TKD STF and the Olympics

[RickBB]

Hi there.So here's my story: I've been a martial arts fan for almost 5 years now, and during this time I have alwyas conducted my own personal training at home. But one day I decided I wanted to take some formal training. So i started training TKD on A STF academy.

One of my goals, however, is to be able to try out for competing on an Olympic competition, but i read at a local newspaper that only people who train for the WTF are allowed to enter the olympics. Is that true?

thanks for your time

[eXcessiveForce]

Not exactly, however it does depend on what country you are in. There have been ATA/STF people in the olympics.

I would talk to your instructor they may have more information for your area.

[RickBB]

thanks for the reply!

I livein south america (brazil, specifically) and I havetalked to my teacher about it. She said that on 2008 athletes from both federations will be able to join the selectives. I would really aprreciate if you could give me some examples of STF people who got into the olympics

[eXcessiveForce]

I'm sorry I don't remember their names. It has been many years. But there were a few ATA people who joined the USTF so that they could compete for the olympics.

One of the masters at headquarters might know. Perhaps master M.K.

[RickBB]

right. I have another question:

How's the belt division like on the olympics?

[eXcessiveForce]

there are no belt divisions, there are weight classes.

It is full contact sparring.

Master Choi, was the original instructor for olympic sparring in the ATA, I was told that he has not competed without breaking a bone on his oppenent. I can't confirm that is true though. I have met him but I have not trained with him.

I'm afraid i'm not very current on my olympic TKD knowledge. I helped participate in the TKD demonstrations for the olympic festival the year TKD was made an olympic sport but I've never had the desire to do olympic sparring.

Sorry I can't be more help.

[RickBB]

It's ok. I'm gonna go get some more information with my instructors. Thanks for using your time to answer my questions tough

[RickBB]

Hi again. More questions have been formulated:

Do you have to be a black belt to try out?
and

When do the olympics selection begins?

thanks a lot

[eXcessiveForce]

there are olympic national commitees that make the rules for their countries.

in the united states information about it can be found at the amature athletic union, and the U.S. Olympic commitee.

I'm to sure about what the rules might be for your country.

[OverEcho]

I really hope some agreements are reached to open the olympics up to more federations of TKD. I've heard Japan is pumping alot of money to get Karate in and TKD out. Our disunity may cost us ,but this concern has sparked some serious discussions I hope work out.

[Maxx]

Hey, guys. Pardon my ignorance, but what the heck does STF stand for? I have absolutely no clue.

[7r14ngL3Ch0k3]

there are no belt divisions, there are weight classes.

It is full contact sparring.

Master Choi, was the original instructor for olympic sparring in the ATA, I was told that he has not competed without breaking a bone on his oppenent. I can't confirm that is true though. I have met him but I have not trained with him.

I'm afraid i'm not very current on my olympic TKD knowledge. I helped participate in the TKD demonstrations for the olympic festival the year TKD was made an olympic sport but I've never had the desire to do olympic sparring.

Sorry I can't be more help.

If its full contact sparring, where any kind of striking is allowed, wouldnt Muay Thai dominate then, or is there still alot of rules and point scoring things that favor TKD?

[jubaji]

I really hope some agreements are reached to open the olympics up to more federations of TKD. I've heard Japan is pumping alot of money to get Karate in and TKD out. Our disunity may cost us ,but this concern has sparked some serious discussions I hope work out.

Where have you heard that?

[OverEcho]

Hey, guys. Pardon my ignorance, but what the heck does STF stand for? I have absolutely no clue.

United States TaeKwon Do Federation

There are two seperate organisations that use that name.
http://www.ustf-itf.com

and

http://www.ustfonline.com

[eXcessiveForce]

STF is Songahm Taekwondo Federation it is the Branch of the American Taekwondo Federation in South America