What makes TKD so intresting?

[TigerWoman]

There are three major organizations which are different in the way they teach. ATA, WTF, ITF There's been alot of description of these by their respective members on this board so if you do a search you will find more detail.

ATA, American Taekwondo Association from what I know, does promote too quickly and has very young black belts. They have closed tournaments where outside TKD practicioners cannot join, maybe this has changed so I may be corrected. We allow them to our tournaments however, but personally I have not been impressed. They come to our town, practice at the local gym for a time then leave for the rest of the year--typical, I don't know but it leaves the kids hanging and they then join our organization and pretty much start over.

ITF which was formed by General Choi was a split from Korea early on in the formation of Taekwondo. Their forms are the older more traditional. They have different techniques for doing kicks like a telegraphed wheel kick for a spin heel where WTF does a more straight back snap kick. More self-defense oriented.

WTF, I think is the main group. The national governing body is USA Taekwondo. Black belts are certified through Kukkiwon, Korea but masters go to USA Taekwondo for paperwork now. It's the style, technique of the Olympics. Point sparring--not like the continuous sparring we do in class. The Olympics/Taekwondo was not impressive but that is changing hopefully where they allow hands to the head and faster action. But alot of the schools have gone back to traditional because of all the corruption and politics. Hopefully that is changing and there are definite signs that it is. Not that schools will become more competitive nationally as the "sport" but if it grows stronger, more parents will want their children in this group. Personally, I didn't want my son to get knocked out so he didn't participate in sparring competition even at state. Now there are regional tournaments which Terry's school goes to where you qualify for nationals. Schools can range all over the map. Traditional>more self defense>more tournament/sport oriented. We have weapons, not all schools do. Forms are Tae Geuks, but we also do Ch'ang Hon, ITF forms after 1st Dan. Some do Pal Gwe's and they are the oldest forms. Kukkiwon requires the Tae Geuks which are the newest and I think easiest to learn but not necessarily easiest to execute.

This was just off the top of my head and there are others, more senior or knowledgeable that can either correct me or give more information on these organizations. TW

 

[Andrew Green]

Quite sure Gen Choi founded the WTF initially too, but split off do to political (real world political, not just martial arts political) reasons and formed the ITF, the WTF has since undergone some major changes.

 

[terryl965]

Ok First off General Choi was a big part of the KTA and later the WTF before starting the ITF fpr personal reasons. As far as Kids being BB lets cleaarify that shall we they are not Dan BB they are called Pooms and that means junior BB they have there curriculum and at the age of 15 they can change over to a dan, now they don't have to test again just fill out paperwork to swicth and pay the fee's associated with it.

I agre with Gemini I have three sons and all are Poom BB my 12 year old is my oldest his skills are probaly the best I have seen at his age and I'm not bragging well a little I guess, he started when he was 2 with me as have the rest, Caleb is 9 and he is good for his age very particular with form sparring well he just him not his forta right now and then there is Michael 8 he is the best pure fighter I have not sparrer but fighter.

There is something about TKD when touhgt properly has so much value that get put into each student that when they do become adults they have that sense of I can do anything in life, I know other Arts have that as well so I'm not saying mine is the best it is the Best for me and my faminly because we choose it to be.

I hope this also helps.
Terry

 

[tkd_jen]

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I'm not saying mine is the best it is the Best for me

So true Mr. Terry, as my instructor says too 'if there was a best martial art everyone would do that one, just find whats best for you.'

Well stated!!

 

[Rick Wade]

One teaches TKD, the other is in charge of enforcing rules about Alcohal, Tobacco and Firearms

I think you meant ATA, which is a American offshoot of TKD, modified, copyrighted and trademarked forms, Camoflauge belts, the whole works. Not to respected by most "serious" TKD practitioners it seems.

Exactly I told you Guys I didn't know anything about TKD.

