Introduction to Sport Taekwondo

Taekwondo has evolved over time to become a popular martial art, self defence system and competitive sport. In its competitive sport mode, the Taekwondoist learns how to employ his or her knowledge and skills in a controlled full contact sparring match of of three, three-minute rounds against an opponent.

Protection

Protective equipment is worn over designated body target areas (a chest protector covers the front and sides of the body and a helmet protects the head), and the range of allowable techniques is restricted to provide for a demanding, challenging and yet safe competition.

Competition Basic Facts

Taekwondo sparring competition consists of three rounds, each of which is two minutes, with a 30 second rest period between rounds.
Matches are fought in an 10 meter by 10 meter competition area, normally on a high density foam rubber mat.
A centre referee controls the match and enforces compliance with the rules. The centre referee can award penalty points for violations of the rules.
Four corner judges award scores.

Valid Points

For a point to be scored, the strike must be successfully delivered with suffcient power to abruptly displace the opponent's body or head.

The valid scoring areas are:

The abdomen area that is covered by the chest protector, normally from the top of the pelvis (where the belt is worn) to the pectoral area of the chest
The front and top part of the head, from the ears forward.

One point is successfully scored by:

A powerful punch moving the other player successfully delivered with the first two knuckles on the mid part of the body (on the chest protector)
A kick successfully delivered on the body (on the chest protector)

Two points are successfully scored by:

Any head shot providing it is in the scoring area of the head
As the result of a powerful kick or punch, the opponent is staggered, dazed or falls, and is momentarily unable to continue, the referee will start a count and an extra point will be awarded.
If the staggered, dazed or fallen opponent recovers by the referee's count of eight, the match may continue. If the referee's count goes past eight, the staggered, dazed or fallen competitor will lose by knock out.

Striking below the belt ( the legs and groin area) and striking the back of the body or head (from the ears back) are prohibited, and will result in a Gam-Jum

Tied Score - 1st Point Wins

In the case of a tied score at the end of the match, the referee will call for "GOLDEN POINT" round 4 meaning first to score will win.

Warnings

The Referee will award Warnings (1/2 point deductions) and Deductions (full point deductions) for violations of the rules.
A Head of Court supervises the referee and the corner judges. Valid points must be scored by at least three of the four corner judges.

Weight Devisions