The Forge teaches traditional International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) Taekwondo for kids, teens, and adults. ITF is the original style founded by General Choi Hong-Hi in 1955 — emphasizing forms (tul), self-defense application, and full-contact sparring. Class times: Mon/Wed/Fri 5:30 PM (Youth) and 6:30 PM (Adults).
Taekwondo (Korean: 태권도, "the way of the foot and fist") is a Korean martial art codified in the 1940s and '50s by Korean masters synthesizing karate, traditional Korean martial arts, and Chinese influences. ITF Taekwondo specifically follows General Choi's curriculum: 24 patterns (tul) ranging from beginner to master level, hand and foot sparring, breaking technique, and self-defense application.
ITF is the original federation, emphasizing the full curriculum: forms, self-defense, sparring, and breaking. Olympic Taekwondo (governed by the Kukkiwon and World Taekwondo) is the sport-focused offshoot you see at the Olympics — heavily kick-based competition with restricted hand techniques. The Forge teaches ITF for its broader practical curriculum and self-defense integrity.
ITF Taekwondo uses 10 colored ranks (gup) progressing from white belt to red-black, then 9 degrees of black belt (dan). Students advance through skill development — forms, technique, sparring, and breaking — not just attendance. Belt testing is always free at The Forge. We never charge for testing.
Yes. The Forge prepares teen and adult students for ITF Taekwondo tournament competition in forms (tul) and sparring. Tournament participation is optional — many students train Taekwondo purely for the discipline, fitness, and self-defense without ever competing.
ITF Taekwondo includes a strong self-defense component alongside its sport application — strikes, blocks, throws, joint locks, and breaking technique. At The Forge, we integrate Taekwondo with Krav Maga and Shaolin Kung Fu so students get traditional martial arts AND practical real-world defense.
Children can start in our Little Legends program at age 5. The youth class (Mon/Wed/Fri 5:30 PM) blends Taekwondo with Shaolin Kung Fu fundamentals, building coordination, listening skills, and confidence in an age-appropriate way.
Mon/Wed/Fri 5:30 PM (Youth Taekwondo blend) and 6:30 PM (Adults Traditional — Taekwondo and Kung Fu). Both classes are included with the $125/month unlimited membership. Try a free week.
The Forge Martial Arts Academy
1408 Hugur Avenue, Cheyenne, WY 82001
(307) 317-7227
school@theforgemartialarts.com