Styles and organizations

There are a number of major taekwondo styles as well as a few niche styles. Most styles are associated with a governing body or federation that defines the style. The major technical differences among taekwondo styles and organizations generally revolve around the patterns practiced by each style these are sets of prescribed formal sequences of movements that demonstrate mastery of posture, positioning, and technique differences in the sparring rules for competition; specifically, WTF style competition (the style used in the Olympics) is generally more sport oriented and less combat oriented than other styles martial arts philosophy.