Taekwondo Sparring

Taekwondo is a martial art system made from many parts. We have the traditional martial art training of Poomsae (patterns), blocks, strikes, and kicks for defending yourself. This traditional part of Taekwondo is what made it useful in the army, and what helps to strengthen practitioners young and old.

There is also sparring! Kyorugi (겨루기) is applying the techniques we learn in Taekwondo..

In deadly combat!

(Just joking..)

In kyorugi we wear protective gear so that it’s more about training, and enjoying the sport than injuring our opponent.  

Taekwondo Sparring first entered the global scene with the 1988 Olympics in Seoul, South Korea. During the 1988 Olympics, Taekwondo was a ‘demonstration’ sport, meaning it was not officially recognized; although popularity increased thanks to the publicity! 

After years of effort on the part of the World Taekwondo, Taekwondo sparring become an officially recognized Olympic sport in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games. The matches were terrifically exciting!

Sparring includes the use of protective equipment to ensure our athletes can enjoy the game while minimizing injuries. To compete in sparring you need:

• Helmet
• Mouthgear
• Forearm guards
• Gloves
• Chest guard
• Cup
• Shin guards
• Foot guards
• Taekwondo dobok (uniform)

There is a red and a blue competitor in each match, along with a sharply dressed referee. Coaches are sitting outside the ring, watching intensely to offer advice and encouragement during the small break between matches.

The point system in Taekwondo is as follows:

• 1 point for a punch to the body (no punches to the head!)
• 2 points for a kick to the body
• 3 points for a ‘spinning’ kick to the body
• 4 points for a kick to the head
• 5 points for a ‘spinning’ kick to the head

• minus 1 point for falling
• Minus 1 point for warnings (kicking too low, etc)

At the end of the two rounds, the competitor with the most points wins! Now don’t be fooled—Taekwondo sparring is not a brawl. There is strategy required to win!

Like chess or football!

While sparring you’re looking for various signals, to help you formulate a plan..

Is your opponent:

• Aggressive?
• Cautious?
• Right leg dominant?
• Left leg dominant?
• Tall?
• Short?
• Blocking or sliding?
• And much more!

Taekwondo sparring develops our confidence, physical body, mental abilities, reaction and our martial spirit. We start and finish every match with a bow, and when we shake hands after the match has concluded, athletes shake hands with the opposing coach as well. 

Other sports in the olympics include Karate, Judo, Boxing, Wrestling, and Fencing.

Enjoy your Kyorugi training!

Train hard, and give it your all!