What Style of Taekwondo Do We Practice? Understanding Kukkiwon, WT, and Olympic Taekwondo
When people hear the word “Taekwondo,” they often picture high-flying kicks, Olympic athletes, or kids in white uniforms bowing on the mat. But what many don’t realize is that Taekwondo includes multiple styles, each with its own history, philosophy, and technical approach.
At TVMA Academy, we follow the Kukkiwon-certified World Taekwondo (WT) system , the global standard for Olympic-style Taekwondo. This style offers a structured and internationally recognized path for students of all ages and goals, blending tradition, discipline, and competitive athleticism.
Let’s break down what that means and how it shapes your journey as a martial artist at TVMA Academy.
What is Kukkiwon?
Kukkiwon, known as the World Taekwondo Headquarters, is located in Seoul, South Korea. It was established in 1972 to create a unified global standard for Taekwondo instruction and certification. Kukkiwon sets the official curriculum for belt rankings, black belt (Dan) certifications, standardized poomsae (forms), and instructor qualifications.
When a student trains under the Kukkiwon system, they’re learning Taekwondo in a way that is consistent with schools in South Korea and recognized worldwide. Black belts certified through Kukkiwon are registered in a global database and hold lifelong credibility in martial arts.
At TVMA Academy, we proudly align with Kukkiwon standards to ensure every student receives world-class instruction and the opportunity to pursue internationally valid certifications. Our belt testing, poomsae instruction, and instructor training are all designed around Kukkiwon’s official framework.
To learn more about our instructor’s credentials and training under the Kukkiwon system, visit the Master Eric Profile Page.
What is World Taekwondo (WT)?
World Taekwondo, often referred to as WT, is the international governing body for Olympic-style Taekwondo. It is officially recognized by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and oversees international competitions and sport regulations. World Taekwondo focuses heavily on point-based sparring (kyorugi), using electronic scoring systems and specific rules designed for safety and fairness in high-level competition.
In addition to sparring, WT also standardizes official poomsae (forms) that are practiced and judged in tournaments worldwide. These forms are elegant, powerful, and deeply rooted in Korean martial arts philosophy.
At TVMA Academy, we prepare students in both WT-style point sparring and traditional power sparring. Our Sparring IQ System helps students understand strategy, timing, and control, essential for both competition and real-world confidence.
How Kukkiwon and WT Compare to Other Taekwondo Styles
There are several major styles of Taekwondo practiced around the world, but not all are created equal when it comes to structure and recognition. Here’s a brief overview:
The Kukkiwon/WT style is based in South Korea and follows a structured curriculum that includes Olympic-style sparring, the Taegeuk series of poomsae, and V-neck uniforms with WT patches. It is the most widely practiced and internationally recognized style. All black belts certified through Kukkiwon are registered with the World Taekwondo Headquarters.
By contrast, the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) has its own set of patterns called “Tuls” and a different sparring style that is typically semi-contact or point-stop. ITF practitioners often wear button-up uniforms and follow a different belt progression system. ITF certifications are not recognized by Kukkiwon.
Another group is ATA (American Taekwondo Association) and various freestyle schools, which use their own forms and internal ranking systems. These styles may be heavily modified and don’t follow a standardized international structure. Belt promotions in these systems are often not recognized outside the school or organization, making them less transferable for students who want to train or compete globally.
At TVMA Academy, we choose to follow the Kukkiwon and WT system because it combines the best of tradition, athletic development, and global legitimacy. Our students can be confident that their training is respected anywhere in the world and prepares them for higher-level opportunities if they choose to pursue them.
Why TVMA Academy Chooses the Kukkiwon Path
Our commitment to Kukkiwon standards reflects our belief in structured progression, cultural authenticity, and the long-term value of martial arts training. When you earn your belt at TVMA Academy, it is more than just a color, it’s a milestone recognized by the highest governing body in Taekwondo.
Kukkiwon also aligns with our philosophy of blending tradition with innovation. Through tools like TVMA Sidekick, in-depth poomsae guides, and instructor-developed resources, we provide a complete student experience grounded in discipline, growth, and global standards.
Whether your goal is to achieve a Kukkiwon black belt, compete at a high level, or simply build confidence and fitness, the Kukkiwon system supports that journey with clarity and consistency.
What This Means for You as a Student
Training under a certified Kukkiwon and WT program means you benefit from:
A globally respected ranking system
The opportunity for international black belt certification
Structured sparring and poomsae curriculum recognized in tournaments worldwide
Access to instructors trained in official teaching and testing methods
A solid martial arts foundation that travels with you wherever life takes you
When you train at TVMA Academy, you’re not just learning how to kick or block, you’re becoming part of a living tradition shared by millions of martial artists across the globe.
Final Thoughts
Taekwondo is more than just a sport, it’s a path of physical, mental, and ethical development. At TVMA Academy, we are proud to carry on the legacy of Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo, offering students a chance to grow within a system built on centuries of Korean martial heritage.
By understanding the style you practice, you’ll train with greater purpose and pride. Whether you’re a new student, a parent, or a long-time martial artist, we invite you to experience the discipline, energy, and excellence of Kukkiwon Taekwondo at TVMA.
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