The World of Taekwondo: WT, ITF, GTF, and the Rise of PTF & Kombat Taekwondo

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Hello Taekwondo enthusiasts and martial arts fans!

Is your understanding of Taekwondo limited to the flashy kicks seen in the Olympics? Or perhaps you've heard about differences between various "schools" but can't quite sort them out? Today, let's dive deep into the major global Taekwondo organizations: World Taekwondo (WT), the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), the Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF), and the innovative newcomers making waves – the Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) and its flagship product, Kombat Taekwondo (K-TKD).

Understanding these distinctions will help you better appreciate this fascinating martial art and grasp why we're so optimistic about the future of PTF and Kombat Taekwondo!

Three Mainstreams, Each with Its Own Flavor: WT, ITF, GTF

  1. World Taekwondo (WT)

    • Position: The Olympic sport, the global leader in competitive Taekwondo.
    • Characteristics: Formerly known as the WTF (World Taekwondo Federation). The WT system is renowned for its standardized competition rules, emphasizing foot techniques and using electronic protectors to ensure fairness and safety in matches. Its training goal is clear: to cultivate athletes who can win medals in international competitions. If you dream of standing on an Olympic podium, WT is undoubtedly your top choice.

  2. International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)

    • Position: The legacy of Taekwondo founder General Choi Hong-hi, a guardian of traditional Taekwondo.
    • Characteristics: ITF places greater emphasis on Taekwondo's martial roots, focusing on comprehensive technical training, including hand techniques, grappling, self-defense, and a rich variety of patterns (Tuls). Its philosophical principles, such as courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit, are integral to its teachings. Although multiple factions exist within ITF, its dedication to the depth and breadth of Taekwondo techniques and its emphasis on the martial essence are its unique charms.

  3. Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF)

    • Position: A significant branch derived from the ITF, representing a blend of tradition and innovation.
    • Characteristics: Founded by Grandmaster Park Jung-tae, a former ITF Secretary General. GTF builds upon the ITF's techniques and philosophy, introducing new patterns and placing greater emphasis on the scientific nature and fluidity of movements. It also stresses the comprehensive martial art aspect, its non-political stance, and the cultivation of moral character in its practitioners. GTF is an extension and re-creation of the ITF tradition.

The Rising Stars: Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) and Kombat Taekwondo

While WT, ITF, and GTF have developed independently, the Taekwondo world has also been contemplating how to better integrate resources, provide more opportunities for athletes, and enhance the sport's overall influence. It is against this backdrop that the Professional Taekwondo Federation (PTF) emerged, launching its core product, Kombat Taekwondo (K-TKD).

PTF's Grand Vision: Integration and Professionalization

PTF's objectives are very clear: it aims to become the global governing body for the sport of Taekwondo, dedicated to unifying both amateur and professional Taekwondo standards. It bravely bridges the long-standing divide between WT and ITF, openly recognizing and seeking collaboration with Kukkiwon, ITF, WT, and even the original Taekwondo Kwans of Korea. This means PTF is striving to build a more inclusive platform where Taekwondo practitioners from diverse backgrounds can find a sense of belonging and opportunities for growth.

Kombat Taekwondo: A "Second Spring" for Retired Athletes and Limitless Potential

Kombat Taekwondo is PTF's most striking product. It is a professional competition platform specifically designed to allow retired Taekwondo athletes who once dominated WT or ITF arenas to continue their careers on a larger, more intense stage.

Why is K-TKD's potential so immense?

  • Extension of Athletic Careers: Many excellent Taekwondo athletes, after reaching their peak, often face the dilemma of having no more competitions to participate in. K-TKD offers them a chance to extend their athletic lives and showcase their exquisite skills. This not only validates years of their training but also brings more high-level matches to the audience.
  • Fusion of Rules and Enhanced Spectacle: K-TKD aims to merge the essence of different styles, meaning the competition rules could be more open, allowing for a wider variety of kicks, punches, and even throws (depending on the final rules). This significantly boosts the excitement and watchability of the matches. Imagine athletes from WT and ITF backgrounds battling it out in the same ring – how thrilling would that be!
  • Professional Operations and Commercial Potential: K-TKD, by its very "professional" nature, will adopt more mature event operations, commercial sponsorships, and media promotion models. This will not only provide better income for athletes but also elevate Taekwondo to a wider audience, creating more globally influential star athletes.

Our Choice: Rooted in WT, Embracing the Future of Kombat Taekwondo!

In our training system, we will focus on the solid foundation of WT Taekwondo. WT's standardized curriculum and competitive system provide students with strong fundamentals, technical details, and strategic thinking. We believe that through rigorous WT training, students can build excellent physical conditioning and tactical awareness.

However, we also hope to guide these excellent WT-background students towards the vast realm of Kombat Taekwondo. We are committed to enabling students not only to master the essence of Olympic Taekwondo but also to adapt to K-TKD's more diverse and challenging competitive environment. This not only opens new avenues for those aspiring to professional development but also allows all students to experience a more comprehensive and evolved aspect of Taekwondo.

Kombat Taekwondo is paving the way for the future of Taekwondo, heralding an era that is more integrated, more spectacular, and more professional. We firmly believe that whether you aim to improve your physical fitness, learn self-defense, or dream of becoming the next ring legend, joining our WT courses and actively embracing the philosophy of Kombat Taekwondo will be your best choice to embark on an extraordinary Taekwondo journey!

We look forward to seeing you at the dojang, witnessing the glorious future of Taekwondo together!

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