Many ITF-based taekwondo practitioners come to notice a difference between different ITF-based organizations with some groups teaching a direct, forceful style and others teaching a more timed, flowing style often referred to as a "sine wave" style. What are the defining characteristics of this "sine wave" approach to ITF hyungs/tuls and how did this style originate?
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4 Answers
By reading the The Encyclopedia of Taekwon-do written by General Choi Hong Hi, the founder of Taekwon-do, one would find out that the sine-wave is a main characteristic of Taekwon-do and is part of the "Theory of power" that characterizes the style.
The sine-wave emphasizes relaxation on the upward motion and the contraction and explosion on the downward(final) motion. This allows you to put the weight of your body into the technique.
You can read more about the theory of power here: http://www.saskgtf.com/theory.html
Also the differences you see between ITF sine-waves in different practitioners is because the sine-wave has evolved over time and not all teachers will teach it the same way on each move.
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3Early versions of the Encyclopedia (like the copy I bought in the late '90s) didn't mention sine wave or describe anything even vaguely resembling it. Sine wave was only added to ITF TKD in the mid 80s (from memory), so instructors who trained before its introduction often stuck to what they knew - either passively or because they actively disagreed with the sine wave "theory" and supposed benefits.– Tony DCommented Apr 28, 2017 at 19:59
The "sine wave" terminology is used, in my experience, to refer to a more bouncing method of footwork in forms. A linear, non-size-wave execution of kata, such as this performance from Shotokan, values direct movement, crisp end positions, and minimal up-and-down movement between stances. In contrast, this "sine-wavey" performance from ITF TKD exemplifies the up-and-down, more fluid method that the term refers to. Notice the exaggerated way that the practitioner settles into each step, and the alternating slow-fast cadence of each movement. This is dissimilar from the rather even pace that the Shotokan stylist uses.
I am not familiar with the origin of this style, except to note that preferences regarding the look and feel of kata performance naturally change over time and with different personalities in charge. But the salient differences seem to be:
- More fluid movement rather than crisp, paused stances
- Up-and-down movement during steps instead of maintaining a constant vertical position
- Rhythmic slow/fast cadence instead of steady
- Settling into each stance rather than stepping into it plainly
answered Feb 8, 2013 at 20:38
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3Pro tip:I should point out that I got much higher points for Patterns at national and international level when emulating the Shotokan style. Commented Aug 21, 2013 at 17:51
I started training Taekwon-Do in 1986 in South Australia under Rhee Taekwon-Do (CC Rhee the father of Australian Taekwon-do) and a pupil of Gen Choi.
In those days we did not do a sine wave, power was generated through speed and the use of the large muscles groups. On my return to the UK, I was taught the sine wave in the ITF style - thus I deduce that the sine wave must have been introduced by the mid 1980's. I do not know if Rhee TKD (Aus) now incorporates the sine wave. Interestingly the TAGB does not use the sine wave and stays with the more traditional practices which it used when they split from the ITF.
Sine wave is the movement of all OFFICIAL ITF schools.
Also, Sine wave looks something like the expansion and contraction in Bak Mei, except that the knee spring replaces the contraction and expansion of the spine and abdomen.
I think it does add power to a strike.
See Bak Mei strategy below:
