TaeKwonDo

TaeKwonDo is a very diverse art, while there are certain things that are agreed upon by everyone, there are minor details that some practitioners disagree on. These disagreements are what birthed the various Organizations around the world that practice Tae Kwon Do.

It should be noted that for the most part, these organizations all seek to help each other and help each other, they simply have disagreements on things ranging from organizational issues, such as the number of ranks, to technical issues, such as foot positions in a form.

The two largest TaeKwonDo organizations in the world are the International Tae Kwon do federation (ITF) and the World TaeKwonDo Federation (WTF). These two organizations were both created in Korea, the ITF being founded in 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi. The WTF was founded in 1973 and became the organization recognized in the 1980 Olympics.

The ITF currently exists as three organizations, all claiming to be the original, located in Australia, Canada and North Korea. The WTF is based in Seoul, Korea. The WTF is International Federation the International Olympic Committee for Olympic competition in Tae Kwon Do.

Outside of the ITF and WTF, hundreds, if not thousands of organizations exist. Each organization has a different political structure and while this may not directly effect you at lower levels, if you reach higher Dans of black belt then you will start to see the politics of the art, and will begin to understand how different organizations interact.

When choosing a TaeKwonDo school, it can be beneficial to determine the school’s organization association, and research that organization. Schools not part of any particular organization have pros and cons. While you may receive a more intimate and personalized training program, competition and recognition in the world of martial arts will be hard to come by.

Taekwondo is about self improvement and defense, and although one should always seek constant improvement, it is also helpful to have a way to gauge you’re progress. This is where belts, and rank, comes into play.

Ranks in Taekwondo are displayed by wearing a colored belt around the waist. Colors run the gamut, from blue, to red white, to yellow black, but one thing is common, starting at white and ending with black.

The number and color of belts depends on the school and organization the school is affiliated with. Some schools will only have a small number of belts, say 6 or 7, while some will have over 20. One way to tell of a school’s credibility could be it’s number of belts.

Traditionally, most Taekwondo schools had a small number of belts, but in a modern world it is common for schools to use belts and the testing (which I will talk about in a second) that comes with them as a way to create revenue.

Typically, to gain rank one will attend a test. Depending on the Taekwondo school you may be administered a written test as well as a physical one. Usually physical tests will require you to demonstrate you’re current form(s) as well as spar at a level expected of you’re rank. Finally, at higher levels, it is often required to perform a break, which is breaking a board or other object with a specific technique.

When you receive a belt in Taekwondo, you may also receive a certificate that indicates the rank you have just reached, once again, this is based upon school. It is also common for a Taekwondo school to provide more ranks for children then adults, this does two things; on the one hand, if the school charges for testing, it creates revenue; on the other hand, it allows children to feel progress.

Gaining rank usually means that you will be required to perform more complicated Taekwondo forms, spar at a higher level, perform more difficult breaks, and in more traditional schools, have a greater understanding of the art. Improvement is never ending! Always strive to be the best you can be!

Sparring is one of the principle ways of practicing Tae kwon Do.

 Where forms help you build confidence and strength of technique and mind, sparring gives you practice with practical application.

 In most serious Tae Kwon Do schools, a period of time is set for sparring in every class. There are many levels of contact in sparring, from butterfly sparring, in which no pads are worn and the combatants only give each other light taps, to full pad, full contact sparring.

The type of sparring that students engage in is usually determined by the instructor, but it should be noted that great care must be taken in deciding which type of sparring is right for you.

 While butterfly sparring may seem the safest method, it also requires the most control, therefor it is recommended that more inexperienced students start with partial contact sparring.

With partial contact sparring, you will usually wear headgear, foot and hand pads, as well as a mouth guard, it should be noted that with all forms of sparring that male students should always wear an athletic cup.

In partial contact sparring the aim is to further both you and you’re opponent’s sparring ability, to this end, it is important that you fight without attempting to injure each other, as the purpose is to better yourself rather than score points. When it comes to competition, you will most likely be practicing full contact sparring.

 Usually you would wear everything you would in partial contact, with the addition of a chest protector, shin guards, and possibly a waist and groin protector. Full contact is much more violent, as the goal is to score points on you’re opponent rather that improve you’re abilities.

 No matter what type of sparring you decide to practice in any given situation, it is extremely important that you treat you’re opponent, any judges or instructors, or any other with respect and kindness, as this is important to maintain a professional and enjoyable atmosphere.

 In closing, sparring is an enjoyable way to improve you’re practical Tae kwon Do application, but it must be done with care to avoid injury.