A Brief Comparison of ITF and WT Patterns

Taekwondo, a Korean martial art known for its emphasis on high, fast kicks and powerful strikes, is practiced in two major styles: the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) and World Taekwondo (WT). Both organizations feature a series of patterns, which are choreographed movements that simulate combat against multiple opponents. These patterns, while sharing some similarities, differ significantly in their structure and philosophy. Here’s a detailed overview of both the ITF and WT Taekwondo patterns.

ITF Taekwondo Patterns

The ITF patterns, also known as tul, were developed by General Choi Hong Hi between 1955 and 1965. Designed to symbolize the progression of a practitioner’s development in Taekwondo, each pattern reflects a stage in the martial artist’s journey, and many carry deep historical and philosophical meanings.

The ITF pattern set consists of 24 distinct forms, with each representing a key figure, event, or concept in Korean history. These patterns are practiced by students from white belt through to black belt, each advancing in difficulty as they move through the ranks. The patterns are typically divided as follows:

1. Chon-Ji (19 Movements) – The first pattern, meaning “Heaven and Earth,” symbolizes the creation of the universe.
2. Dan-Gun (21 Movements) – Named after the legendary founder of Korea, Dangun, emphasizing upward blocks and high punches.
3. Do-San (24 Movements) – Acknowledging the Korean patriot Ahn Chang-ho, it includes various strikes and hand techniques.
4. Won-Hyo (28 Movements) – Named for the monk Won-Hyo, who introduced Buddhism to Korea, emphasizing balance and control.
5. Yul-Gok (38 Movements) – Named for Yi I, a philosopher, it incorporates palm strikes and low stances.
6. Joong-Gun (32 Movements) – Honoring An Jung-geun, a patriot who assassinated a Japanese official, this form emphasizes precise hand techniques.
7. Toi-Gye (37 Movements) – Named for the Confucian scholar Yi Hwang, featuring a combination of hand strikes, blocks, and stances.
8. Hwa-Rang (29 Movements) – Named for the Hwarang youth group, it includes high kicks and strikes, symbolizing the spirit of the warriors.
9. Choong-Moo (30 Movements) – Inspired by Admiral Yi Sun-sin, it incorporates fast, powerful strikes and a jump kick.
10. Kwang-Gae (39 Movements) – Named after King Kwang-Gae-Toh-Wang of the Koguryo Dynasty, featuring a combination of low stances and powerful strikes.
11. Po-Eun (36 Movements) – Named after the poet and scientist Chong Mong-ju, emphasizing balance and precision with hand techniques.
12. Gae-Baek (44 Movements) – Honoring General Gae-Baek, it includes powerful hand techniques and stances.
13. Eui-Am (45 Movements) – Named for Son Byong Hi, the leader of the Korean independence movement, this pattern combines fast and dynamic techniques.
14. Choong-Jang (52 Movements) – Named after General Kim Duk Ryang, emphasizing a combination of high kicks and hand techniques.
15. Woo-Nam (42 Movements) – A pattern created in honor of President Syngman Rhee, although it was eliminated in later editions of the ITF manual.
16. Ko-Dang (39 Movements) – Named after Cho Man-sik, a nationalist activist, featuring various dynamic techniques. Later replaced by Juche
17. Juche (39 Movements) – Representing the idea that humans control their destiny, it includes dynamic and complex techniques.
18. Sam-Il (33 Movements) – Commemorates the March 1st Movement for Korean independence, combining powerful strikes, blocks, and stances.
19. Yoo-Sin (68 Movements) – Named after General Kim Yoo-Sin, a great military leader, this pattern features a variety of hand techniques, kicks, and stances.
20. Choi-Yong (46 Movements) – Honoring General Choi Yong, emphasizing strong and dynamic techniques.
21. Yon-Gae (49 Movements) – Named for General Yon-Gae Somoon, featuring powerful strikes and blocks.
22. Ul-Ji (42 Movements) – Named after General Ul-Ji Mun Dok, who defended Korea against the Tang Dynasty, combining various stances and techniques.
23. Moon-Moo (61 Movements) – Honoring King Moon-Moo of the Silla Dynasty, who unified Korea, with dynamic and complex techniques.
24. So-San (72 Movements) – Named for Monk Choi Hyong Ung, who helped repel Japanese invaders, focusing on hand techniques, kicks, and stances.
25. Se-Jong (24 Movements) – Named for King Se-Jong, creator of the Korean alphabet, it combines powerful strikes and stances.
26. Tong-Il (56 Movements) – Represents the reunification of Korea, with complex and dynamic techniques symbolizing unity and strength.

WT Taekwondo Patterns

The WT patterns, known as poomsae, serve a similar purpose but follow a different structure, reflecting the evolution of Taekwondo from a traditional martial art to an Olympic sport. The patterns are grouped into two main categories: the Color Belt Poomsae (Taegeuk) and Black Belt Poomsae.

Color Belt Poomsae (Taegeuk)

The Color Belt Poomsae patterns, practiced from white belt to black belt candidate, consist of eight distinct forms:

1. Taegeuk Il Jang (Pattern 1) – White Belt/Yellow Belt: Symbolizes the beginning of a journey.
2. Taegeuk I Jang (Pattern 2) – Yellow Belt/Green Stripe: Represents the duality of Yin and Yang, with more complex stances and techniques.
3. Taegeuk Sam Jang (Pattern 3) – Green Stripe: Emphasizes balance and power.
4. Taegeuk Sa Jang (Pattern 4) – Blue Stripe: Focuses on stability and control.
5. Taegeuk Oh Jang (Pattern 5) – Blue Belt: Symbolizes the energy of fire, with swift movements.
6. Taegeuk Yuk Jang (Pattern 6) – Red Belt: Represents mastery of strength and spirit.
7. Taegeuk Chil Jang (Pattern 7) – Red Belt: Focuses on expressing power through various techniques.
8. Taegeuk Pal Jang (Pattern 8) – Black Belt: The final color belt pattern, symbolizing completion and unity.

Black Belt Poomsae

For Black Belt ranks, the following patterns are practiced at each Dan level:

1. Koryo – 1st Dan: Represents strength and determination.
2. Gun Gang – 2nd Dan: Focuses on control and power.
3. Taebaek – 3rd Dan: Symbolizes enlightenment and wisdom.
4. Pyungwon – 4th Dan: Emphasizes balance and precision.
5. Sipjin – 5th Dan: Reflects the tenets of Taekwondo, including perseverance.
6. Jitae – 6th Dan: Represents the pursuit of excellence.
7. Chonkwon – 7th Dan: Honors the past and embraces the future.
8. Hansu – 8th Dan: A pattern of strength and focus.
9. Ilyo – 9th Dan: The highest level of poomsae, symbolizing unity with the universe.

Key Differences Between ITF and WT Patterns

While both ITF and WT patterns serve to develop fundamental Taekwondo techniques, the ITF focuses more on the philosophical and historical aspects, often inspired by famous figures and events in Korean history. The patterns in ITF tend to be longer and incorporate more hand techniques, with an emphasis on strong stances and precision.

On the other hand, WT patterns are more dynamic and athletic, reflecting the sport’s evolution towards competition and Olympic standards. The patterns are often shorter and more streamlined, with a focus on speed, balance, and power, mirroring the modern, sport-oriented approach to Taekwondo.

Despite these differences, both sets of patterns ultimately serve to develop a deep understanding of Taekwondo, combining physical skill with mental discipline. Whether practicing the traditional forms of ITF or the competitive poomsae of WT, each pattern offers a unique way to deepen one’s connection to the art of Taekwondo.