An introduction to Sparring

Sparring is a component of Taekwon-do that focuses on stamina, agility, co-ordination and courage. It is the most competitive aspect of Taekwon-Do. It simply refers to the act of controlled combat in which practitioners face off against each other.

Practitioners are required to wear protective gear in competitions to prevent injuries. Competition sparring usually consists of matches of either 1 or 2 rounds of 90 seconds each for preliminary fights, and 2 rounds of 120 seconds each in the finals. The bouts take place in rings that are generally 9m x 9m in size.

Scoring in sparring

The following techniques are worth 1 point each:
- A punch or hand-technique while grounded to the body of the opponent
- A punch or hand-technique while grounded to the head of the opponent
- A kick while grounded to the body of the opponent
- A solidly executed block
- A jumping punch or hand-technique to the body of the opponent
- A kick (while grounded) or hand technique (grounded or airborne) to the hands of the opponent, forcing their hands into their body
- A hand-technique while grounded to the hands of the opponent, forcing their hands into their face

The following techniques are worth 2 points each:
- A kick while grounded to the head of the opponent
- A kick while grounded to the hands of the opponent, forcing their hands into their face
- A jumping punch or hand-technique to the head of the opponent
- A jumping kick to the body of the opponent
- A jumping kick to the hands of the opponent, forcing their hands into their body

The following techniques are worth 3 points each:
- A jumping kick to the head of the opponent
- A jumping kick to the hands of the opponent, forcing their hands into their face
- A jumping 180° kick (midair) to the body of the opponent
- A jumping 180° kick to the hands of the opponent, forcing their hands into their body

The following techniques are worth 4 points each:
- A jumping 180° kick (midair) to the head of the opponent
- A jumping 180° kick to the hands of the opponent, forcing their hands into their face
- A jumping 360° kick (tornado) to the body of the opponent
- A jumping 360° kick to the hands of the opponent, forcing their hands into their body

The following techniques are worth 5 points each:
- A jumping 360° kick (tornado) to the head of the opponent
- A jumping 360° kick to the hands of the opponent, forcing their hands into their face.

Fouls and warnings:

Back to Contents page: