How You Advance in Tae Kwon Do

There are many Tae Kwon Do schools across the country, and, as I mentioned in earlier posts, they vary both in terms of culture/philosophy and in other ways. One important variation is what style of Tae Kwon Do the school practices. The major ones:
- World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF)/Kukkiwon - This is the officially sanctioned, Olympic sparring style.
- International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF) - The other important Tae Kwon Do association and standards body

ITF and WTF forms and instruction differ - although you are learning Tae Kwon Do in both places, there are stylistic differences which affect forms, rules of competition, etc. Generally, WTF emphasis is more on sport, where as ITF seems more practical.

Another variation you will see is the belt system. In the past, schools had as few as 4-5 belts, but these days, Tae Kwon Do schools generally have 10-15 belts. Why? In part, in recognition of the fact that belts motivate students, so it is important to have recognition of advancement around every 2 months. It can take 3 years to achieve a black belt, and most would have a hard time staying motivated if they were only getting a belt every 7 months.

Both WTF and ITF schools require you to master certain techniques to advance to a new belt, for the most part, in four areas. Regular tests will focus on you demonstrating your knowledge of these skills:
1) Forms - A pattern of footwork and techniques, with the emphasis on your form. Sometimes called poomsae.

2) Self Defense - Self defense techniques are, in a way, like short forms. You execute a pattern of movements - but in this case, the emphasis is on speed and accuracy first and foremost. Often times, self-defense techniques are executed with a master attacking you.

3) Kicking - Each belt has a specific kick associated with it, and each test usually involves a combination of kicks based on that primary kick. Emphasis is on form.

4) Breaking - Breaking techniques can often mirror the kicking technique for the belt, although at lower levels, hand or elbow breaking techniques get you started. At first, you break one board (about 1/2" to 1") At higher levels, you break more boards...

The process of learning is fun, but you may also question how much you are progressing at first. Depending on your school, your master will probably reassure you - the techniques you learn early in your Tae Kwon Do career are repeated in later tests. So don't worry too much - practice daily, work hard, and do your best. Mastery doesn't happen in a day.