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The Differences and Similarities

The differences between these two primary branches of taekwondo principally involve their emphasis on self-defense. Whereas ITF taekwondo has kept its primary focus upon self-defense, with competition as its secondary concentration, WTF taekwondo has come to place its primary emphasis upon competition. WTF taekwondo has caused many of the traditional taekwondo techniques to be streamlined, refined, and focused upon a minimum of movement. This is not to imply that the WTF student does not learn self-defense, however, because what a student actually learns in the various schools affiliated with one of these governing bodies is largely determined by the instructor.

These two institutions prescribe different sets of forms for their students to practice. However, although these differ in defensive and offensive implementation, they both utilize the same style of techniques. The language of the two groups is also somewhat different. The various fighting techniques are oftentimes referred to by different Korean terminology. The essence of these techniques remains the same, however.