1 International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) Teaching You the Art of Life!

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International Taekwon-Do Federation International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)(ITF)

Teaching You the Art of Life!Teaching You the Art of Life!

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Table of Content1. History of ITF2. ITF Administrative Structure

1. ITF Congress2. ITF Board of Directors3. Standing Committees4. Continental Federations5. National Associations

3. Recognition of ITF4. Our Services

1. ITF Website2. Promotional Material3. Services to our members

5. Technical Content1. Fundamental Movements2. Patterns3. Sparring4. Breaking5. self defence

6. Philosophy of Taekwon-Do7. Differencing ITF and WTF

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History of ITF

On March 22, 1966, the ITF was founded in Seoul, Republic of Korea, by General Choi Hong Hi with nine founding member countries. It was the first international organization established to govern the development of Taekwon-Do.

Taekwon-Do became very popular, thanks to the complete physical fitness it provided to those who practised it. Its techniques are particularly appreciated for their effectiveness and their aesthetics.

General Choi authored the Encyclopaedia of Taekwon-Do, an exhaustive 15 volume work first published in 1983. It became the reference standardfor instructors and students worldwide. ITF is one ofthe rare martial arts which are endowed with suchrich documentation.

Since 2003, the ITF direction team has been working very hard to modernize its administration and structure. Tools such as the new Constitution, By-Laws and policies are among the important assets of this evolution.

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History of ITF

Important Dates in the History of the ITF

1955 Taekwon-Do" officially registered in Korea, with the name suggested by General Choi Hong Hi.

1966 ITF founded by General Choi Hong Hi, the Father of Taekwon-Do

1974 First Senior World Championship, Montreal (Canada)

1985 ITF headquarters moved to Vienna (Austria)

1993 First Junior World Championship, Moscow (Russia)

2002 Death of General Choi Hong Hi; Mr. Russell McClellan became Acting President

2003 Election of Master Trân Triêu Quân as President of the ITF

2004 First World Cup, Orlando (USA)

2007 Re-election of Master Trân Triêu Quân for a second mandate as President of the ITF

First combined Junior & Senior World Championship, Quebec (Canada)

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ITF Administrative Structure

1. ITF Congress

2. ITF Board of Directors

3. Standing Committees

4. Continental Federations

5. National Associations

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1. ITF CongressThe Congress is the supreme body of the I.T.F. It is formed by the delegates assigned by each National Association.

The Congress shall meet every two years. Its quorum is one-third of the members.

2. ITF Board of DirectorsMembers of the Board of Directors are elected at the Congress and shall serve a four-year mandate. The Board shall consist of 11 members:

• President • Senior Vice-President • Two Vice-Presidents • Secretary General • Treasurer • One representative from each Continental Federation

The current mandate is for the period 2007-2011.

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The ITF Board of Directors for 2007-2011

PresidentSenior Vice-President

Secretary GeneralTreasurer

Vice-Presidents

Continental Representatives

Master Trân Triêu Quân (Canada)Master Pablo Trajtenberg (Argentina)Master Willem Jacob Bos (Italy)Master Thomas MacCallum (Scotland)

Master Juan Ferrando (Spain)Master Paul Weiler (Germany)

Mr. Norman Bernard (Asia)Master Tadeusz Loboda (Europe)Master Clint Norman (North America)Master Michael Daher (Oceania)Master Javier Dacak (South America)

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Each committee shall consist of a Chairperson and from two to four members, depending on the needs of each Committee, to be appointed by the Board of Directors for a term of two years.

3.1 Technique & Instruction CommitteeTo achieve consistency and high quality in teaching and in

criteria for umpiring.

3.2 Tournament & Umpire CommitteeTo ensure the quality of the organization of World

Championships and World Cups

3.3 Ethics & Discipline CommitteeTo ensure all activities of ITF and those associated with it are carried out in an ethical manner

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3.4Masters Promotion CommitteeTo examine and promote qualified candidates for 7th, 8th, and 9th Degree Black Belt

3.5Business Development CommitteeTo assist the ITF, its national members, and its Instructors to develop and manage their business

3.6Communication CommitteeTo ensure the quality of communication, both internal and external

3.7Welcome CommitteeTo welcome and provide assistance to new members

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4. Continental Federations

The Continental Federations accept and carry out delegated activities of teaching, development, and competition, ensuring that all I.T.F. Rules and Policies are correctly applied.