Metal note do research before you speak

stupid stupid stupid

Thanks for the back up

Lesson learned here people "You learn more from your mistakes that your successes".

V/R

Rick

 

[fireman00]

All good points but let me address two of them I agree I think you guys give out belts at way to young of an age.

I watched the Olympics with regard to TKD and I didn't see them with their guard up much at all and allot of bouncing. Are you allowed to strike with your hands in Olympic competition?

Please explain.

Don't get me wrong I can't do all of those high kicks. They are pretty I personally just don't see much street application for them.

Thanks for the info from all of you so far. I do appreciate it

V/R

Rick

I love TKD because of the different aspects of the art; the history, the forms, the sparring and most importantly the friendships formed.
As for sparring, the legal scoring areas are: 1) Mid-section of the trunk covered by the hogu and 2) Face: The whole part of the face including both ears.

Points shall be awarded when permitted techniques are delivered accurately and powerfully to the legal scoring areas of the body. The valid points are divided as follows: 1) One (1) point for attack on trunk protector, 2) Two (2) points for attack on face and, 3) One (1) additional point shall be awarded in the event that the contestant is knocked down and the referee counts.

The match score shall be the sum of points of the three - 2 minute rounds.

Invalidation of points: When a contestant performs an attack to score through the use of the prohibited acts, the points scored shall be annulled.
Punching, not the use of the edge of the hand, is not used much in Olympic sparring due to the fact the punch needs to be VERY strong. Also, punching to the head is NOT permitted in Olympic sparring.
As for the bouncing, yes there is a lot of it - usually waiting for an opportunity to move in an strike or to respond with a defensive strike.

Side note, the rules for Olympic sparring follow WTF (World Taekwando Federation) standards:

 

[cali_tkdbruin]

For me, in addition to the other facets of Taekwondo, I especially like the DO part of TaekwonDO.
DO for us means an art or way of life. Me, my daughter, and some of our other family members who live in different parts of the country are all Taekwondo practitioners. Most of us are black belts, and have been training for a while so we have a special common bond that we all share with each other. Whenever we see each other on vacations, family gatherings or special occasions we try to make time to get in some training sessions to just practice our martial art. TKD, great stuff, it's a big part of my life.

 

[Rick Wade]

One last question and I will let this thread die a noble death.

How long does it "usually" take to get you BB in TKD?

Please don't give the standard it depends on how hard you work. What is the average that you have seen across the board? Just a question no judgement here.

Thanks in advance. You guys have been great i now have just enough knowledge about TKD to be even more dangerous than I was. LOL.

Rick

 

[Kacey]

One last question and I will let this thread die a noble death.

How long does it "usually" take to get you BB in TKD?

Please don't give the standard it depends on how hard you work. What is the average that you have seen across the board? Just a question no judgement here.

Thanks in advance. You guys have been great i now have just enough knowledge about TKD to be even more dangerous than I was. LOL.

Rick

In the ITF - a minimum of 3 years. In other federations, I'm not really sure - there are quite a few internal variations.

As far as what makes TKD interesting to me... now, it is such a big part of my life, and has been for so long (19 years), that it's hard for me to choose a particular facet - but I will say that when I started, I was looking for something and didn't know what it was; it turned out to be TKD. It's entirely possible, however, that I could have started a different activity (MA or otherwise) and found what I was lacking there as well. Looking back, it was the group of people already in the class when I started that kept me coming back; it was the sense of direction that the moral component (the DO, as cali_tkdbruin said) that became a guidepost for my life and caused me to continue. Were something to cause me to stop now, I would remain a TKD practitioner for the rest of my life, because of the profound impact it has had, and continues to have, on my life.

