A Korean martial art of self-defence, developed by General Choi Hong Hi over many years of study.
The site is organised into six sections.
From General Choi Hong Hi and the kwans to the founding of the ITF, its Malaysia connection and the organisations today.
Read the history →A complete reference to every tul — Chon-Ji through Tong-Il — with movement counts, belt levels and the meaning behind each name.
View patterns →Stances, the distinctive sine-wave motion, hand techniques, blocks and the full range of ITF kicks.
Learn techniques →Counting, commands, titles, directions and the other Korean words used in class.
Open glossary →The four events — patterns, sparring, power and special technique — with scoring, equipment and championships.
See competition →The Tenets, the Student Oath, the Theory of Power and belt ranks 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." ITF Taekwon-Do is known for its kicks, for the sine-wave motion used to generate power, and for the moral code set out in 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.