Its Board of Directors democratically elected from among all member countries of that continent.

5. National Associations

The National Association shall be the official representative of its country members. A National Association is the basic unit of the ITF Congress members.

It Shall organize I.T.F. Taekwon-Do as the sole representative of the I.T.F.

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Recognition of ITF

In 2007, the 2nd ITF survey aimed to find out the recognition status of its National Associations in their country. Among them, 52 National Associations have answered to survey.

37 members were recognized by a local or national government agency or department.

Among these 37 members:

26 were recognized as a sport organization

16 were recognized as a martial art organization

2 were recognized as another non-profit organization

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Our Services

ITF Official Website: tkd-itf.org

• Information

• The Websites publishes important information including news about the administration and the operations of the ITF.

• Promotion

• The Website promotes international events organized by the ITF and its affiliated members, such as competitions, instructors courses and umpire courses.

• Local organization can promote their activities in the Regional News section.

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Our Services

ITF Official Website: tkd-itf.org

• Formation

• The President Messages are published every two months and study thoroughly topics related to the history of ITF, the “Do”, teaching, the operations of the ITF and the vision for the development of the ITF and.

• The Way of Life provide every two month a series of quotations from ancient and contemporary philosophers and thinkers to inspire and relate to the “Do”

• Do You KNOW? contest is a questions-and-answers feature that makes it easy for everyone to learn more about ITF Taekwon-Do. This contest is held every two months.

• Other

• New topics such as Kids Kick section will continue to be implemented to reach all ranges of members.

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Our Services

Promotional Material

• The ITF can provide its National Associations and Allied National Associations with official letters and so forth to help them get recognition from local authorities, whether it is the government, sport federations or other.

• A professional Media Kit is available online to help our instructors promote the school and their activities (poster, calendar, business card, etc.)

• A DVD was produced after the last World Championships in 2007 with exclusive competition footage and full-length final matches.

• A documentary on the ITF with exclusive interviews, action sequences and footage of our Founder General Choi is available on our official website for information and promotion.

• The magazine Taekwon-Do Generation is distributed at major ITF events every year and feature articles on our operations, our leaders, our top athletes and other activities.

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Our Services

Promotional Material

Calendar from the 2008 Media

Kit

ITF Official Web site ITF World ChampionshipQuebec 2007 DVD Souvenir

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Our Services

Services to our members

• Standardization of the techniques and certification

• Competitions

• Sanctioned Continental Championships and International competitions are organized every year following the rules and regulations of the ITF.

• The World Cup is held every even year and is open to all the clubs members. The next two World Cups are scheduled in Italy 2008 and USA 2010!

• The bests of the bests are selected within their countries for the World Championship held every odd year. The next two are scheduled in Argentina 2009 and New Zealand 2011!

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Our Services

Services to our members

Innovative formation and specialization activities International Instructor Course Leadership Camp Coaching Seminar Workshop on teaching the Do Administrative Seminar Umpire Course

Administrative Seminar Coaching Seminar

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ITF Technical Content1. Fundamental Movements

2. Patterns

3. Sparring

· Step Sparring· Pre-Arranged Free Sparring· Free Sparring

4. Breaking

· Special Techniques· Power Breaking

5. self defence

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ITF Technical Content

Preamble

General Choi developed a very complete technical system that has evolved over the years. In the beginning, he used many karate-like movements that were performed rather stiffly. Research by the General and his students, as well as scientific research, led to the current technical system, which continues to evolve.

Taekwon-Do movements respect and work in harmony with the physical laws and the constitution of the human body. This is why practicing Taekwon-Do is excellent for physical growth, overall health, agility, improved co-ordination, and the development of strong mental capacities.

The techniques of Taekwon-Do can be represented as a circle. Each of the individual methods of training is added gradually, building on techniques already learned, but the student continues to practice all the different types of training.

International Instructor Courses and other seminars assist ITF Taekwon-Do teachers to improve the quality of their teaching and ensure the uniformity of techniques.

