If you've spent more than five minutes in the martial arts, you've probably heard some version of this: "All Taekwondo is the same." That's a myth. Just like every martial artist has their own personality, every Taekwondo style brings something different to the floor.
Sure, they all come from the same roots, but what's grown from those roots spans a broad spectrum. Today, we're taking a look at six of the most widely practiced Taekwondo styles, starting with the smallest and working our way up.
This isn't about which is "best." Such talk gets in the way of genuine understanding. Instead, we will explore what makes each style unique, where it thrives, and how many people practice it.
These numbers are best-guess estimates based on public claims, historical records, and extensive cross-referencing. They won't be perfect, but they'll be close enough to give us a sense of the landscape.
6. Jhoon Rhee Taekwondo
Jhoon Rhee is sometimes called the Father of American Taekwondo, and that's not an exaggeration. He brought the art to the U.S. in the 1950s and blended traditional Korean techniques with Western boxing and a transparent, structured approach to teaching. His influence is everywhere—even if the name isn't.
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Global practitioners: ~50,000–150,000
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U.S. practitioners: ~50,000–100,000
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Defining traits: Boxing-style hand techniques, character development, original hybrid forms
Jhoon Rhee schools were once more widespread, but over time, many have merged into other systems or become independent. Still, the legacy lives on. If you've trained in a school that talks about discipline, recites tenets, or emphasizes point sparring in a sport context, there's a decent chance Jhoon Rhee's fingerprints are somewhere in your lineage.
5. Global Taekwon-Do Federation (GTF)
A lesser-known but deeply respected style, GTF was founded by Grandmaster Park Jung Tae after splitting from the ITF in 1990. It holds to many ITF principles but introduces its own forms and a more globally inclusive philosophy.
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Global practitioners: ~200,000–500,000
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U.S. practitioners: ~50,000–100,000
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Defining traits: Modernized patterns, modified sine wave motion, inclusive international focus
You're less likely to stumble into a GTF school unless you're specifically looking. Still, those who train in it are loyal, often practicing with a deep reverence for both tradition and evolution. GTF has a quieter presence, but a strong heartbeat.
4. Traditional Taekwondo / Tang Soo Do Lineage
This one's a bit of a catch-all, but for good reason. Long before Taekwondo was unified under a single banner, Korea had a patchwork of martial arts schools called kwans. Some of those styles became part of modern Taekwondo; others continued as independent styles, such as Tang Soo Do or Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo.
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Global practitioners: ~100,000–300,000
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U.S. practitioners: ~100,000–200,000
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Defining traits: Strong Japanese karate influence, deeper stances, traditional hyung
These schools may not always call themselves "Taekwondo," but the shared DNA is obvious. They tend to focus more on basics, self-defense, and forms than high-flying kicks or Olympic competition. And while they may be smaller in number, they're often fiercely devoted to preserving the history and spirit of the art.
3. American Taekwondo Association (ATA / Songahm Taekwondo)
Founded in 1969, the ATA created its own forms, ranking structure, and a curriculum that's as much about personal growth as it is about martial skill. You'll find weapons training, life skills programs, and highly choreographed tournaments. It's uniquely American in that way.
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Global practitioners: ~300,000
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U.S. practitioners: ~120,000
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Defining traits: Songahm forms, structured curriculum, character development, family focus
ATA schools are everywhere in the U.S., often in shopping plazas and suburbs. Some traditionalists scoff at the ATA's fast-track to black belt or its franchised structure, but there's no denying its impact or its reach. For many families, the ATA is where their martial arts journey begins.
2. International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF)
Founded by General Choi Hong-hi in 1966, ITF represents the original vision for Taekwondo as a global art of self-defense and personal development. It's more traditional than WT and has its own distinct forms, called Tuls, and uses a sine wave motion that gives its movements a unique rhythm.
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Global practitioners: ~16 million
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U.S. practitioners: ~2–3 million
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Defining traits: 24 Tuls, semi-contact sparring, philosophical and historical depth
If you train ITF, you probably know the names of your forms and the historical figures they're named after. You may bow with your hands by your sides. And you've probably had at least one heated debate with someone from a WT background. That's okay. At the end of the day, ITF is about balance—between hand and foot, tradition and innovation, discipline and expression.
1. World Taekwondo (WT / Kukkiwon Style)
This is the Taekwondo you see in the Olympics. It's what most people think of when they hear the word "Taekwondo." And by the numbers, it's not just the biggest Taekwondo style—it's one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the world, period.
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Global practitioners: ~70–80 million
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U.S. practitioners: ~3 million
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Defining traits: Olympic sparring, Taegeuk poomsae, explosive kicking, electronic scoring
WT Taekwondo is fast, precise, and athletic. It emphasizes head-height kicks, footwork, and competition. But it also carries forward the traditions of the Kukkiwon, Korea's national Taekwondo headquarters. Forms practice, self-defense, and even meditation still have a place—at least in well-rounded schools.
If you've trained in Taekwondo and aren't sure what style you were doing, it was probably WT.
But, Can Each Style Be Called Taekwondo?
Yes! Each style on this list offers something unique. Some lean into tradition. Others embrace sport. Some push you to go inward; others push you to go harder. All of them, if taught well, can help you become a better martial artist and a better person.
The style you choose matters less than the effort you bring to it. Show up. Train hard. Stay humble. And don't forget to bow.
You might also be interested in our research on Global Martial Arts Participation
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