ITF Taekwondo is one of the world's most widespread martial arts, with deep roots in Korean martial traditions. In Norway, NTN Taekwondo represents the ITF style, and the organisation has thousands of active athletes all over the country. In this article we take you through the history, the sport and the approved gear you need – all available at Combat Store.
The history of ITF Taekwondo
The International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) was founded on 22 March 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi in Seoul, South Korea. General Choi is regarded as the father of taekwondo and spent much of his life systematising the sport and spreading it all over the world.
Taekwondo has roots in ancient Korean martial arts such as Taekkyeon and Subak, but was formalised as a modern martial art in the 1940s and 50s by Korean military officers, among them General Choi. The ITF was set up to unite and standardise the sport internationally, with a focus on the traditional values: discipline, respect, self-control and technical precision.
Today the ITF is represented in over 120 countries and has millions of athletes at every level – from beginners to world champions. The organisation holds its own World and European Championships and international cups in disciplines such as semi-contact, full contact, patterns (tul) and special technique.
What characterises the ITF style?
- Patterns (tul): ITF has 24 official tul, representing the 24 hours of the day – a whole life.
- Sparring: Both semi-contact and full contact, with their own rules and approved protective gear.
- Dobok: A traditional wide uniform with buttons, unlike the WT style.
- Philosophy: Strong emphasis on self-defence, character building and the five tenets: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control and indomitable spirit.
NTN Taekwondo in Norway
In Norway, National Taekwon-Do Norway (NTN) represents the ITF style. NTN is one of the largest martial arts organisations in the country and has clubs all over Norway – from Tromsø in the north to Kristiansand in the south.
NTN offers taekwondo for all ages and levels, from the youngest children to adult competitors. The organisation puts great emphasis on both the technical and the personal development of its athletes, and has a solid system for gradings, courses and competitions at national and international level.
NTN athletes regularly take part in international ITF championships and represent Norway with good results. To take part in official NTN and ITF competitions, approved gear is required – and that is where Combat Store comes in.
Combat Store is a preferred supplier of ITF-approved gear for Norwegian athletes and clubs. We carry a wide range of everything you need, from uniforms and gloves to protective gear – all approved by the ITF and supplied by Norway's leading martial arts store.
TOP TEN – official sponsor of the ITF
TOP TEN is an Austrian brand founded in 1983 and is today one of the world's leading manufacturers of martial arts gear. The brand is known for high quality, innovation and close cooperation with the major international martial arts organisations.
TOP TEN has been the official equipment sponsor of the ITF for a number of years and supplies the only gear officially approved for use in ITF competitions at international level. This covers everything from the dobok (uniform) to gloves, safety kicks and protective gear. When you buy TOP TEN gear, you know you are getting products that have been tested and approved by the federation itself.
For Norwegian NTN athletes, TOP TEN is the natural choice – and Combat Store is your Norwegian source for the full TOP TEN range for ITF Taekwondo.
The approved ITF gear you need
Uniforms (Dobok)
TOP TEN Taekwon-Do Dobok «De-Luxe» – ITF Approved
For the more experienced athlete. Premium quality with ITF approval – a natural step up from a beginner's uniform.
Gloves
Official ITF semi-contact gloves. The standard for semi-contact competition at every level.
Special gloves for ITF point fighting. Light construction and a precise fit for maximum control in competition.
Safety Kicks
Official ITF safety kicks that match the Superfight 3000 gloves. The standard for semi-contact competition.
Mouthguard: a clear one is mandatory in ITF
ITF competitions require a clear (transparent) mouthguard. The referees must be able to see that the mouthguard is in place correctly and that the athlete is not injured. A coloured or opaque mouthguard will lead to disqualification – make sure you have the right type before the competition.
SAFEJAWZ INTRO Mouthguard – Junior/Senior
A clear mouthguard that meets the ITF requirements. Easy to mould with the «boil and bite» method and gives good protection without restricting your breathing.
Taekwondo headguards | See the full taekwondo range
Frequently asked questions
What is ITF Taekwondo?
The ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) is one of the two major international taekwondo organisations, founded in 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi. The ITF focuses on traditional taekwondo with an emphasis on self-defence, patterns (tul) and technical precision.
What is NTN Taekwondo?
National Taekwon-Do Norway (NTN) is the Norwegian organisation for ITF taekwondo. NTN has clubs all over Norway and offers taekwondo for all ages and levels, with a focus on both technical development and personal growth.
Why is TOP TEN the preferred brand for ITF gear?
TOP TEN is the official equipment sponsor of the ITF and makes the only gear officially approved for use in ITF competitions internationally. The brand is known for high quality, a good fit and a long lifespan.
Why does the mouthguard have to be clear in ITF?
ITF rules require a clear (transparent) mouthguard so that the referees can see that it is in place correctly and that the athlete is not injured during the bout. Coloured or opaque mouthguards are not allowed at official ITF competitions.
Can I buy ITF-approved gear at Combat Store?
Yes! Combat Store is a preferred supplier of ITF-approved gear in Norway. We carry a wide range of TOP TEN products, including uniforms, gloves, safety kicks and protective gear – all approved for use in NTN and ITF competitions.
What is the difference between ITF and WT taekwondo?
ITF focuses on traditional taekwondo with self-defence and patterns (tul), while WT (World Taekwondo) is the Olympic style with a focus on sparring (kyorugi) and poomsae. Gear, rules and uniforms differ between the two styles.