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ITF Technical ContentCircle of training in Taekwon-Do

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ITF Technical Content1. Fundamental movements

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ITF Technical Content1. Fundamental Movements

There are more than 3,000 fundamental movements in Taekwon-Do, and General Choi was very proud of this. These movements are basic elements that can be likened to musical notes; when linked, they produce a harmonious result.

These fundamental movements use all parts of the body and are performed in harmony with the Theory of Power of Taekwon-Do. The student will practice these movements regularly with the goal of mastering each one of them, defensive and attack movements alike, so that they will be available when needed.

When practicing fundamental movements, the student must strive to use good technique, demonstrating balance, co-ordination, and good finishing (carrying through to complete the movement).

General Choi noticed that, as they progressed, students tend to neglect the practice of the fundamental movements. He encouraged all Taekwon-Do practitioners to continue practicing, to build their own storehouse of fundamental movements.

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ITF Technical Content2. Patterns

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A Taekwon-Do pattern is a choreographed sequence of fundamental movements in an imaginary fight against one attacker or several. General Choi developed twenty-four Taekwon-Do patterns.

The execution of the movements requires the application of the Theory of Power. Correct breathing generates internal energy, which increases power.

If we imagine that the fundamental movements of Taekwon-Do are like musical notes, then the twenty-four patterns are like the songs produced by assembling those notes.

The twenty-four patterns are introduced gradually as the student progresses with his training and are beneficial for Taekwon-Do students of all ages and levels of training. The patterns must be performed precisely and smoothly; the overall effect should be one of harmonious, perfectly-controlled movement.

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Scoring criteria for individual patternsUp to 5 points for technical contentUp to 3 points for powerUp to 3 points for balanceUp to 3 points for breath controlUp to 3 points for rhythm

Scoring criteria for team patternsUp to 5 points for presentation, team work and

choreographyUp to 5 points for technical contentUp to 3 points for powerUp to 3 points for balanceUp to 3 points for breath controlUp to 3 points for rhythm

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ITF Technical Content3. Sparring

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Step Sparring

Step (or prearranged) sparring is planned by the participants. They agree on the rules, such as the number of steps to be taken, the target to be attacked, the tool to be used, etc. There is no contact; the purpose is to develop control by stopping just short of the target.

There are three levels of step sparring: 3-step for beginners, 2-step or intermediate, and 1-step or advanced. The goal is to help the student understand the purpose of the movements, to master interaction with the opponent regarding stances and distances, to develop faster reflexes and instantaneous response in self defence.

Model Sparring

Model sparring are very similar to step sparring. However, the purpose of model sparring is for demonstration.

The attacker executes front punch, and the defender has the opportunity to use a combination of spectacular hand and foot techniques.

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Pre-Arranged Free Sparring

In model sparring, participants follow a prepared scenario that enables them to skillfully exhibit a wide variety of techniques without fear of injury.

It was recently added as a World Cup and World Championship event to demonstrate the broad range of techniques and the more spectacular aspects of our system.

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Free Sparring

Free sparring is essentially open combat with controlled attacks using all available means and methods. A large range of foot and hand techniques are permitted in free sparring.

The safety of the participants in free sparring is a primary concern of the ITF. For that matter, free sparring in ITF consists in light contact stand-up combat. This means knock-outs and attempt to injure the opponent are not tolerated. Also, the rules prohibit the use of techniques using the elbow, knee, or head as well as attacks below the belt.

The evaluation of free sparring is based on accuracy, speed, timing, distance, and quality of technique executed.

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Free Sparring

For competitions, the ITF allows only certain models of sparring gears that have been approved based on the quality of the material and the safety that it provides to both parts.

Scoring System

Competitors that execute a technique correctly executed with sufficient power (but not excessive power), at the right distance and on one of the permitted targets will be awarded with:

1 point for hand technique (flying or on the ground) to the head or to the body

2 points for a foot technique (flying or on the ground) to the body

3 points for a foot technique (flying or on the ground) to the head

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ITF Technical Content4. Breaking

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ITF Technical Content4. Breaking

Breaking is part of the program for promotion to each higher level, starting with green belt, and is included in Black Belt competitions.

The goal of breaking is to allow the student to develop self-confidence. Breaking demonstrates that the student has mastered the effective techniques that allow him or her to produce maximum power.

