WTF Compared to HMK (Part II of II) - Chief Instructor's Blog November 2015

Note:  This is the second installment of a two part series describing the key differences between World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF) and Han Moo Kwan (HMK).  The first part described how WTF came to be and the first of four areas where we differ (focus).  As indicated in Part 1 of this two part series, much if not all the differences between WTF and HMK, in my opinion, stem from the difference in their focuses.  WTF focus is on competition (as a means to spread the art form internationally).  HMK focuses on an art form for adults who are more interested in learning and training for self-defense purposes.  In this second part, I will describe the other three areas (sparring, forms, and ranking).

 1.      Sparring differences/rules

In order to objectively judge competition as well as safety reasons, techniques and permitted striking areas are limited in WTF.  According to the World Taekwondo Federation Competition Rules & Interpretation, (Ref. 1), the following are permitted techniques (weapons) and areas:
 
Permitted techniques
1.1 Fist technique: A straight punching technique using the knuckle part of a tightly clenched fist
1.2 Foot technique: Delivering techniques using any part of the foot below the ankle bone
 
When we spar in HMK, we only limit the use of open hand techniques with lower rank students (such as ridge hand and knife hand) until students demonstrate they can effectively use those techniques.  For upper rank students, all techniques, all parts of the body (head, shoulder, elbows, forearms, hands, knees, legs, feet, etc.) are considered valid and acceptable weapons. 
 

The following are permitted areas (targets) in WTF:

 
2 Permitted areas
2.1 Trunk: Attack by fist and foot techniques on the areas covered by the trunk protector are permitted.  However, such attacks shall not be made on the part of the spine.
2.2 Head: The area above the collar bone. Only foot techniques are permitted.

 And the following are prohibited acts in WTF:

 
5.1            The following acts shall be classified as prohibited acts, and “Kyong-go” (warning penalty) shall be declared.
5.1.1                 Crossing the Boundary Line
5.1.2                 Falling down
5.1.3                 Avoiding or delaying the match
5.1.4                 Grabbing, holding or pushing the opponent
5.1.5                 Lifting the knee to block or/and impede the opponent’s kicking attack, or lifting a leg for more than 3 seconds, without execution of any attacking technique, to impede opponent’s attacking movements
5.1.6                 Kicking below the waist
5.1.7                 Attacking the opponent after "Kal-yeo" (separate)
5.1.8                 Hitting the opponent’s head with the hand
5.1.9                 Butting or attacking with the knee
5.1.10              Attacking the fallen opponent
5.1.11              Misconduct of contestant or coach

When we spar in HMK, we do limit the permitted area (targets) to some extent and have a couple prohibited acts (more in intermediates class than advanced class until students demonstrate the control required).  Those permitted areas (targets) are in place to ensure the safety of our students.  For safety reasons, we do not allow lower ranked students to strike towards the head until they show control.  Due to the weakness of the knees/groin, we do not permit students to strike each other’s knees or groin but do practice knees as targets in a slow, controlled manner as well as pinning/trapping the knee.  In addition, at the Intermediates level we limit attacking fallen opponents and grabbing opponents.

 

For advanced students as we practice combat (separate from sparring) which promotes continuing an assault until the opponent is disabled (or the referee determines sufficient damage has occurred) we also allow strikes to the head, attacking fallen opponents, grabbing if it is safe and effective, etc. 

From a HMK perspective where the focus on self-defense and sparring is a form of self-defense (for more information on my views of sparring versus self-defense, please read my October 2009 blog, “Sparring vs Self Defense”, www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2009_10_01_archive.html), limitation of techniques, target areas, etc. limit’s a person’s effectiveness to defend themselves.  So, for any reason other than safety, if you are training for self-defense purposes, I believe you should minimize any limitations of techniques (weapons) or permitted areas (targets).
 

2.      Forms (Hyung)

WTF has 17 forms (usually written as poomsae) (www.worldtaekwondofederation.net/poomsae-styles, Ref. 2) and some schools still teach the first 8 created, making a total of 25.  According to taekwondo.wikia.com/wiki/Taegeuk (Ref. 3), “In 1965 the Korea Taekwondo Association appointed a committee of representatives from six of the nine Kwans to develop the forms for what is now called Kukkiwon- or WTF-style taekwondo.  In 1967, this committee introduced the Palgwae and Yudanja (Black Belt) forms (including a simpler version of Koryo). In 1971 two additional kwans joined the committee.  This expanded committee went on to develop the Taegeuk forms”.

