seminars, examinations, and competitions. The Dutch calendar may include events such as Tul, sparring, Power Breaking, and Special Techniques. The exact organizer, recognition, and regulations vary by event.

Within the Dutch WT structure, Kyorugi and Poomsae are the main competition disciplines. The Dutch Open and the Dutch Championships attract participants at national and international level. Tournament dates, G-status, weight classes, and participation requirements are time-sensitive and should be checked in the current information provided by the organizing federation.

Programs such as I.T.F. Radix for children and Heroes of Auti Taekwon-Do show that Dutch schools also seek pedagogical and inclusive training formats. Check with each provider which adaptations, qualifications, and safety arrangements apply.

Taekwon-do.nl and FightBase

Taekwon-do.nl was the former independent digital starting point for the Dutch Taekwondo community. The old portal brought ITF and WT together, with theory, Korean terminology, examination requirements, competition information, an agenda, and community features beyond the divisions between federations.

FightBase is the 2.0 successor to that idea within Fight2Win. It is not merely a standalone summary of a sport, but an interconnected knowledge and community layer covering sports history, techniques, styles, organizations, trainers, fighters, locations, and current context. The old taekwon-do.nl experience forms its editorial history; FightBase builds on it with a broader structure that can also connect other martial arts.

WT competitions: Kyorugi and Poomsae

In WT Kyorugi, two competitors fight under continuous full-contact rules. Permitted techniques consist mainly of kicks and straight punches to the permitted target areas; punches to the head are prohibited. Regular and spinning kicks score different numbers of points, with a spinning head kick worth more than a regular body kick. The exact scoring table, sensor thresholds, and penalties may be adjusted.

A Gam-jeom is a penalty that generally awards one point to the opponent. Matches often consist of three two-minute rounds with rest periods, but youth and regional tournaments may differ. Weight classes, age groups, and the division between men and women vary by event. Under the current rules, a tied score may lead to an extra round or a decision based on superiority.

At major competitions, WT uses electronic hogu, foot protectors, and headgear for certain scores. Referees and judges assess punches, technical spinning or kicking actions, and fouls, among other things. Technology reduces some disputes but also raises questions about sensor thresholds and the influence of scoring on fighting style.

Poomsae is the non-contact discipline in which competitors perform a prescribed form. Judges assess accuracy, balance, posture, rhythm, power, speed, and presentation, among other criteria. Individual, pair, and team forms are available, and some competitions also include freestyle forms. Poomsae is a recognized WT discipline but is not an Olympic event.

ITF competitions: sparring, Tul, and breaking tests

ITF sparring is generally a continuous point-sparring format with controlled contact. Hand techniques to the head are permitted under the applicable rules, but excessive contact is not intended. Common scoring models award points for punches, kicks to the body, head kicks, and jumping or spinning techniques. The exact scoring table may differ between ITF federations and national organizations.

An international competition may take place on a square ring measuring approximately 9 by 9 meters. Protective equipment generally consists of approved hand and safety kicks; a hogu is not the standard basis of ITF sparring. Attacking a downed opponent, sweeping, holding, and attacking outside the target area may be considered fouls.

In addition to sparring, ITF tournaments include Tul, Power Breaking, and Special Techniques. In special techniques, prescribed jumping or height techniques are performed, often in combination with breaking boards. Some events organize WT and ITF disciplines alongside each other, with separate rules for Kyorugi, Tul, Poomsae, and Chang Hon patterns.

Korean terms and techniques

Korean commands are used in many schools outside Korea. Examples include charyeot, attention; junbi, ready; sijak, begin; geuman, stop; gyeongnye, bow; gyesok, continue; baro, return to ready position; swieo, relax; hyusik, rest; dwirodora, turn around; gihap, training shout; siseon, gaze or focus; and haesan, end or dismiss.

Foot and hand techniques

Common foot technique names include chagi, ap chagi, dollyeo chagi, yeop chagi, hulyeogi chagi, dwi chagi, dwi dollyeo chagi, dwi dollyeo hulyeogi chagi, mureup chagi, and bit chagi. Hand and arm techniques include jireugi, chigi, makgi, gwon, deungjumeok, sonkal, sonkkeut, batangson, palkkum, yeop jireugi, and san makgi.

Stances

Examples include junbi seogi, jeongul seogi, hugul seogi, gima seogi, gimalip seogi, juchum seogi, sagolib seogi, and gyocha lib seogi. Hangul, Hanja, and Revised Romanization may be rendered differently in sources. More importantly, the same Korean term may refer to a different technical execution depending on the governing body or school.

Choosing a Taekwondo school

Start with your goal. If you want to spar in the Olympics, look for a WT school with Kyorugi and suitable protective gear. If you are looking for traditional forms, hand techniques, Tul and semi-contact, an ITF school may be a better fit. If you are mainly looking for movement, discipline, Poomsae or recreational training, ask which part of the curriculum is actually central.

• Ask which association or federation the school represents and which exams or certificates it uses.
• Ask whether the classes mainly consist of Kyorugi, Tul, Poomsae, self-defense, conditioning or a combination.
• Check the safety rules, protective equipment, how beginners are treated and how contact is gradually introduced.
• Attend a trial class and pay attention to clear instruction, respect, differences in skill level and a healthy training culture.
• Treat claims about recognition, world titles and historical lineage critically, and ask which organization confirms the claim.

A good school does not have to be the toughest or loudest school. The best match is the place where style, training goal, skill level, safety and culture fit together.

Explore and compare Taekwondo

A demonstration may showcase high kicks, jumps, spinning techniques, patterns, or breaking tests. This gives an impression of coordination, timing, and technical skill, but not necessarily of the quality of self-defense or sparring under resistance.

In a competition, first look at the format: WT Kyorugi, ITF sparring, Poomsae, Tul, breaking, or special techniques. Then consider the permitted techniques, level of contact, protective equipment, scoring, and the role of the judges. This prevents different Taekwondo traditions from mistakenly being assessed as one identical combat sport.