Governing Bodies and Associations

There are a number of major governing bodies, or styles, of Taekwondo. Most styles are associated with a governing body or federation that defines the style.

Taekwondo, as a martial art with global reach, is overseen by several key governing bodies. These organizations help regulate the sport, set standards, and organize competitions. Here are the main governing bodies for Taekwondo:

1. World Taekwondo (WT)

  • Overview: World Taekwondo is the primary international governing body for the sport of Taekwondo. It is responsible for overseeing global competitions, setting rules and regulations, and promoting the sport worldwide.
  • Headquarters: Seoul, South Korea
  • Website: World Taekwondo

2. International Taekwondo Federation (ITF)

  • Overview: The ITF is another major international governing body for Taekwondo, focusing on traditional Taekwondo practices, including forms (patterns) and self-defense. It operates independently from World Taekwondo.
  • Headquarters: The ITF has multiple offices, with the main headquarters historically based in Vienna, Austria. However, recent developments have led to multiple factions within the ITF.
  • Website: International Taekwondo Federation

3. World Taekwondo Federation (WTF)

  • Overview: This is an older name for World Taekwondo, and you may see references to it, but the organization now officially goes by World Taekwondo (WT).

4. United States Taekwondo Association (USTA)

  • Overview: USTA is a major Taekwondo organization in the United States that provides training, certification, and competitions. It often works in conjunction with other Taekwondo organizations.
  • Headquarters: Various regional offices across the United States
  • Website: United States Taekwondo Association

5. American Taekwondo Association (ATA)

  • Overview: The ATA is a prominent Taekwondo organization in the United States, focusing on traditional Taekwondo and self-defense. It is known for its distinct style and grading system.
  • Headquarters: Little Rock, Arkansas, USA
  • Website: American Taekwondo Association

6. Taekwondo Canada

  • Overview: Taekwondo Canada is the national governing body for Taekwondo in Canada, responsible for organizing events, setting standards, and promoting the sport across the country.
  • Headquarters: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
  • Website: Taekwondo Canada

7. European Taekwondo Union (ETU)

  • Overview: ETU oversees Taekwondo activities and events in Europe, working to promote and develop the sport throughout the continent.
  • Headquarters: Various locations within Europe
  • Website: European Taekwondo Union

8. Panamerican Taekwondo Union (PATU)

  • Overview: PATU is responsible for Taekwondo in the Americas, organizing regional competitions and working to develop the sport throughout North, Central, and South America.
  • Headquarters: Various locations in the Americas
  • Website: Panamerican Taekwondo Union

These organizations work together and independently to promote and regulate Taekwondo, ensuring the sport’s growth and development worldwide.

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