World Taekwondo (WT)
Organization 4 Min Read

World Taekwondo (WT)

More than just a federation, World Taekwondo is the driving force behind the globalization and standardization of our martial art.

When you step onto the mats at Superior Taekwondo, you are not just joining a local club in North West Auckland; you are joining a global family of over 80 million practitioners.

This global community is led by World Taekwondo (WT), the organization responsible for developing the sport, setting the rules, and organizing major events like the World Championships and the Olympic Games.

History & Mission

Established on May 28, 1973, as the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), the organization has worked tirelessly to promote Taekwondo as a sport for all. In June 2017, it officially rebranded to World Taekwondo (WT) to reflect a modern, inclusive identity.

Vision: "Taekwondo for All"

"To develop and grow Taekwondo throughout the world, from a grassroots level to an elite high-performance sport, to provide all with the opportunity to play, watch and enjoy the sport regardless of age, gender, religion, ethnicity or ability."

The Kukkiwon Connection

Kukkiwon Headquarters

World Taekwondo Headquarters

Often referred to as the "Mecca of World Taekwondo," the Kukkiwon in Seoul, South Korea, is the center for Dan (Black Belt) certification and Poomsae standardization.

While World Taekwondo (WT) manages the sport (tournaments, Olympics), Kukkiwon manages the martial art (grading, curriculum). At Superior Taekwondo, our Black Belts are Kukkiwon certified, meaning they are recognized globally.

A Force for Good

🌍

Humanitarian Foundation

The Taekwondo Humanitarian Foundation (THF) empowers refugees and displaced persons worldwide by training them in Taekwondo.

Para Taekwondo

WT has championed Para Taekwondo, which debuted at the Tokyo 2020 Paralympics, making the sport accessible to athletes with impairments.

⚖️

Clean Sport

WT is committed to the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) code, ensuring fair play and integrity in competition.

Train with Authenticity

Why does training at a WT-affiliated club matter?

Global Recognition

Your belt rank is respected at thousands of clubs worldwide.

Olympic Pathway

Access to official tournaments that lead to national team selection.

Standardized Safety

We adhere to the highest safety protocols for sparring and training.

Modern Curriculum

Training methods are constantly updated based on sports science.

World Taekwondo FAQ

What is World Taekwondo (WT)?

World Taekwondo (WT) is the International Federation (IF) governing the sport of Taekwondo and is a member of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

Is WT the same as WTF?

Yes. The organization was formerly known as the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) but rebranded to World Taekwondo (WT) in 2017 to avoid confusion with the common internet acronym.

Where is the headquarters of World Taekwondo?

The headquarters of World Taekwondo is located in Seoul, South Korea.

What is the difference between WT and ITF?

WT focus on the sport aspect of Taekwondo and is the official Olympic style. ITF (International Taekwon-Do Federation) focuses more on traditional forms and light-contact sparring.

Is Superior Taekwondo a WT club?

Yes, Superior Taekwondo follows the World Taekwondo curriculum and rules, ensuring our students receive internationally recognized instruction and certification.

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