Special Techniques

Special techniques in breaking combine athletic performance with perfect execution of techniques. These techniques include flying techniques and can be spectacular. Height and length of movements are emphasized.

Power Breaking

Power breaking demonstrates technical efficiency, precision, aim and power.

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5. Self Defence

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5. Self defence

All Taekwon-Do techniques are to be used only for self defence. They are not to be used for aggression, except in cases of grave immediate danger for the practitioner or someone he must protect. Any other use would be considered assault.

In contrast with free sparring, techniques using the elbow, knee, or head as well as attacks below the belt are taught and practiced. These additional techniques may be needed in special circumstances, for example when defending against armed opponents, or from a sitting or prone position. Once mastered, these techniques will be available for use in genuinely dangerous situations.

Taekwon-Do offers realistic, practical, and efficient techniques for good self defence.

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The Philosophy of Taekwon-Do

Preamble

General Choi worked very hard all his life to develop TKD as a martial art, particularly the technical aspect of TKD. In 1983, he published the Encyclopaedia of Taekwon-Do, which comprised 15 volumes. Out of those, 14 dealt with the techniques of TKD.

In his last publication, Guidebook for Moral Culture, General Choi acknowledged the need to focus as much as on the "Do“, the Taekwon-Do philosophy, as on the techniques in teaching Taekwon-Do. In this book, he expressed the wish that the next generation addresses this issue.

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Preamble

The “Do” is being developed around the philosophy of Taekwon-Do, which evolves around the tenets of Taekwon-Do and can be summarized by the two last statements of the Student Oath:

I shall be a champion of freedom and justice. I shall build a more peaceful world.

The program of the Do uses the 5 tenets of Taekwon-Do as framework. So far, The Do has been introduced in every International Instructor Course since 2003.

The program of the Do is being developed in 3 levels:

Level 1. What is the Do?Level 2. How to improve and develop the tenets?Level 3. Leadership Development

One of our objective is to become part of the education programs of the countries to help compensate for the lack of teaching on citizenship.

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The Philosophy of ITF Taekwon-Do: the “Do”

The term "Do" comes from the Chinese word "Dao", which means "the road", "the way".

We could say that a person’s life is like a road that he has to travel. On this road, he meets various challenges and has to make many decisions. Using mental training, including training in moral culture, he can identify the principles that will guide him in his efforts to develop qualities and positive behaviours. This will definitely lead him to the ultimate goal of life, which is to have happiness in life.

Therefore, we could define the “Do” as “the way to become a better person and have a happier life”.

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General Choi’s philosophy was very much influenced by the Code of conduct of Martial Arts and by Confucius while he was developing the Tenets of Taekwon-Do and the Student’s Oath, which give guidelines to help Students do right and never do wrong.

1. Tenets of Taekwon-Do1. Courtesy2. Integrity3. Perseverance4. Self-Control 5. Indomitable Spirit

2. Student Oath1. I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do. 2. I shall respect the instructor and seniors. 3. I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do. 4. I shall be a champion of freedom and justice. 5. I shall build a more peaceful world.

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The philosophy of Taekwon-Do can be summed by using the last two statements of the ITF Student’s Oath:

•I shall be a champion of justice and freedom. •I shall build a better and a more peaceful world.

By practicing ITF Taekwon-Do and living in accordance with its fundamental values, we will become good citizens and be able to help build a better world:

Truth, Respect, Humility, Generosity, Tolerance, Harmony,Balance, Peace, Justice, Freedom, Compassion.

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The Benefits of Teaching the “Do”

The ultimate goal of martial arts is to train good citizens and to build a better and more peaceful society.

The Do is a powerful tool to help the students fulfill this objective by helping the students and the youth:

•to become people that are strong not only physically, but also mentally.

•to develop a good values system, which will guide them to make the right decisions.

•to find success and happiness in life.

•to become good leaders so they can then influence positively their entourage.

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Differencing ITF and WTF1. History

2. Objectives

3. Techniques

4. Competition rules4.1 Rules for patterns4.2 Rules for free sparring

5. Uniforms

6. Ranking system

7. Philosophy

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Differencing ITF and WTF

1. History

ITF WTF

Founded: in 1966.

