Taekwondo Sparring

taekwondo

Taekwondo is a martial art with a rich history that dates back to ancient Korea. It focuses on hand strikes and kicks using the legs, feet, and body to disable an opponent or break boards with powerful techniques. In addition to its physical training, taekwondo also incorporates mental development and character building. This combination of body and mind allows the practitioner to achieve a state of self-awareness, self-confidence, and inner peace.

Unlike other martial arts, taekwondo has many rules and scoring systems that make it a safer form of fighting. During a match, fighters are given three two-minute rounds to score points. The first fighter to score wins, but a match can go into a “golden point round” if the fighters are tied at the end of three rounds.

When sparring, athletes are not allowed to punch their opponents in the head or torso, kick them below the waist, or strike them with their hands. Infractions are penalized with “Gam-jeoms” by the referee, and can lead to the forfeiting of a match.

Sparring is a necessary component of any taekwondo program, and it can help students prepare for testing. Many schools rely on the skill of the student when determining belt promotion, although competing in competitions can further solidify a student’s level of mastery.

During sparring, fighters must be able to block their opponents with various techniques. For example, a student can use an inside-outside upper block with either hand to block a spin kick or a back spinning kick (“dwit dollyo chagi”). A crescent-style block can also be used to block continuous front snap kicks aimed towards the chest.