Taekwondo is basically a Korean martial art for self defence, which uses the hands and feet as weapons. The feet are used to a greater degree than in other forms of self defence such as Japanese Karate.

However to the serious student of Taekwondo, it is much more than just a method of fighting, but is also a method of training a student to develop mentally as well as physically.

The five tenets of Taekwondo, indomitable spirit, self control, perserverance, etiquette and modesty should build strength and confidence in a person without making them overbearing on others.

WTF Taekwondo has also developed into a modern Olympic combat sport. Basic Taekwondo training however, differs from competition Taekwondo in as much that self defence strikes and blows are practised for use against an opponents most vulnerable areas whereas such techniques cannot be used in competition for safety reasons.

These types of techniques, with training, can be developed by both young and old for self defence purposes and therefore basic Taekwondo training makes an interesting defence system for persons of any age or sex.

Taekwondo translated means the foot fist method or way and the name as such was only adopted in 1955, when Korea decided to amalgamate some of it's various but similar martial arts systems.

The name was put forward by General Choi, a leading martial artist. Mr Choi eventually left Korea because of various political reasons and formed the International Taekwondo Federation.

The ITF spread rapidly around the world as many Korean instructors initially supported him.

However, back in South Korea, the Korean Taekwondo Association was formed and Taekwondo was accepted as a National sport.

In the early 1970s, the World Taekwondo Federation was set up, with it's headquarters at the Kukkiwon, in Seoul, South Korea. Dr. Un Young Kim was made President of the WTF and has been an ambassador for the promotion of WTF Taekwondo worldwide.

He recently stepped down from that position but it has been widely acknowledged that he made a significant contribution to gaining Olympic status to WTF Taekwondo.

The majority of Korean instructors teaching outside Korea have now joined the WTF, and although the ITF is still in existance ( despite the recently sad death of General Choi ) it is a much smaller group than the WTF.

These are the two main world groups, although there are many, smaller break off groups and associations, some practising WTF style but not registered, and others practising a mixture of Taekwondo and other arts.

The ITF and the WTF are very similar in their practise of basic Taekwondo, although in their competitive forms such as Kyorugi (fighting) or Poomse (pre set blocks, strikes and kicks etc) they differ in many ways.

In South Korea, the homeland of Taekwondo, all Koreans practise WTF style, often now referred to as Olympic Taekwondo.

Here at Norwich WTF Taekwondo club we practise WTF Taekwondo and are a full registered member of the British Taekwondo Contol Board.

The British Taekwondo Control Board is the governing body for WTF Taekwondo in Great Britain, and at present is the only group officially recognised by the WTF.

The BTCB is also affiliated to the British Taekondo Council which oversees many styles and different Taekwondo associations in Great Britain.

Any student passing a black belt grading with the BTCB will be issued with a Kukkiwon black belt certificate from Korea.

The WTF only recognise black belt students who hold Kukkiwon certificates and as such these certificates are recognised the world over.

To represent your Country in any WTF sanctioned International event, including the Olympics, students must hold the minimum of Black Belt 1st Dan with a Kukkiwon certificate.

WTF rules also allow holders of a 6th Dan Kukkiwon certificate to conduct Black Belt gradings from 1st to 5th Dan and will issue successful candidates with the appropriate Kukkiwon certificate.

BTCB students are all required however, to take their black belt gradings Nationally.

The BTCB is also affiliated to the European Taekwondo Union which is also affiliated to the WTF.

Students passing a grading for any belt from white belt up to (but not including) black belt, will receive a BTCB certificate.