Γενική Κουβεντούλα

the ITF/WTF split occurred in the 50's, shortly after TKD was
officially recognized as a martial art form. General Choi, Hong Hi is
historically recognized as the "father" of TKD, although when he
insisted that he be allowed to share his Korean Martial Art with ALL
Koreans, which would have included the evil North Korea (he hailed from
South Korea), South Korea disavowed him and the WTF was formed. WTF is
typically what you will hear referred to as the "official" national
sport martial Art of South Korea, and it is the sport you will see in
the Olympic games.

ITF forms are referred to as TUL, WTF as POOMSAE. ITF schools teach the
original 24 patterns created by General Choi, and put a GREAT deal of
emphasis on technique and control. The philosophy behind this
motivation is that a practitioner who can control his or her technique
to the point that a properly executed technique, performed at full
speed, can be stopped within inches of striking the target, will be
more effective than one who has learned only to execute the technique
"through" the target (e.g. throw a punch, blow out a candle, but don't
touch the flame trick). WTF forms, to my understanding, are a
requirement for advancement, but are less complex than ITF forms, and
fewer in number (10 patterns that I have been able to find in research).

Ranking is slightly different as well. ITF students progress from 10
gup (white belt) to 1 gup (red belt/black tip). Typically it takes an
ITF student no fewer than three years to attain 1st Dan (novice black
belt). WTF students progress from 10 geup to 1 geup (note the slight
difference in spelling), and start at yellow, with 1 geup being red
belt with 3 black stripes. I cannot attest to the time frame for WTF
advancement.

There are currently two internationally recognized ITF hierarchies; one
based in Canada, one based in Austria, both claiming to have true
lineage to General Choi. the rift in the ITF ocurred when ITF
practitioners clashed over the direction of the federation leadership.
Regardless, both ITF organizations teach the original 24 patterns,and
both espouse the philosophy that General Choi intended, although each
in their own way.

Sparring is markedly different between ITF and WTF. ITF sparring rules
are very specific to require participants to exercise control and
technique; points are in fact deducted, and CAN result in the
forfieture of a match, if one paerson hits the other hard enough to
cause them not to be able to continue. Once again, ITF emphasises
CONTROL.

WTF sparring is full contact, and points are in fact awarded for knockouts.

The philosophical difference between having the abillity to blast
through a target vs. the ability to stop just short of it has been, is,
and will be debated here and everywhere as to which is more effective.
However, to throw my two cents worth in, consider this: Which takes
more strength - throwing a full force punch or kick that contacts an
opponent with the desired result, or having the strength to throw that
same full force technique, but stop it just short of contact?