If you’ve spent five minutes looking for TaeKwon-Do classes, you’ve probably noticed something confusing. Some schools talk about "Olympic-style" sparring. Others mention "traditional patterns." Some wear different suits, some kick differently, and some seem more interested in selling you a plastic trophy than teaching you how to defend yourself.
At Unity Martial Arts, we do things a bit differently. We don't just pick one "brand" of TaeKwon-Do and ignore the rest. Instead, we teach a powerhouse blend of the three major styles: ITF, Kukkiwon (WT), and TAGB.
Why? Because our goal isn't to be a loyal servant to a single international organisation. Our goal is to make you: or your child: the best martial artist possible and to truly reflect the history of Taekwon-Do. Whether you’re looking for martial arts for kids in North Dorset or you’re an adult wanting to get fit and focused, you deserve the full picture, not just a slice of it.
The Traditional Root: ITF TaeKwon-Do
International TaeKwon-Do Federation (ITF) style is where the "art" in martial arts really shines. If you’ve seen someone moving with a distinct "up-down-up" motion, that’s the sine wave. It’s a core ITF principle designed to use your body weight to generate massive power.
In our classes, we dive deep into the 26 (not 24!) Chang Hon patterns. These aren't just choreographed moves; they are a historical and philosophical journey. Each pattern is named after a significant figure or event in Korean history. When you learn these, you aren't just moving your limbs; you’re building discipline and understanding the "why" behind every strike.
The ITF style is heavily focused on self-defence applications, but much has been watered down, so we teach it how it used to be taught. We’re talking about hand techniques that actually work, diverse stances, and a mindset that prepares you for real-world situations. It’s the foundation of everything we do.
The Olympic Edge: Kukkiwon (WT) TaeKwon-Do
You might know this style from the Olympic Games. Kukkiwon (World TaeKwon-Do) is the "sport" focused version of the art. It is fast, incredibly athletic, and focused on high-energy sparring.
While some "traditional" schools turn their noses up at the sport side, we think that’s a mistake. Why would we ignore the incredible footwork, speed, and cardiovascular conditioning that comes with Kukkiwon training? A lot of ITF practitioners don't realise that Kukkiwon also has self-defence in the syllabus.
By incorporating Kukkiwon poomsae (patterns) and Olympic-standard sparring drills, we give our students a pathway to WT competition if they want it. It’s brilliant for building confidence in beginners martial arts in North Dorset. There is nothing quite like the buzz of a fast-paced sparring session to show you exactly what you’re capable of. It’s athletic, it’s modern, and it’s a vital part of being a well-rounded fighter.
The British Powerhouse: TAGB TaeKwon-Do
One of the biggest technical differences we teach from the TAGB side is the hip twist. While the ITF uses the sine wave for power, the TAGB style focuses on sharp, explosive hip rotation. Is one better than the other? According to our technology, yes, but come and find out for yourself. They both have their place. By learning both, our students develop a more sophisticated understanding of body mechanics. If ITF is taught correctly by the encyclopedia then hip-twist should be there even in ITF.
We also teach the Ko-Dang pattern. For the TaeKwon-Do nerds out there, you’ll know that many ITF groups replaced Ko-Dang with a different pattern years ago. But the TAGB (and Unity!) kept it. Why? Because it’s a fantastic, technical pattern and history should matter. We don’t throw away good techniques just because a committee in an office somewhere told us to.
Why Blend Them? The Unity Philosophy
You might be wondering: "Isn't it easier just to stick to one?"
Of course it is. It’s much easier for an instructor to follow a single handbook and never look outside the box. But we aren't interested in "easy." We’re interested in integrity.
Most schools are tied to one organisation because of politics or "loyalty." At Unity, our loyalty is to you.
Our combined syllabus is currently 148 pages and growing. This is backed up by both the Kukkiwon and ITF official syllabus, plus some Hapkido techniques that were lost along the way.
A Second Family in North Dorset
Training at Unity isn't just about the kicks and punches. We pride ourselves on being a Second Family. Whether you are looking for family martial arts training where you can sweat alongside your kids, or you’re an autistic student looking for a school that actually understands SEN mentoring, you are welcome here.
Our classes are inclusive, patient, and designed for genuine personal development. We focus on mental health, discipline, and self-discovery as much as we focus on the perfect sidekick.
Ready to Start Your Journey?
If you’re in North Dorset and you’re ready to see what a proper, multi-styled martial arts education looks like, we’d love to meet you. Don't worry about "what to wear" or "being fit enough": just bring a bottle of water, some comfortable gym clothes, and an open mind. We'll handle the rest.
We offer TaeKwon-Do classes for all ages, from our Little Dragons (ages 3-6) to our adult and family sessions.
Join Today! Don't wait for "next Monday."
Book your FREE trial session at our North Dorset dojo right here!
Let’s get to work.