‘The more you learn, the more you realize how much is left to learn.’ Taekwondo as a dojo and a sport is no different to this belief.

Stemming from Korea Taekwondo Association formed in 1959, Taekwondo currently has three major bodies, i.e. World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and American Taekwondo Association (ATA).

Thus, the world of taekwondo possesses a lot of diversity. Though all these forms have evolved from its inception in Korea during the 1940s, there’s a vast difference between how the three aforementioned bodies operate.

Another notable point to keep in mind is that World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) is the same as World Taekwondo (WT). it’s been renamed World Taekwondo (WT) to avoid negative connotations of WTF.

The differences can be observed through history, applied techniques, tendencies, approach, rules, patterns & forms. Let’s begin with general differences:

Table of Contents

Embodiment

While all the three bodies are extremely credible, these have different purposes. World Taekwondo (WT) is renowned for its involvement in international competitions, primarily Olympics.

The International Taekwondo Federation emphasizes on traditional Taekwondo approach developed by General Choi whereas the American Taekwondo Association (ATA) is a blend of both WT & ITF which emphasizes on the overall development of the practitioner.

Approach

World Taekwondo (WT) is sportive in nature as compared to the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF).

While ITF is considered by many as the body which carries the traditional taekwondo beliefs, WT is more commercial in nature. Furthermore, ATA is an entirely different entity which is a blend of ITF & WTF.

Having said that, WT is quick and tactical, whereas the other two bodies are traditional and defense based. Since WT largely relies on scoring, a Taekwondo bout in WT is often considered as boring due to its technical nature of emphasizing on points alone.

Since the approach is different; the way the fighters train, spar and prepare for a bout is also different.

Sparring

World Taekwondo or Olympic Taekwondo

The rules of the old-school Olympic Taekwondo were different and they imbibed the traditional spirit before the implementation of electronic Hogu.

Before the electronic Hogu initiation in 2008, the intention while sparring was to knock your opponent.

However, after the change and addition of a sporting flavor, old-school transformed into more tactical taekwondo emphasizing on scoring points off of your opponent’s weaknesses.

While the world sees Taekwondo as Olympic Taekwondo, people who’ve been practicing WTF Taekwondo for over a decade can tell the difference between Olympic Taekwondo and the Old-School WTF Taekwondo.

The old-school Taekwondo is usually referred to as Taekwondo before the electronic Hogu was introduced in 2008.

It was a knockout sport & quite vicious version of Taekwondo we see today. The practitioners were required to leave a trembling impact and try to incapacitate their opponents with the help of kicks.

International Taekwondo Federation

International Taekwondo Federation follows No Contact or traditionally semi-contact.

Herein, the approach is defensive, and knockout isn’t necessarily the intention of the practitioner. A drawback of semi-contact sparring is that power is undermined. It follows the traditional militaristic approach as set by General Choi. Thus, the techniques are locked down, and those are limited in numbers.

However, with time, considerable changes have been introduced in ITF as well, and it’s no longer direct.

American Taekwondo Association

ATA, as mentioned above, is seemingly a blend of both the styles mentioned above. However, ATA in the 80s did not require wearing chest protectors.

Only a mouthpiece coupled with hand and foot padding was enough. ATA didn’t emphasize on trembling shock to score a point, as seen in traditional WT or ITF.

A focused blow with proper contact towards a legal target without the attempt being blocked was enough.

Fast forward four decades, ATA with regards to sparring is much lighter than WT or ITF. Sparring in WT & ITF is considerably heavier as compared to ATA.

Punches

When it comes to throwing punches, WTF doesn’t allow punch to the face though it’s a full-contact sport.
On the contrary, ITF does allow punch, but due to its semi-contact nature, there’s a limitation, i.e. the punch should be thrown clean and only with as much power as a referee can see it. You’re not allowed to leave the juice behind, upon doing so, you might be penalized.
ATA with regards to punches follows the same protocols as that of ITF.

