Patterns
Patterns, or ''tul'' (틀) in Korean, originally called ''Sparring
The International Taekwon-Do Federation's sparring rules are similar to the WT's rules, but differ in several aspects. * Hand attacks to the head are allowed. * The scoring system (by ITF chaired by Prof. Ri Yong Son, based in Vienna) is: * 1 point for punch to the head and body * 2 point for kick to the body * 3 point for kick to the head * * * ** point for: Punch to the body or head ** 2 points for: Kick to the body ** 3 points for: Kick to the head ** ** points for: Mid-air kick (180°) directed to high section, Mid-air kick (360° or more) to mid-section ** 5 points for: Mid-air kick (360° or more) to high section * The competition area is typically a 10×10 meter square in international championships. Circular rings are also used, although generally not under competitive circumstances. Competitors do not wear the ''hogu'' (although they are required to wear approved foot and hand protection equipment, as well as head guards). This scoring system varies between the different ITF organisations. A continuous point system is utilized in ITF competition, where the fighters are allowed to continue after scoring a technique. Full-force blows are not allowed, and knockouts result in a disqualification of the attacker; although these rules vary between ITF organizations. At the end of two minutes (or some other specified time) the competitor with more scoring techniques wins. Fouls in ITF sparring include heavy contact, attacking a fallen opponent, leg sweeping, holding/grabbing, intentional attack to a target other than allowed (for example below the belt, attacks to the back). ITF competitions also feature performances of patterns, breaking, and 'special techniques' (where competitors perform prescribed board breaks at great heights). ITF competition sparring rounds are 2 minutes, and, in national and international levels of competition, they hold two rounds each 2 minutes with a one-minute rest in between. Certain rules are no strikes below the belt, no elbow strikes, brawling, no falling down, no going outside of the ring, hit to the groin and knee strike are not allowed. The ring is a 9 metre by 9 metre (8 × 8 metre optional) ring marked by square mats or tape instead of a traditional style kickboxing rings with ropes. It has no sides allowing the fighter to move out of bounds. Whenever a fighter creates an infraction of the rules the centre referee will issue a warning to the fighter who created the infraction. 3 warnings equals a minus point. If a fighter uses excessive contact, he or she will be given a foul, which is an automatic minus point; three fouls in a bout results in disqualification. ITF taekwon-do is fought in continuous point sparring. Four judges score the fights in each of the corners in the square ring. After the fight, a judge votes for which ever fighter has the most points and a winner is declared. In the case of a draw the fighters go to a one-minute overtime round. If there is another draw the fighters go to a sudden death round where the fighter who scores first is declared the winner. The official rules for ITF sparring competition are available at the ITF website.Ranks
The ITF ranking system consists of six solid colour belts; white, yellow, green, blue, red, and black. Coloured belt ranks are called in English ''grades'' and in Korean ''geup'' ( 급) (often romanized as ''gup'' or ''kup''), whereas black belt ranks are called ''ranks''/''dan'' ( 단): The reason for nine black belt degrees is that the number nine is not only the highest of the single-digit numbers, but also is the number of three multiplied by three. In the Orient, three is one of the more esteemed numbers. The Chinese character for 3 is three horizontal lines, one above the other:Black belt promotion
Up to 8th dan, all ranks require the student to perform a test of all skills and knowledge up to their rank to be promoted. 9th dan may be awarded with consent of the promotion committee with no physical test required, due to the nature and responsibilities of a master no longer being centered on the physical development. However, if the recipient desires, a demonstration may be performed. 9th degree (being the highest) can only be awarded when the special committee examines and reaches a unanimous consent. According to an ITF Encyclopedia 4th degree may grade students up to 2nd degree. A 5th or 6th degree International Instructor may grade students up to 3rd degree, while a 7th degree Master may grade students up to 5th degree. An 8th degree Master may grade students up to 6th degree. Promotion to 7th degree or above must be done by the ITF's Master Promotion Committee.Philosophy
The philosophy of taekwon-do is summarized in the oath and the tenets.Taekwon-Do Student Oath
I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do. I shall respect the instructor and seniors. A student vows to respect their instructors and those senior to them (both in age and rank). An instructor must also act respectfully to all students and persons in order to be respected and therefore not misusing Taekwon-Do. I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do. One will never misuse Taekwon-Do to harm another, for their own personal gain or for any other manner that is unjust (this one is particularly important in any martial art, not just Taekwon-Do, as a trained martial artist could easily kill a person in unarmed close combat). I shall be a champion of freedom and justice. The 4th line, “I shall be a champion of freedom and justice” can apply to many areas of life and although many may think one would have to do something amazing to achieve this, this part of the oath can be respected by even the littlest things in ones daily activity. If one becomes more open-minded to understanding others ideologies or the way others go about their lives instead of being quick to judge, then maybe the world would be a more understanding and accepting place. Thus allowing people to have the freedom they deserve. By accepting this belief one is bringing justice to this world and therefore being a champion of justice. As we often see, conflicts can occur over common misconceptions of information. One must understand the full story and have all the facts before he can truly make a proper judgement. I shall build a more peaceful world. The final line of the oath is “I shall build a more peaceful world”. One can also easily obtain this goal by going about their daily lives in a more peaceful manner. If everyone did this, the world would obviously become a more peaceful place. As we often see, conflicts can occur over common misconceptions of information. One must understand the full story and have all the facts before he can truly make a proper judgement. However, this does not mean a student cannot defend themselves against aggression directed towards themselves as that would defeat some of the purpose of Taekwondo, an art of unarmed self-defence.Taekwon-Do Tenets
There are five tenets defined in the ITF. ; Courtesy (Ye-ui / 예의, 禮儀) : Showing courtesy to all, respecting others, having manners as well as maintaining the appropriate etiquette at all times, both within and outside the dojang (도장) (designated training area). ; Integrity (Yeom-chi / 염치, 廉恥) : Although it may be similar, this form of integrity takes on a wider role than defined in the common dictionary. In Taekwondo, integrity means not only to determine what is right or wrong but also having the conscience to feel guilt if one has done wrong and to have the integrity stand up for what is right. ; Perseverance (In-nae / 인내, 忍耐) : One will persevere time and time again until they have achieved a result which is adequate towards what one was trying to achieve. ; Self-control (Geuk-gi / 극기, 克己) : This means to not only have control over one's physical acts, but also their mental thoughts and actions. ; Indomitable spirit (Baek-jeol-bul-gul / 백절불굴, 百折不屈) : To have indomitable spirit means to have the courage to stand up for what you believe in, no matter what odds you are up against, and to always give 100% effort in whatever you do.History and Schism
After theSee also
* Ki Ha Rhee * Tran Trieu QuanReferences
{{Reflist Taekwondo organizations Sports organizations established in 1966 Organizations based in Seoul 1966 establishments in South Korea