Formosa: Soulistic Tuina x Martial Artist

It's common to hear debates about which Taekwondo style is "stronger," "older," or "more practical" – referring to the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo (WT) (formerly WTF). However, as we rightly observed, these discussions are often unproductive. The true distinction lies not in a competition of superiority, but in their fundamental theoretical approaches to movement . Core Theoretical Differences in Movement The key differentiator between WT and ITF Taekwondo lies in how they generate power and initiate movement : World Taekwondo (WT): Emphasizing Core-Driven Movement WT, often associated with sport Taekwondo , focuses on generating power primarily from the core . Poomsae (Forms): In WT forms, movements typically begin with a rotation of the torso or core, which then drives the limb action. Breaking Techniques: While often visually spectacular with aerial and spinning techniques, these frequently rely on powerfu...

Taekwondo poomsae are known for their strict, formulaic movements. There's no denying they're highly standardized. However, this is the mainstream approach in Taekwondo, and I've had to embrace relearning them. Thankfully, Kukkiwon's official educational materials are quite generous. They've meticulously organized the poomsae tutorials, making them excellent resources for both instructors and self-learners. Kukkiwon's Educational Resources: A Boon for Learning and Teaching Kukkiwon categorizes Taegeuk Chapters 1 to 3 as entry-level poomsae, available in both English and Korean versions. The videos even include the Korean pronunciation of the movements, offering a great opportunity to pick up some Korean along the way. Here are the international versions of Taegeuk 1 to 3, along with their key movements: Taegeuk Il Jang (태극 1장) - Taegeuk Chapter 1 Key Movements: Narani Seogi (나란히 서기) : Parallel Ready Stance Ap Seogi (앞 서기) : Forward Stance Ap Kubi (앞굽이) : ...

Honestly, boxing isn't my primary discipline. While I hold professional boxing qualifications and certified coaching credentials , my relatively short time in the sport means I still find it challenging to spar with dedicated boxing specialists. However, after engaging with Muay Thai and Kickboxing, I developed a strong desire to execute clean, sharp boxing techniques. To achieve this, I sought guidance from various coaches, including those from a university team. For me, seeking instruction from the university team proved to be the most enriching experience. Training alongside professional athletes allowed me to quickly identify my weaknesses and grow from every "setback." Unfortunately, I couldn't remain at the university indefinitely, especially with the last three years completely disrupting my plans. But this doesn't mean progress has to stop. As I review various boxing resources available, I make an effort to integrate and synthesize the information. The pu...