A Korean martial art of self-defence — a scientific use of the body in the method of self-defence, fully developed after years of intensive study by Founder General Choi Hong Hi.
Everything you need to understand ITF Taekwon-Do, organised into three areas of study.
A complete reference to every tul — Chon-Ji through Tong-Il — with movement counts, belt levels and the meaning behind each name.
View patterns →From General Choi Hong Hi and the founding of the ITF to its worldwide spread. A timeline of the art's development.
Read the history →The Tenets, the Student Oath, the Theory of Power, belt ranks and essential Korean terminology that underpin the art.
Learn the basics →“Taekwon-Do is a version of unarmed combat designed for the purpose of self-defence. It is more than just that, however. It is the scientific use of the body in the method of self-defence; a body that has gained the ultimate use of its facilities through intensive physical and mental training.”
— General Choi Hong Hi, Founder
The name Taekwon-Do is made up of three Korean words:
Put together, Taekwon-Do means "the way of the foot and the fist." It is distinguished by its emphasis on powerful, dynamic kicking techniques, the sine-wave motion that generates power, and a deep philosophical and moral foundation expressed through the Tenets and the Student Oath.
Taekwon-Do students should strive to live by these guiding principles, in the dojang and in daily life.
Politeness, respect and consideration toward instructors, fellow students and others.
Honesty and a clear sense of right and wrong; the ability to feel guilt at having done wrong.
Patience and persistence in pursuing a goal, however difficult it may be to achieve.
Control over one's actions and reactions, both physically in sparring and emotionally in life.
Courage and resolve to stand up for what is right, regardless of the odds or the opponent.