The WTF practices Taeguek and Palgwe Poomsae and promotes almost exclusively the sport aspect of Taekwon-Do known as the Olympic style. The GTF and the ITF are more closely related. They promote and maintain the integrity of Taekwon-Do as a traditional martial art while at the same time incorporate the sport aspect through competition. So, the question really becomes, what is the difference between the GTF and the ITF.
It is important to understand that prior to the existence of the GTF, the Founder of the GTF, Grand Master Park Jung Tae, was for several decades the Technical Chairman and Secretary-General of ITF. Also, he was the person responsible teaching all the international instructor throughout the world and standardizing techniques and teaching methods.
The contributions of Grand Master Park to the development and promotion of Taekwon-Do worldwide are unparalled.
The Global Taekwon-Do Federation is unique from a purely technical stand point. Although GTF techniques include all the traditional patterns and fundamental movements of the Chang Hun system practiced by the ITF, the founder of the GTF, Grand Master Park Jung Tae, continued to improve and develop an even more scientific approach to the execution and delivery of the fundamental movements of Taekwon-Do. The improvements were designed to promote superior health and fitness by focusing on more circular fluid motions in conjunction with proper knee spring and breath control.
The ITF method taught today by ITF Instructors is more rigid and focuses on each individual movement as an entity in itself while the GTF method taught today by GTF Instructors is more fluid and circular with an emphasis on the end of one movement becoming the beginning of the next movement to create a rhythmic flow of techniques.
Furthermore, the founder of the GTF, Grand Master Park Jung Tae, developed six additional Hyungs to be practiced by GTF members in addition to the traditional twenty-four. Also, he created nine Shabang, Makgo, Jirugi exercises and other unique training methods that support the development of fundamental skills.
The Global Taekwon-Do Federation, a non-profit,
non-political organization is committed to promoting the unique style of
Taekwon-Do developed by this legendary Grand Master and to maintain his vision
and legacy.
Although not readily apparent to the untrained eye,
the techniques and methods of execution promoted by Grand Master Park Jung Tae
are substantially different enough from the ITF method to ratify that the GTF
constitutes a distinct style of Taekwon-Do.
Since its inception, the Global taekwon-Do Federation has emerged as the ultimate non-political martial arts organization in the world, and is proud to be free of any political pressures. In a short period of time, the rapid growth of GTF as an international organization has been astronomical, boasting strong affiliates on every continent. This Federation inspires people. People feel confident that when they join a GTF affiliated school, they are getting quality training from highly skilled Instructor. Belonging to the right organization can mean the difference between being good and being great.
The largest affiliate at this time is the european Global Taekwon-Do Council (EGTC), which was set up to organize the European countries. The EGTC is a very strong part of the GTF and is growing rapidly, thanks to the tireless efforts of the EGTC Chairman, Mr. Per Anderson, from Norway, the EGTC Vice-Chairman, Mr. Roy Oldham, from England and the EGTC Director, Mr. Per Gaines from Norway, who have been instrumental in the success of the EGTC. their respect and loyalty to Grand Master Park has been evident by their unyielding devotion and dedication to the Global Taekwon-Do Federation,
Over the past few years, the GTF has attracted members from around the glob. The first attraction is of course, the expertise of Grand Master Park Jung Tae whose attention to detail and unique ability to communicate to all nationalities regardless of language, has become known in many countries as the "Peoples Master". Grand Master Park really cares about his members and about perserving traditional Taekwon-Do. Our membership consists of people from all nations and all walks of life, but we all have one common bond: The Global Taekwon-Do Federation. There is a second attraction and that is the attitude of the GTF members. People who join a GTF school soon realize that they have become part of an international family, an extended family, which is caring, supportive and genuinely interested in training in the traditional Art of Taekwon-Do. Anyone can learn self-defense, but to truly derive all the benefit of Taekwon-Do training, one must be prepared to learn the history of the Art, understand the philosophy of the oriental culture as well as the definition of the patterns and the purpose of the movements. Grand Master Park's easy to learn methods of teaching encourage pratitioners at all levels or training resulting in their quick development of special technical skills, which are much needed in this century.
The immediate goal of the Global Taekwon-Do Federation is to ahieve excellence in all aspects of its organization and to provide a happy training environment for all its members. GTF practitioners will be recognized for their superior knowledge and technical skills and will be proud to be part of this federation. every step of the way, a GTF member is tested throughout his/her training. Not only do Master and Instructors undergo intensive training personally conducted by Grand Master Park Jung Tae, but seminars are given on a regular basis in different centres around the world, to keep them technically up-to-date and informed on GTF movements. These Master and Instructors work diligently to provide excellent leadership in the true spirit of Taekwon-Do and take the initiative to ensure their students are learning the proper techniques. These are important considerations to take into account when one is thinking of joining a martial art school.
The long term of GTF is to resolve the difference between alll the taekwon-Do organization and bring about the true identity of Taekwon-Do under one umbrella; thus, uniting all Taekwon-Do practitioners around the world. Through the Global Taekwon-Do Federation, this can be done.
Grand Master Park dedicated
his life to the promotion and development of Taekwon-Do worldwide. From the late
1950’s, right up until his death in 2002, he devoted his time and energy to
teaching and demonstrating his superior technical skills to all Taekwon-Do
students. His legacy of technical perfection still reaches all corners of the
world.
Grand Master Park had a unique ability to teach,
regardless of one’s physical limitations or language barriers, and his unselfish
willingness to share his knowledge instilled that passion for Taekwon-Do in the
hearts and minds of the students.
Even though the GTF members are known for their
excellent technical skills, the world also recognizes the strong emphasis placed
on friendship and loyalty between nations. This is evident at local and
international championships.
