International recognition of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF). What did this mean for the development of martial arts?

If you follow the Olympics or are a fan of oriental martial arts, you may have come across such a thing as WTF, or have heard the phrase "Taekwondo WTF". It is also often enough to hear from fans of this sport. And if you thought about hearing the abbreviation WTF, what it is, then we can give you an exhaustive answer to this question.

Taekwondo is the oldest Korean national martial art. Its main essence is to apply only the power of the hands and feet, not using weapons. The modern version of Taekwondo was officially approved in 1955, after Korea got rid of the yoke of Japan and began to restore its traditions.

The main initiator of the revival of martial art is Lieutenant-General Choi Hong Hi. He created in 1966 the International Federation of Taekwondo (ITF - International Taekwondo Federation). However, after leaving his native country for political reasons, the general moved the headquarters of the organization from Seoul to Toronto (Canada). After that, another association was established in South Korea - the World Taekwondo Federation (World Taekwondo Federation, or WTF). Under her in 1972, even was built his building, called "Kukkiwon", which is still the world's largest training center of taekwondo.

Many people now have associations when mentioning WTF, that it is Kukkiwon. Since the one who was once in Seoul could not help but be impressed by the huge building with the original roof, built in Korean style, which became one of the symbols of the capital of South Korea. It includes, in addition to the arena for competitions, locker rooms and shower rooms, also a stadium, a boarding house, a clinic, computer rooms, rest rooms and much more! It was here that the first world championships took place, the Korean National Championships, the First Asian Championship and many other competitions and performances.

By creating a single taekwondo training center, the WTF decided several Tasks. Firstly, it is here that all students of the training center, as well as representatives of the national associations that make up the WTF, are officially given and given certificates. Also here there is training of instructors, the chronicle of records is kept, textbooks and manuals are published, educational-methodical films are issued. In addition, Kukkiwon provides technical assistance to all organizations that are part of the WTF. That is, the training center in every possible way promotes the development of Taekwondo techniques, as well as the popularization of this martial arts throughout the world.

The government of South Korea paid such attention to the development of WTF, that it became a nationwide program. Thanks to all the efforts made, in 1980 the WTF was officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee. At the Summer Olympics in 1988 in Seoul and in 1992 in Barcelona, Taekwondo was not part of the competition program, being only a demonstration sport. Only in 2000 Sydney hosted the first Taekwondo competition (as part of the official program of the Summer Olympic Games). After that, it became obvious the importance of WTF, that this all means for the image of the Republic of Korea in the eyes of the world community.

While the WTF has won international recognition, ITF has lost its position. To more or less stay afloat, ITF began to "conquer" the socialist countries of Europe. However, this did not help to prevent the split in 1990, when a part of the organization split into a separate association - the Global Taekwondo Federation (GTP). In Russia these three organizations came about at the same time. In the 90-91's. ITF, WTF, GTP took to their ranks the USSR, the disintegration of which did not stop, and even more likely contributed to an even greater passion for Korean martial arts.

Today, WTF branches are available in 118 countries around the world. This organization is very popular in the CIS and Eastern Europe.