One: Well, he probably doesn't like WTF sparring and wanted to underline the fact that it's so different from 'traditional' TKD by stating that his daughter didn't even recognize it on TV.
Two: And it's easy to tell that it's TKD due to the body protectors and headgear. WTF competition has a unique look that's easy to spot.
It's easier than distinguishing some forms of Karate competition from ITF sparring. ;-)
Three: As a father or instructor you shouldn't keep your kids and/or students ignorant.
Four: It's a style that goes by the same name and has the same roots. And it's not about knowing each and every detail, it's about being aware of the existence.
Five: You may not be able to answer deitailled questions on ITF sparring, yet you know that there is ITF and you probably know that they wear hand and foot safetys and don't fight with body protectors.
Six: When I watch the Olympics on TV and see Judo I can tell that it's Judo. ;-)
One:
Pure speculation. If anything its no different to showing how radically different various Karate systems are. Though for the life of me, if it werent for the big "ITF TAEKWONDO *Korean Words*" on the back of ITF uniforms, as a person who used to train ITF, i couldnt tell the difference between Shotokan Color Belt Competitions and ITF Color Belt Competitions. Unless i see a throw on the Shotokan side, because i watch them on youtube. I didnt need someone to educate me.
Two:
So, now you only need to be aware of the WTF because its a big thing and because its easier to distinguish? So tell me: Does a WTF/KKW practitioner need to learn enough about the ITF to be able to recognise it, due to it being easy to recognise without the uniforms with the big "ITF TAEKWONDO" logos on the back, or does this only apply to the WTF?
As a slight cut in, i dont remember Ralph saying anything about 'traditional' Taekwondo. Given how recently it came about, id argue that the idea of Taekwondo being traditional is highly subjective.
Three:
Ignorant by your standards, maybe. I researched other Martial Arts because i wanted to know about them. She obviously hasnt even tried to look, or shed already know of her own volition.
Four:
I refer back to my Karate reference. You cant pick and choose when to apply what defines ignorance within your overarching 'style' just because its easier or harder. And since were bringing up roots, Taekwondo practitioners of all ways shapes and forms should have to learn to recognise Shotokan Karate as well.
Just as all Shotokan Karate practitioners should learn to recognise Kung Fu. Unless we pick and choose were we apply this belief to only apply when its easy.
Another cut in. The WTF are not the only organisation that wear Hogu. At this point, were getting to the stage were you see kick volleys, techniques, and figure it out that way.
Five:
Refer back to one. As a former ITF person, i couldnt tell the difference between the ITF and Shotokan Karate without either seeing a throw, or reading the logo on the uniforms. I wouldnt be able to do either of those things if no throwing took place, and both wore plain uniforms.
Six:
I rest my case with this, directed to you and any Judo practitioners reading this. Tell me: Could you tell the difference on sight between Kodokan Judo and IJF Judo?