 One of the reasons to change the forms was to make them more “Korean”.  As stated in “Complete TaekwonDo Pommsae” (Ref. 4), “Taekwondo Poomsae reflects the characteristics of the Korean culture.  The color belt Poomsae, Taegeuk, and Palgwae, are based on principles of Um and Yang and the eight trigrams, which originate from the Taegeukki (Korean flag).  The black belt forms (Koryo, Keumkang, Taeback, Pyongwon, Sipjin, etc.) are based on traditional Korean philosophy and Taoist principles.”

 

HMK teaches 15 forms (hyung).  The history and genesis of the forms is from Okinawan and Shotokan Karate.  To learn more of the origins of the HMK forms, refer to my three part blog series Origins of HMK Forms - Part I, II and III posted in Feb 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_02_01_archive.html), March 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_03_01_archive.html), and Apr 2010 (www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2010_04_01_archive.html), respectively. 

 

Besides the origins of the forms being different, there is a difference in benefits of forms applied to self-defense/sparring that we explore in HMK.  As stated in “Complete TaekwonDo Pommsae” (Ref. 4), “...the principles and procedures of Poomsae are different from Kyorugi (sparring).”  The authors of Ref. 4 go on to say, “The widely used official Poomsae is less useful for Kyorugi, as they lack the kicking techniques that are characteristics of Taekwondo.  However, Kyorugi and Poomsae complement each other in terms of the general technical structure of taekwondo.”

 The forms we learn in HMK complement sparring, but more from a structured way to practice techniques and focus versus the dynamic situation of sparring or self-defense with an opponent.  In HMK all techniques performed in the hyung are viable and useful in sparring and self-defense and vice versa.  In class, we practice the dynamic applications of techniques within our forms and constantly uncover all the various practical applications. 

 3.      Ranking

Until the late 1800’s, there were no belts at all worn as part of martial arts uniforms, then there was black, then black and white and then additional colors were added.  One reason for adding colors was to encourage students (mainly children who tend to require more constant feedback to assess their abilities).

 WTF schools have anywhere from six (6) to 15 ranks (belts) (including stripes).  An example is: White Belt, White Belt/ Yellow Stripe, White Belt/Double Yellow Stripe, Yellow Belt, Yellow Belt/Blue Stripe, Blue Belt, Blue Belt/Red Stripe, Red Belt, Red Belt/Black Stripe, and Black Belt.  Some WTF schools might have as many as triple stripes for each belt color.  There does not appear to be a standard for WTF schools for lower ranks.  The process and promotions to black belt, though, are highly standardized and are all regulated by the Kukkiwon. 

HMK has six (6) ranks (five different belt colors and one which has a stripe).  When the Sunnyvale HMK Club was founded, the founders were adamant that we limit the number of ranks/belt colors.   For the most part, various colors were introduced for instructors to indicate a student’s level, other students understand that level so they can train with them appropriately.  And so students understood their ranking and receive feedback on the intermediate improvements from beginner to a first degree black belt.  Also, rankings provide an indication of various levels of skills which helps students w understand who are the upper rank students are to take any queues from.

For more details on the history of belts and rankings please read the June 2012 blog, “History of Belts and Rankings”, www.hanmookwan-svl-chiefinstructor.blogspot.com/2012_06_01_archive.html.

Based on what I have described above as key differences between WTF and HMK, I hope it is easy to understand why Mr. Kim, especially understanding the HMK target audience is adults learning self-defense and not kids and competitions, politely declined when approached to convert to WTF. 

Regards,

Kelly
 

"I have not permitted myself to be ignorant of any martial art that exists. Why? Such ignorance is a disgrace to someone who follows the path of the martial arts." ~ Masutatsu Oyama (1923-1994), karate master who founded Kyokushinkai Karate

 

References:

1. World Taekwondo Federation Competition Rules & Interpretation, January 2015

2. www.worldtaekwondofederation.net/poomsae-styles

3. Taekwondo.wikia.com/wiki/Taegeuk

4. Complete Taekwon Do Poomsae, - The Official Taeguek, Palgwae, and Black Belt Forms of Taekwondo by Kyu Hyung Lee and Sang H. Kim