International Taekwondo Federation

One of the two major Taekwon-Do organisations, the other being the World Taekwondo Federation or WTF. The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) was founded on March 22nd, 1966, by General Choi Hong Hi, who was central to the modern systemization of Taekwon-Do.

Patterns

Patterns or forms (equivalent to the kata in karate) are considered by many to be one of the most important aspects of training in Taekwon-Do. The patterns practised by members of the ITF are very different from those performed by the WTF, forming one of the major differences between the two styles.

Related Topics:
Kata - Karate

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All patterns start with a defensive move, which emphasizes Taekwon-Do's defensive nature. The patterns all start and end in the same point. This ensures that the practioners stances are the correct legnth, width, and in the proper direction.

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There are 24 patterns (틀) in the official ITF syllabus, all of which were developed by General Choi. The names of these patterns typically refer to a patriotic instance or person of Korean history. They are as follows (with Hangul/Hanja names), and with related articles:

Related Topics:
Hangul - Hanja

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• Chon-Ji (천지/天地)
• Dan-Gun (단군/檀君)
• Do-San (도산/島山)
• Wonhyo (원효/元曉)
• Yul-Gok (율곡/栗谷)
• Joong-Gun (중근/重根)
• Toi-Gye (퇴계/退溪)
• Hwa-Rang (화랑/花郎)
• Choong-Moo (충무/忠武)
• Kwang-Gae (광개/廣開)
• Po-Eun (포은/圃隱)
• Ge-Baek (계백/階伯)
• Eui-Am (의암/義菴)
• Choong-Jang (충장/忠壯)
• Juche (주체/主體)
• Sam-il (삼일/三一)
• Yoo-Sin (유신/庾信)
• Choi-Yong (최영/崔榮)
• Yong-Gae (연개/淵蓋)
• Ul-Ji (을지/乙支)
• Moon-Moo (문무/文武)
• So-San (서산/西山)
• Se-Jong (세종/世宗)
• Tong-Il (통일/統一)

Originally there was another pattern called Kodang but this has been replaced by Juche in the current official syllabus of the ITF.

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