So. There is a Tae Kwon Do club at my university so I figured I would join since I like the martial art. Plus, I really don't enjoy any other form of exercise, which is kind of important if I want to be healthy.
So. I'm no expert, but I know some stuff about different styles of martial arts and things like that. The style I practiced back home was a branch of taekwondo called the International Taekwondo Federation and a branch of the ITF called Choong Sil Taekwondo. I won't get too detailed past that, but there you have it.
So. I go to a student recreational center for a class and I learn that they are from the other branch of taekwondo called the World Taekwondo Federation [which is, entertainingly, commonly refered to at the WTF]. Anyone that starts there begins as a white belt, regardless of past experience. I don't mind this, especially since the WTF has completely different forms/patterns and stuff. So after watching one class I decide to join.
So. Here's what I'm getting at. It can't speak for all of the ITF or all of the WTF, but the two schools that I have attended are SO DIFFERENT!!! I mean, it's called taekwondo, but I feel like I'm learning a completely different martial art. And now I would like to point out some differences between the two styles. [Again, I can't speak for each organization as a whole. Just as a disclaimer.]
1. Importance of Tecniques: ITF-- focus on accuracy, self-control, and proper execution. Then one adds power and speed. WTF-- the first thing you work on is speed and power. power is most important. proper execution is important, but my instructor said today "if you have a question about your move, the answer is power." haha
2. Back Stance: ITF-- "back stance" is an L-stance. feet make a 90 degree angle. weight distribution is roughly 40% on front leg, 60% on back leg. WTF-- back stance has heels in line with eachother. feet make 130 degree angle. front leg's heel does not touch the ground. weight distribution is roughly 10% on front leg, 90% on back leg.
3. Chambering: ITF-- when doing a series of blocks, the arm that just blocked moves to help chamber (ie: prepare for) the next block. WTF-- the arm that just blocked stays where it is until the next block is done.
4. Even the bowing is different!! ITF-- to bow ("kyung nae") the feet are together and parallel. hands flat to side of leg. bow keeping the eyes up. WTF-- heels are together with feet making 45 degree angle. hands are in fists at side. bow and lower your eyes. [I think this is stupid. Who takes their eyes off their opponent??!]
5. Side Kick (lead leg): ITF-- back foot steps next to front foot. front foot kicks. land. ta daa. WTF--back foot steps in front of and over front foot ie: for a moment your legs are crossed. front (now back) foot kicks. land. ta da. [again, I think this is silly because if a person kicked you in your center of gravity when your legs were crossed, you would fall over. I believe they do this to gain more momentum and speed and, therefore, power.
6. Knifehand Guarding Blocks: I really don't know if I can explain it in words, but the two styles are completely different. I'm having the most trouble adjusting to this new way of chambering. (I know this is just in the school I'm at, not the whole WTF.)
There are a million other things that are different. Honestly, the only thing that isn't different at all is the front stance and a generic punch. Everything else is at least slightly different.
Well, that was kind of therapeutic, almost venting about how learning new things is hard. Hope that wasn't totally boring or over your head.
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