First president: General Choi Hong Hi

Current president:Master Trân Triêu Quân (since 2003)

Headquarter: Austria

Founded in 1973.

First president: Dr. Un Yong Kim

Current president:Mr. Chungwon Choue (since 2004)

Headquarter: South Korea

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2. Objectives

ITF WTF

The objective of the ITF is to provide high quality teaching and services to its members so that Taekwon-Do will help them live a happier and healthier life.

The ITF has a clear vision: Taekwon-Do is…

–a sport–a martial art–a way of life–a tool for social development

The primary objective of the WTF is to send athletes to the Olympic Games.

WTF is a combat sport that emphasis on competition.

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3. Techniques

ITF WTF

The method of performing individual techniques, as well as the techniques themselves are quite different from WTF. Techniques start and finish in different positions and are executed using a sine-wave motion.

General Choi created 24 patterns (called Tul) that were published in the book “Taekwon-Do The Art of self defence,” in 1965. The Tuls they practice were created by General Choi, each one having been named for some person or concept significant to Korean history.

WTF has gone through several different sets of forms which they now call, “Poomsae”. The original Poomsae practiced by the WTF were Ki-Cho one through three, and Pal-Gwe one through eight. Most WTF schools no longer practice these, choosing instead to practice Tae-Kook (Tae-Guek) one through eight for students who have not yet earned their black belts. At the black belt level, there exists an entirely different set of Poomsae .

WTF do not use a sine-wave motion.

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4. Competition rules

ITF WTF

ITF competition includes four equally important individual events: patterns, free sparring, special techniques and power breaking.

There is also a team event for patterns, free sparring, special techniques and power breaking.

Pre-arranged free sparring is now an official event of the ITF competitions.

WTF have mainly only sparring events.

Poomsaes are not an official event at world championships. The 1st WTF World Taekwondo Poomsae Championship was held in 2006.

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4.1 Competition rules for Patterns

ITF WTF

The scoring criteria are:1. Technical content2. Power3. Rhythm4. Breath control5. Balance

The winner is declared in accordance with the score given by the five judges.

The scoring criteria are:1. Presentation2. Skills3. Expression

The highest and lowest scores given by the judges are dismissed, and the winner is declared in accordance with the score given by the other judges.

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4.2 Competition rules for Free Sparring

ITF WTF

Permitted target areas:

·Side and front areas of the body ·from the belt up to the shoulders ·The whole part of the face including ·both ears

Scoring System:1 point: hand technique to any legal target2 points: foot technique to the body3 points: foot technique to the face

Techniques must be delivered with light contact. Therefore, knock-outs are prohibited.

Permitted target areas:

·The part covered by the trunk ·protector ·The whole part of the face including ·both ears for foot techniques only

Scoring System:1 point: hand or foot technique to the body2 points: foot technique to the face1 extra point: if the contestant is knocked down and the referee counts.

Techniques must be performed powerfully. Therefore, knock-outs are permitted.

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5. Uniforms

ITF WTF

The ITF uniform is white and zips or Velcro up in the centre. Black belt holders have a black stripe on the bottom of the jacket, 4th dan and above have stripes down the sleeves and pants.

The WTF wear a V-neck uniform with various colors on the v-neck. There appears to variations of the uniform with some having checked fabric also. WTF members also often wear shoes.

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6. Ranking system

ITF WTF

ITF system of rank is made up of 10 grades and 9 degrees of black belt.

The title of Master is reserved for 7th degree and above only.

WTF system of rank has 10 degrees of black belt.

The title of Master is reserved for 5th degrees and above.

7. Philosophy

ITF WTF

ITF Taekwon-Do follows the tenets of Taekwon-Do and philosophy of General Choi Hong Hi, founder of Taekwon-Do.

There is a heavy emphasis on theory and philosophy, patterns and technical perfection, as well as the sporting aspects.

WTF is primarily concerned with the sporting aspects of their art. Most WTF classes consist of sparring drills, pad work and free sparring.

1 International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) Teaching You the Art of Life!

Documents

history of itf

recognition of itf

federation itf

differencing itf

international taekwon

itf direction team

philosophy of taekwon

development of taekwon