Taekwondo Basics

taekwondo

Taekwondo is a dynamic martial art, primarily based on kicks and punches. It also features throws, joint locks, and a variety of grappling techniques. It is an Olympic and Paralympic combat sport, but also includes a set of non-contact forms known as poomsae.

A student of taekwondo learns to develop strong body, mind, and spirit. Physically, taekwondo helps a student gain coordination, increase strength and flexibility, and improve cardiovascular conditioning. Mentally, the training in taekwondo teaches self-confidence, better judgement, and improved concentration.

In taekwondo competition, each competitor in a match is allowed to score points using a series of scoring techniques that are designated by the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). The competitor with more points wins. During competition, the competitors wear head and trunk protectors to prevent excessive contact. The rules of taekwondo are regulated and enforced by judges who use a manual scoring system to determine the winner.

The success of a technique in taekwondo is largely correlated to the speed and precision of its execution. For example, to break a board with one’s hand, the strike must be precisely executed. It is also important that the hand hits the board with sufficient force to break it, which is dependent upon the size of the hand and the material of the board. Moreover, the speed at which the hand strikes the board must be high enough to provide sufficient power to shatter it. Athletes can lose points for attacking their opponent’s legs, pushing or grabbing their opponents, and crossing the boundary line during their matches.