Peel Tae Kwon Do- Martial Arts
International Taekwon-do Federation (ITF)
What does ITF mean and Who invented Taekwon-do?
ITF stands for International Taekwon-Do Federation. ITF is an international taekwondo organization founded on March 22, 1966, by Choi Hong Hi, in Seoul, South Korea. ITF was originated to help and encourage the growth of the Korean Martial Art of Taekwon-Do. ITF's main purposes are organizing and approving tournaments and seminars, setting values for teaching patterns, sparring, and destruction. General Choi Hong-Hi named his Taekwon-Do in 1955. Also he was a South Korean army general. He died on June 15, 2002 at Pyongyang, North Korea at the age of 83.
What Does Taekwon-Do Mean?
Taekwon- is not only a combat sport, but is also a way of life for enthusiasts around the globe. The word Taekwondo itself is made up of three Chinese/Korean words: Tae, meaning to kick or jump; Kwon, meaning fist or hand; and Do, means art, way or method. It also teaches more than physical fighting. It is a correction that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind. Today, it has become an international sport that has gained an international reputation, and stands among the official games in the Olympics. Taekwon- Do is something that pursues harmonious growth and improvements of life through its unique activities and it's a way of life.
History of the Patterns
The definition of each Belt
White Belt: Signifies innocence. No previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do, as that of a beginner student.
Yellow Belt: Represents the earth where the seed of Taekwon-Do is planted as the foundation of Taekwon-Do is being laid.
Green Belt: Represents the green planet growing as the skills of Taekwon-Do develop.
Blue Belt: Signifies the sky and the heavens, towards which the tree grows as Taekwon-Do training progresses.
Red Belt: Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control, and warning an opponent to stay away.
Black Belt: The opposite of white, therefore signifying a maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do. It also indicates the holder’s imperviousness to darkness and fear.
Novice Black Belt (1st-3rd degree) – The student is also considered an Assistant Instructor during these ranks.
Expert Black Belt (4th-6th degree)- The student is considered an Instructor.
The student is now called Sa-Hyong, or Master Instructor.
Grandmaster (9th degree) – The ultimate rank in traditional taekwondo, there are very few who have made it this far and they are considered to be the greatest experts on the art of taekwondo. The student is now called Grandmaster or Sa-Song.
The 24 Patterns in Taekwon-Do ITF:
- Chon-Ji (19 Movements)
- Dan-Gun (21 Movements)
- Do-San (24 Movements)
- Won-Hyo (28 Movements)
- Yul-Gok (38 Movements)
- Joong-Gun (32 Movements)
- Toi-Gye (37 Movements)
- Hwa-Rang (29 Movements)
- Choong-Moo (30 Movements)
- Kwang Gae (39 Movements)
- Po-Eun (36 Movements)
- Ge-Baek (44 Movements)
- Eui-Am (45 Movements)
- Choong-Jang (52 Movements)
- Juche (45 Movements)
- Sam-Il (33 Movements)
- Yoo-Sin (68 Movements)
- Choi-Yong (46 Movements)
- Yon-Gae (49 Movements)
- Ul-Ji (42 Movements)
- Moon-Moo (61 Movements)
- So-San (72 Movements)
- Se-Jong (24 Movements)
- Tong-Il (56 Movements)
The 1 Retired Pattern in Taekwon-Do ITF is:
- Ko-Dang (39 Movements)
Sparing
The Kicks we do in ITF is:
- Back Kick
- Hook Kick
- Push Kick
- Roundhouse Kick
- Double roundhouse Kick
- Side Kick
- Spinning hook Kick
The Punches in ITF:
What are the benefits in Taekwondo?
Taekwondo helps with:
Improving self-esteem-by heightening your physical and mental powers.
Building your confidence-by encouraging you to succeed and to take control of your life.
Developing discipline-by thoroughly training your body and mind in the tenets and techniques of Taekwondo.
Teaching self-defense-by training you to recognize situations in which physical self-defense may be necessary, and teaching you how to control such situations to your advantage.
Strengthening your mind and body-through increased physical coordination and mental discipline.