What is Kukkiwon Taekwondo?
Kukkiwon Taekwondo
(WCT’s Style)
Olympic Recognition: Kukkiwon Taekwondo is the style practiced in the Olympics, focusing heavily on sparring and high-level competition. It emphasizes dynamic kicks, especially head-height kicks, jumping, and spinning kicks.
Standardized Curriculum: This style follows a standardized system for ranking, forms (poomsae), and certification. Students worldwide practice the same forms and follow the same belt progression guidelines, as overseen by Kukkiwon, the official Taekwondo governing body in South Korea.
Poomsae (Forms): Kukkiwon Taekwondo focuses on the Taeguk poomsae (forms), which are performed at belt levels to demonstrate a practitioner’s progress and mastery of technique.
Sparring Focus: Sparring in Kukkiwon Taekwondo emphasizes agility and speed, with an emphasis on kicks over hand techniques. Matches are scored based on the quality of kicks to legal target areas.
Global Certification: Kukkiwon Taekwondo offers globally recognized black belt certifications, which are valid in any Kukkiwon-affiliated school worldwide.
Differences from Other Taekwondo Styles:
ITF Taekwondo (International Taekwondo Federation): ITF Taekwondo, another popular style, places more emphasis on traditional techniques, including hand strikes and low kicks. ITF sparring is generally semi-contact, while Kukkiwon/WTF sparring is full-contact. ITF practitioners often learn different forms (called patterns or "tuls") compared to Kukkiwon’s poomsae.
ATA Taekwondo (American Taekwondo Association): ATA Taekwondo, which is more common in the U.S., combines elements of both ITF and WTF but has its own system for forms and ranking. It tends to focus more on discipline and self-defense rather than competition.
Self-Defense vs. Competition: Some other styles of Taekwondo may prioritize self-defense techniques over competition sparring. Kukkiwon emphasizes both, with a heavier focus on sport competition and high-dynamic movement.
Certified 3rd Degree Kukkiwon Master
5th Degree Black Belt
Over 20 years of martial arts experience
Trained in Korea, Master Jun brings authentic Korean Taekwondo to Williamsburg. He is deeply passionate about not only teaching the physical techniques of Taekwondo but also fostering a positive environment that nurtures both the body and mind. Master Jun believes in helping each student on their individual journey, promoting personal growth through the five tenets of Taekwondo: Courtesy, Respect, Integrity, Perseverance, and Indomitable Spirit.
As a former national junior competitor in Korea and he enjoys building a local competition and demo team.
At World Champion Taekwondo, Master Jun cultivates a culture of acceptance, support, and kindness, ensuring that every student feels valued and encouraged.
His commitment to creating a healthy environment where students can thrive both physically and mentally is at the heart of his teaching philosophy.
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