 

[TigerWoman]

For our school, it is a minimum 3 1/2 yrs. to recommended black belt test - 4 to a full lst dan test. Then its two to 2nd dan, 3 to 3rd dan, haven't asked about 4th dan (master/school owner) but imagine it is 4-5 yrs. TW

 

[cali_tkdbruin]

One teaches TKD, the other is in charge of enforcing rules about Alcohal, Tobacco and Firearms

I think you meant ATA, which is a American offshoot of TKD, modified, copyrighted and trademarked forms, Camoflauge belts, the whole works. Not to respected by most "serious" TKD practitioners it seems.

I don't know about the Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms law enforcement part... :uhyeah:

But I have heard several disaparaging comments about the ATA and how they're a black belt mill. I don't know if they're all true, there aren't any ATA dojangs in my area so I can't say what their training is like. If you're an ATA TKD practitioner chime in and enlighten us about your organization. Why does the ATA get hit with so many negative comments anyway?

 

[Gemini]

Why does the ATA get hit with so many negative comments anyway?

They don't. Not here anyway. I'm not associated with that ATA, but I've had many conversations with some ATA practitioners on this board that I have come to respect and hold in the highest regard. If you want to start a thread asking the question, feel free to do so, but please tread lightly.

The WTF which I am associated with, averages about 3 years for a BB, 2 years for a 2nd dan, 3 for a 3rd dan, etc. Keep in mind these are minimum requirements. Because in that time frame, most adults will experience hiccups along the way, so most practitioners take longer.

 

[cali_tkdbruin]

They don't. Not here anyway. I'm not associated with that ATA, but I've had many conversations with some ATA practitioners on this board that I have come to respect and hold in the highest regard. If you want to start a thread asking the question, feel free to do so, but please tread lightly.
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On 2nd thought, I think that horse has been beat enough... :deadhorse

 

[Last Fearner]

Here is the Question....

please try and explain to me what makes TKD so interesting?


Rick

Although answers are going to be diverse, and as individualized as each student's personality, I believe there are common bonds to all Martial Art Training. People like Taekwondo because it is challenging, often something new, it exposes weaknesses, and helps to improve on them. It teaches a culture of manners, discipline, and respect with wide range of physical benefits just as other Martial Art variations do.

Taekwondo is unique in that it is easily adapted to every individual's personal needs, regardless of age or physical limitations, and it is effective for both self defense, and sports for fun. The variety of techniques allows students to continuiously challenge themselves, at all ranks, and the kicks keeps it challenging for those who want to push themselves to do things they never thought possible. We are always learning new applications, and endless combinations. Also, somehow, Taekwondo has built up a large family of practitioners that feel a brotherhood, and fellowship between other Taekwondoists, and this makes it enjoyable to keep coming back for more.

I watched the Olympics with regard to TKD and I didn't see them with their guard up much at all and allot of bouncing. Are you allowed to strike with your hands in Olympic competition?

Please explain.[/quote]

As for Olympic sparring, it is true that this is not an exact representation of self defense in the street, but do not be fooled by the apparently lax approach with no guards. Beating these fighters in the ring, or in the street would be much harder than it appears. The "no guard" method is not because they know you can't puch, it's because they learn distance, and allow an attacker to strike just at a point of no serious injury, then they counter-strike hard. There are some manipulation of rules that would not be used in the street, but the main concept stands up in self defense - - get close enough to punch me in the face, and I will take out your knee, rib cage, or the nose off your face with a well timed, fast, accurate, and powerful kick - no blocking needed.

The bouncing is a matter of rhythm, and timing to fool your attacker. "A body at rest tends to stay at rest, and a body in motion tends to stay in motion" (paraphrase of Sir Isaac Newton's law of inertia). It is much easier to move in quickly on your opponent when you are already in motion, plus the active body tends to hide the "telegraphing" of a sudden burst of energy and movement. You are already moving, so by the time your opponent realizes that you are moving toward them, it's too late.

On the topic of WTF, ITF, ATA:

Quite sure Gen Choi founded the WTF initially too, but split off do to political (real world political, not just martial arts political) reasons and formed the ITF, the WTF has since undergone some major changes.

