FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)

No. Whilst Taekwondo somewhat originated from the same source there are differences between the organisations and teachings.  The two main internationally recognised style are the World Taekwondo (WT) and International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). The WT style also known as the Olympic style is regulated by World Taekwondo and Kukkiwon Headquarters, whilst the ITF style is regulated by their own organisation. There are also independent schools without any affiliation which are privately run that teaches very traditional style or their own style of Taekwondo. The WT style focuses more on the sports and competition aspect, with the World Taekwondo Academy (WTA) under the guidance of Kukkiwon, acting as the education provider in streamlining education across the globe (i.e. for the WT style). This creates consistency in the teaching and rules for WT to inform the Olympic International Council (OIC) of the rules.  The ITF on the other hand have something similar that have their own global or international competitions but are not align to the OIC. There has been efforts to merge both WT and ITF in the past, however this is an ongoing discussion to this day. Independent styles on the other hand, teaches the old Kwan styles and are not affiliated with any of these organisations. The syllabus taught in these independent schools are often very traditional, and competitions are often limited within their own organisations. 

There is actually no way of confirming the validity of the school except by confirming them on the organisation webpage. All World Taekwondo (WT) Schools in Australia will either have to be registered with Australia Taekwondo or be searchable on Kukkiwon Taekwondo Connect site. The other superficial way is by looking at the uniform. The black belt practitioners of WT style are characterised by a black collar or lapel, whereas an ITF practitioner would have a black line on the skirt or bottom of their top. Traditional schools usually follow or use the Karate uniform which the black line on the lapel or skirt of the top are often absent from their uniform. 

It depends. All practitioners who practice a different style to the club/school you are requesting to join, will be required to start from scratch (i.e. white belt). Even if you have trained the same style (e.g. WT, to WT), you will be assess to determine the level you are at that club/school. The only exceptions for the recognition of level is, if the practitioner holds the certificate from their respective organisation. Hence, at First Class Martial Arts, all Kukkiwon certificate Dan / Poom holder will be recognised at their level. Non-Kukkiwon Dan /Poom holders will be assess and determined by the head instructor. Please note there are Memorandom Of Understanding (MOU) between some countries, that act as centralised testing body that are recognised to be Kukkiwon equivalent. Examples of these are the MTA (Malaysia Taekwondo Association) or the STF (Singapore Taekwondo Federation).  Whilst, not equivalent, certificates from these centralised governing bodies uphold the Kukkiwon standards and are usually highly recognised and will be accepted to be equivalent by Kukkiwon for training or educational purposes only (i.e. due to the exchange rates, these countries opt for their country centralised grading rather than a Kukkiwon certification). However, Kukkiwon certificates cannot be back tracked despite achieving a higher level and will need to be issued from the 1st Degree.   

Prior to the establishment of the Kukkiwon , there were the nine Kwans. The Kukkiwon is the uniting entity that united the Kwans and brought consistency to the teaching, grading, and practice of the art. As such the Dan / Poom certificates issued by Kukkiwon signifies that an individual has met the testing standards held by the organisations. Due to the consistency in the teaching, all instructors and masters are required to learn and understand the fundamental principle of the style, hence ensuring the quality of the individual practitioners. As a result,  all black belts participating in WT sanctions event such as the Olympic requires the participant to be Kukkiwon Dan certified. 

This is a tricky question. Whilst, all Kukkiwon certified black belts are recognised to be the same, there is a division between a junior black belt and a full degree black belt. The Kukkiwon system has differentiated this due to the understanding and capabilities of children and adults. 

As a result, junior black belts are issued with Poom certificates, and adults are issued with Dan certificates. The Dan or Poom certificates are issued based on age and the level you are applying for. Once you have reached the prescribed age, the Poom is usually recgonised as a Dan certificate.  However, some countries such as in Malaysia will often hold a confirmation examination to ensure the quality of the Poom holder is that to a Dan degree black belt, before issuing their MTA black belt certifications.  However, the Kukkiwon HQ has not prescribed such additional requirements, and a Poom degree holder will be automatically be deemed equivalent to a Dan degree holder once reaching the prescribed age. 

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This has also been taken into account for all WT sanction events, where the participants are grouped by their age and participants are required to wear their corresponding Poom or Dan level uniforms. 

Yes. Whilst not in breach of any regulations, the club/school can choose the colour and the type of uniform for their school. 

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Nonetheless, if a school is to adhere to Kukkiwon regulations / recommendations, there is only a white dobok with either a full black lapel with a full black belt, indicating a Dan degree holder, or a dobok with a black-red lapel and a corresponding belt colour indicating a Poom holder. 

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It has been noticed however due to the cultural differences, understanding, cost, and the availability of the merchandises; most Western countries will adopt a uniform with a full black collar for both Poom/Dan holder for their club/school members, whilst in Asia, a Poom and Dan holder will wear their corresponding uniform in line with the recommendation by Kukkiwon. 

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Please note however, during competition, the correct uniform must be worn as per the hosting competition/tournament guidelines. As a result, all participants partaking in any WT  sanction events, must be inline with the WT competition guidelines. 

WT is the organisation that organises the competition events based on Kukkiwon syllabus. 

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Kukkiwon on the other hand is the regulating organisation that develops education, conducts grading, and is the centralised organisation responsible for the issuance of Dan/Poom certificates. 

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In simple terms, we can take it as the Kukkiwon Headquarters as the University, and WT being the organiser for conferences or the University games, bringing everybody together. 

Out of the respect of the current Master or instructor, permission should be sought prior to enquiring or training at the new school. However, as practice makes perfect it is encourage to continue training under the instruction of the same master to not only hone the skills but to build the mentor and disciple relationship that is of paramount significance; especially in competitions. Most taekwondo clubs/school will require you to quit from one club/school before joining the other club/school. However, this is at the discretion and permission of the instructor from the respective clubs/schools.