Basics

ITF follows patterns, whereas WTF has forms. Though the same thing, these are different terminologies as per the style. Though the primary objective of all these three styles stems from “Hosin Sul” i.e. self-defense, there are many variations with regards to everything else.

Grappling

Either of these Taekwondo federations or associations is not known for grappling.

The practice of grappling is as minimal as that of locks and takedowns. Some schools teach grappling to strengthen the practitioner from a practical combat standpoint.

However, grappling realistically is not the center piece of Taekwondo in any of these three associations.

Gear

In WTF sparring, each competitor wears a headgear, mouth piece, forearm pads, chest protector and shin guard.
In ITF sparring, each competitor wears a headgear, gloves, and feet protectors.
In ATA sparring, each competitor wears headgear, gloves, mouthpiece and feet protectors.

Rules

In WTF sparring, kicking is allowed to the following areas: Chest protector, Headgear and Face. Punching is allowed to the chest protector only. If you’re a young practitioner (below 14) only light kicking to the head is allowed. However, if you’re a black belt, you can kick to the head with full power.
In ITF sparring, you’re allowed to punch and kick both body and head. Only light contact is allowed. However, the rulings in ITF are a little complex and might vary based upon the schools, studios, and the country you live in.
In ATA sparring, the primary consideration is given to preventing injuries, and thus, it promotes light contact with increased emphasis on form.

Sparring Style

In WTF the sparring is continuous, kicking, dodging, avoiding kicks. However, there’s not an ample amount of blocking in WTF sparring. A counter is preferred over blocking.
In ITF, the sparring is not continuous. For instance, if you land a hard shot, the contest will be stopped, award the point and then continue. Thus, it follows the Stop & Go principle.
In ATA, hand and foot techniques are used, and judges emphasize the effectiveness of each technique. Herein, the flow and rhythm are mostly noted along with proper eye contact and alert demeanor. It reflects the overall combination of mind and body.

Differences in ranking systems

WTF
9th Gup	White
8th Gup	Yellow
7th Gup	Orange
6th Gup	Green
5th Gup	Purple
4th Gup	Blue
3rd Gup	Brown
2nd Gup	High Brown
1st Gup	Red
1^st Dan	Black

ITF
	No Belt
10^th Gup	White Belt
9th Gup	White Belt with Yellow Stripe
8th Gup	Yellow Belt
7th Gup	Yellow Belt with Green Stripe
6th Gup	Green Belt
5th Gup	Green Belt with Blue Stripe
4th Gup	Blue Belt
3rd Gup	Blue Belt with Red Stripe
2nd Gup	Red Belt
1st Gup	Red Belt with Black Stripe
1^st Dan	Black Belt

ATA

No Belt

White

Orange

Yellow

Camouflage

Green

Purple

Blue

Brown

Red

Red/Black

Black

Notable difference in forms or patterns

The major difference between the forms stems from the characteristics – ITF is self-defense oriented, WTF is sport oriented whereas ATA is self-improvement oriented.

What’s the difference between Poomsae/Tul/Hyung?

All three refer to shape & form. World Taekwondo is integrated with ‘’Poomsae”, International Taekwondo Federation has “Tul” and American Taekwondo Association has “Hyung”. But as said earlier, all of these refer to shape & form. Similar to the names, even styles are different. Here are some notable differences:

In WTF, poomsae are more upright as compared to ITF tuls which puts limitation on the power being distributed or generated. As an example, if a WTF practitioner is throwing a punch, only shoulder strength is being utilized in the form.

ITF uses sine wave – a rising and sinking form while delivering a strike, kick or block, which requires ITF practitioners to sit deeper. ITF emphasizes on cycle of breathing while going through motions and emphasis on height and sequential movement.

WTF has stances and techniques in colored belt levels which ITF doesn’t use. These techniques include double kick, elbow strike or back fist. ITF on the other hand has U & W Shape block which is unique in ITF colored belts.