Ok First off General Choi was a big part of the KTA and later the WTF before starting the ITF fpr personal reasons.

To the best of my knowledge, and indepth research, General Choi Hong Hi never had anything to do with the WTF (World Taekwondo Federation). He was involved with the KTA (Korea Taekwondo Association - est. September 16, 1961) when they needed an international governing body. The original ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) was created on March 22, 1966, for that purpose, and General Choi was elected as the President.

In 1971, the ground-breaking for the Kukkiwon had begun. When political differences (and other reasons) drove General Choi out of office, and out of Korea, he took the name of the ITF to Canada in 1972, and established an independant organization under his sole leadership. This changed the entire structure, purpose, and authority of the ITF. In November of 1972, the Kukkiwon was established. On May 28, 1973, the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) was established, and Dr. Un Young Kim was elected President for a 4 year term.

In order to replace the ITF as the international governing body, the KTA created the WTF after General Choi had left Korea. The WTF began as a link from the Kukkiwon to any country for Black Belt certification, and to provide competition rules and regulations. The WTF has since been shifted to focus only on the competition aspect, and the link to Black Belt certification has been directly connected to the Kukkiwon. The ATA (American Taekwondo Association) is a whole other story requiring a new thread, but suffice to say that it is a smaller version of the ITF, run autocratically by it's founder (the late Grandmaster Haeng Ung Lee) in much the same way that General Choi ran the ITF, with similar curriculum until the ATA abandoned the Chang-hon forms, in the early '80s, to create their own Songahm forms.

CM D. J. Eisenhart

 

[Miles]

Please don't beat me up for coming into your forum area. I don't want to be the victim of a drive by or anything. Rick

We only beat each other Rick.

Rick[/quote]....please try and explain to me what makes TKD so interesting?[/quote]

For me personally, I enjoy the diversity of techniques and responses to just about anything. We have a full arsenal of techniques ranging from elegant footwork to awesome kicks to paralyzing blocks, joint locks, and strikes.

We have the benefit of full-contact sparring in which two people can really work on their timing, distance control, and experience what a hard shot feels like to give, and to take.

We have remarkably intricate poomsae with deep philosophical meanings whose outer surface seems simplistic.

We have commaraderie to enjoy each other's company after completing training sessions which test our physical endurance and mental stamina.

Miles

 

[matt.m]

There are two types of Tae Kwon Do. This is just my opinion but in TKD you have the traditional teaching, (Forms, one steps, basics etc. of course sparring is involved but not really overly emphasized).

Then you have the sport of Tae Kwon Do. This is all about sparring, how fast, how powerful, whoever gets the most points the quickest is the winner. The sport of TKD isn't practical as self defense at all, it is point orientated.

By the way, I hold my orange belt in Tae kwon Do and Hapkido. I am no where near dan ranking in either so these are just my observations.

 

[cali_tkdbruin]

There are two types of Tae Kwon Do. This is just my opinion but in TKD you have the traditional teaching, (Forms, one steps, basics etc. of course sparring is involved but not really overly emphasized).

Then you have the sport of Tae Kwon Do...

Yup, pretty much. Good observation. That's what I've seen and experienced, and I've been a Taekwondo practitioner for a while now, maybe not as long as others on this site but long enough.

 

[Tony]

Lots of impressive kicks and destruction! A very good art!

 

[xayvong]

My Taekwondo gym is olympic style, I find tkd a great art, strong kicks, development of stamina, timeing ,dicipline and drills that pretty much kill us. i've tried other arts, and so far my favorite is tkd.

 

[Rick Wade]

My Taekwondo gym is olympic style, I find tkd a great art, strong kicks, development of stamina, timeing ,dicipline and drills that pretty much kill us. i've tried other arts, and so far my favorite is tkd.

Are youi from Huntsville Alabama or Texas I will be moving back to Huntsville Alabama in three years after I get out of the Navy.

V/R

Rick