How To Join The USTTF

Author: Bret Gordon

At the US Traditional Taekwondo Federation (USTTF), we are committed to upholding the traditional values, standards, and practices of Taekwondo. Our membership process is designed to respect and recognize the legitimate achievements of practitioners while ensuring the highest standards of instruction and rank certification. If you’re considering joining us, here’s what you need to know about our approach to recognizing existing ranks and our process for certification and promotion.

Step 1: Applying for Membership
To begin your journey with the USTTF, prospective members must complete an official application, which includes information about their current rank, training history, and the school or organization they are affiliated with. This application serves as a foundational document, providing us with an understanding of each member’s unique journey and achievements in Taekwondo.
​
Membership with the USTTF is open to individual practitioners, instructors, and schools committed to traditional Taekwondo values. Our membership process is thorough because we believe in building a strong, cohesive community that upholds the integrity of our art.

---

Step 2: Recognition of Legitimate Ranks
One of the most frequently asked questions by prospective members concerns the recognition of previously issued ranks. The USTTF acknowledges the hard work, dedication, and training that practitioners have invested to earn their ranks in other organizations or systems. Therefore, we recognize legitimate ranks that have already been issued, provided they meet our standards of authenticity and alignment with traditional Taekwondo principles.
​
This recognition process ensures that our members feel validated in their accomplishments and know that they are joining an organization that respects and values their past achievements.

Step 3: Certification and Promotion Requirements
While the USTTF recognizes legitimate ranks upon membership, any member who wishes to receive official USTTF certification or seek promotion through our organization must go through an in-person examination process. This requirement ensures that all USTTF-certified ranks adhere to a uniform standard of excellence and tradition. Here’s why this step is essential:

1. Skill Verification: By conducting in-person examinations, we can accurately assess each practitioner’s technical proficiency, knowledge, and adherence to traditional Taekwondo techniques and forms.
2. Personalized Feedback: Examinations provide an opportunity for direct feedback from USTTF-certified examiners, helping practitioners understand areas for improvement and reinforcing the values of continuous growth and learning.
3. Community Standards: Our in-person examinations help maintain a unified standard across all members and schools. It ensures that a USTTF rank carries consistent weight, meaning that a black belt in one USTTF school reflects the same dedication and expertise as in any other.

Step 4: Scheduling an In-Person Examination
For members interested in USTTF certification or promotion, or becoming certified with any of the traditional Kwans we represent, we offer scheduled examination dates across different regions. Our instructors and examiners travel to various locations to make these examinations as accessible as possible for our members. Alternatively, members may also attend examinations held at USTTF-affiliated events and training camps. The next such event is the 2025 Jidokwan Masters Course held near Orlando, Florida. 

Joining the USTTF means more than simply affiliating with an organization. It means becoming part of a family that values respect, tradition, and excellence in every aspect of Taekwondo. By recognizing existing legitimate ranks, we honor our members' achievements, and by requiring in-person examinations for certification or promotion, we ensure that all USTTF ranks represent the highest standards.

If you're ready to join an organization that respects your past while providing a structured path for your future growth, we invite you to apply for membership with the USTTF. Together, we can preserve and advance the art of traditional Taekwondo for future generations.

​To start your application process, click here.