Form & Technique Guide in all the three Taekwondo Styles

World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) – Color Belt, Form & Technique Guide

WTF
Gup	Color	Forms	Technique
9th Gup	White		Basic Stance
8th Gup	Yellow	Taegeuk Il-jahng	Walking stance Front stance (also called long stance) Low block Inside block (also called middle block) High block Middle punch Front kick (also called front snap kick)
7th Gup	Orange	Taegeuk Ee-jahng	High punch
6th Gup	Green	Taegeuk Sam-jahng	Back stance Knifehand middle block Knifehand neck strike
5th Gup	Purple	Taegeuk Sa-jahng	Double knifehand block High knifehand block Palm block Back fist strike Spearhand strike Side kick
4th Gup	Blue	Taegeuk O-jahng	Cross stance L-Shape Stance Outside block Hammer fist Elbow strike
3rd Gup	Brown	Taegeuk Yuk-jahng	Outer forearm block Double wedge block (also called opening block) Roundhouse kick
2nd Gup	High Brown	Taegeuk Chil-jahng	Tiger stance Horse stance Lower knifehand block Double block Knee strike Double upset punch (i.e., uppercut) Crescent kick
1st Gup	Red	Taegeuk Pal-jahng	Mountain stance Jumping front snap kick

WTF – Black Belt Guide

Belt	Form
1^st Dan	Koryo
2^nd Dan	Keumgang
3^rd Dan	Taebaek
4^th Dan	Pyongwon
5^th Dan	Chung Hae
6^th Dan	Sipjin
7^th Dan	Jitae
8^th Dan	Cheonkwon

International Taekwondo Federation (ITF)

ITF
	No Belt	Forms
10^th Gup	White Belt	No Form, Basic Exercise
9th Gup	White Belt with Yellow Stripe	Chon-Ji (19 movements)
8th Gup	Yellow Belt	Dan-Guri (21 movements)
7th Gup	Yellow Belt with Green Stripe	Do-San (24 movements)
6th Gup	Green Belt	Won-Hyo (28 movements)
5th Gup	Green Belt with Blue Stripe	Yui-Gok (38 movements)
4th Gup	Blue Belt	Joong-Gun (32 movements)
3rd Gup	Blue Belt with Red Stripe	Toi-Gye (37 movements)
2nd Gup	Red Belt	Hwa-Rang (29 movements)
1st Gup	Red Belt with Black Stripe	Choong Moo (30 movements)
1^st Dan	Black Belt

ITF – Black Belt Guide

Black Belt	Forms	Moves
1^st Dan	Kwang-Gae Po-Eun Ge-Baek	39 36 44
2^nd Dan	Eui-Am Choong-Jang Juche	45 52 45
3^rd Dan	Sam-Il Yoo-Sin Choi-Yong	33 68 46
4^th Dan	Yon-Gae Ul-Ji Moon-Moo	49 42 61
5^th Dan	So-San Se-Jong	72 24
6^th Dan	Tong-Il	56

American Taekwondo Association (ATA) - Colored Belts

ATA
Belt	Forms	Moves
No Belt
White	Songahm 1	18
Orange	Songahm 2	23
Yellow	Songahm 3	28
Camouflage	Songahm 4	31
Green	Songahm 5	34
Purple	In Wha 1	44
Blue	In Wha 2	42
Brown	Choong Jung 1	44
Red	Choon Jung 2	46

ATA – Black Belt Guide

Belt	Form	Moves
1^st Dan	Shim Jun	81
2^nd Dan	Jung Yui	82
3^rd Dan	Chung San	83
4^th Dan	Sok Bong	84
5^th Dan	Chung Hae	95
6^th Dan	Jhang Soo	96
7^th Dan	Chul Joon	97
8^th Dan	Jeon Seung	98

Difference in Doboks (Uniforms) in all the three styles:

Differences in the uniforms are visible in all the three styles, noticeable ones include, the length of shirt, traditional robe style in ATA, new design approach in WT, shorter sleeves in ITF and major visual pattern difference. WT has a thick black border neckline whereas ITF has only the Torso part with tick black borders. ATA on the other hand has multiple black stripes.

