Understanding the Differences Between ITF and WT Taekwondo
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...