Disclaimer

Sport v. Traditional

As explained in detail within TKDTutor, there are two main versions of Taekwondo being practiced in the world: traditional and sport. Although there are some minor differences between the two versions, such as the patterns used (hyung vs. tul), the way techniques are executed (high chamber on kicks vs. no chamber), or the way the body moves for power (hip snap vs. sine wave); the primary difference between the two versions is in the way each approaches free-sparring. Traditional Taekwondo uses arm blocks, hand strikes, and kicks in sparring, while sport Taekwondo has evolved into a mostly kicks sport where the arms and hands are usually not used. While most everything discussed in TKDTutor may be applied to either traditional or sport Taekwondo, its major emphasis is on traditional Taekwondo.

Traditional Slant

Although I try to present all aspects of Taekwondo and the martial arts in general, I am partial to the traditional martial arts as opposed to the martial sports, such as Olympic style Taekwondo, or to the combat sports, such as boxing or cage style fighting.

Affiliation

TKDTutor is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, any organization or commercial enterprise, although TKDTutor sometimes mentions Taekwondo as taught by Taekwondo America (TA). Taekwondo America techniques and patterns are based upon those originally developed by the late "founder" of Taekwondo, General Hong Hi Choi, and used by the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). Other national/international organizations, such as the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), may use other patterns, but they are all based upon original traditional Taekwondo techniques.