World Taekwondo (WT)

International Taekwondo Federation (ITF)

American Taekwondo Association (ATA)

Criticism

In WTF, since kicking is an integral part, it often draws criticism of being ineffective in a real-life situation. However, ITF with more flexibility with hands can be related to the kickboxing.
Contrastingly, since ITF receives heat due to light contact as its drills are less heavier than WTF (being a full-contact sport).
ATA however, if often referred to as a cash cow, totally ineffective of standing anywhere close to ITF or WTF. For instance, here’s a mom trying to find a cheap gear for her kid on a Reddit thread and the only suggestion she gets is to switch the style.

A complete comparison guide:

Elements	WTF	ITF	ATA
Logo
History	Formed in 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation was renamed World Taekwondo to avoid negative connotations.	Founded in 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi, ITF is based upon the styles developed by General Choi.	Founded in the year 1969 by Master Haeng Ung Lee also referred to as the ‘Eternal Grand Master’.
Headquarters	Seoul, South Korea	Benidorm, Spain	Arkansas, USA
Concentration	Olympics	Most Practiced Style	Combination of WT & ITF
Highlights	Though the name World Taekwondo suggests World Leadership, WT dictates standards just pertaining to World Taekwondo (WT) and not ITF & ATA	Not affiliated to World Taekwondo, ITF has its schools, requirements and even different sparring principles. It is the most popular Taekwondo body around the world.	American Taekwondo Association has over 1500 schools in North America alone, and the teachers of this form are required to have ATA licenses.
Competition	Full Contact Point Style	Semi-Contact or Point Style	Both No-Contact & Full-Contact
Gear	Headgear, mouth piece, forearm pads, chest protector and shin guard.	Headgear, mouth piece, forearm pads, chest protector and shin guard.	Headgear, gloves, mouthpiece and feet protectors
Suitability	Olympic Dream	Self-Defense	All-Around Development
Rules	Kicking is allowed Punch allowed only on the chest protector Fully Body Contact	Kicking is allowed Punching is allowed Light Body Contact	Kicking is allowed Punching is allowed Light Body Contact
Form/Pattern	Continuous	Abrupt	Abrupt
Ranking	Seeding	Grading	Belts
Criticism	Boring	Ineffective in real life	Considered Useless

Having seen the comparison guide, let’s head towards the penultimate question.

“Which taekwondo style should you choose?”

A sensible answer to this question lies in your heart. At their basis, all three are good with regards to self-defense.

How much of that works in a real-life scenario? It depends upon who you are up against.

By reading this comprehensive blog, you now have a fair bit of knowledge about which style suits you the most. However, if you’re still having trouble choosing one, you can rely on the following test:

Approach: Which of the following do you relate yourself with?

Hitting the opponent with force – 10 points
Emphasizing on touch rather than force – 20 points
Demonstrating your skills – 30 points

Competition: Where would you rather want to compete?

Olympics – 10 points
Local, National & International Tournaments – 20 points

Gear: Would you want to be fully protected during a bout?

Yes – 10 points
No – 20 points

Mentality: Which one would you rather prefer?

A Tactical fighter – 10 points
A fighter with better self-defense – 20 points
A fighter with better self-confidence – 30 points

Ranking: Which one is more appealing to you?

Worldwide seeding – 10 points
Grading – 20 points
Belts – 30 points

Fighting Style: Which fighting style do you prefer?

Quick – 10 points
Slow but effective – 20 points
Slow but protective – 30 points

(Not down the points, you scored with each answer, and you will have your result)

Here’s what taekwondo style you should choose based upon your personality:

60 points – World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) or Olympic Taekwondo
70-120 points – International Taekwondo Federation (ITF)
130-360 points – American Taekwondo Association (ATA)

Conclusion

I hope that this guide was helpful and helped you choose the correct taekwondo style for yourself. Remember, any form of taekwondo is ineffective if you don’t follow the principles.

Thus, keep the motto intact, and not only will you take your opponents down but will improve your fitness, self-confidence, focus and self-defense. Keep these five things close to your heart – Courtesy, Integrity, Perseverance, Self-Control and Indomitable Spirit.