Purpose
Taekwon-Do competitions and tournaments enable students to demonstrate their skills. They are structured, rule-based events where participants ranging from children to adults compete in various categories. These events enable students to grow, improve and enhance their Taekwon-Do journey, as well as offering real-world experience, discipline and friendships.
Benefits
Physical
- Improve physical/cardio fitness
- Improve self-esteem, focus and productivity
- Sense of accomplishment
- Boost confidence
- Build sportsmanship
Social
- Build friendships
- Instill sense of community/union with other students
Competition Levels
| Local/Regional Tournaments: | Community based events organized by local/regional dojangs/schools. |
| National Championships: | National events to draw competitors from multiple broader regions, cities and/or provinces. |
| International Championships: | International championships drawing participants from multiple countries and world continents. |
Tournament Events
| Patterns: | Competitor performs pattern(s) demonstrating technique, theory of power and diagram |
| Sparring: | Two competitors engage in a controlled sparring match demonstrating strategy and techniques to score points |
| Board Breaking: | Competitors break boards using hand or foot techniques demonstrating precision and technique |
| Team Events: | Groups perform team patterns and/or sparring |
Divisions
Each competition is divided into several divisions based on age, gender, belt and weight categories to ensure safety and fairness to all competitors as follows:
| Age Groups: | Pee Wee – 6 year old and under Children/Youth – 7-17 year old Adult – 18-39 year old Veteran – 40+ year old |
| Gender: | Boys Girls Men Women |
| Belt Levels: | Colour Belts – white to black stripe Black Belts – 1st degree to 7th degree |
| Weight Levels: | Light weight Middle weight Heavy weight Hyper weight |
Equipment and Gear
| Dobok/uniform: | Approved Taekwon-do dobok/uniform Belt with competitor’s current rank |
| Protective Gear: | CHITF-approved sparring equipment-helmet, hands, feet, mouth guard, shin pads, groin protectors (boys, men) |
Tournament Preparation
Competitors need to instill a well-structured training program and routine to ensure success. This means training and conditioning in these key areas.
| Physical: | Focus on cardio, strength, flexibility, conditioning and endurance |
| Technical: | Focus on patterns, sparring, breaking techniques and strategies |
| Mental: | Focus on visualization, breathing and meditation |
References
| CHITF Competition and Umpire Rules | chitf-competition-umpire-rules |
| Current Events | Events |
| Sample Invitation and Tournament Package | chitf-taekwon-do-world-cup-invitation-letter-tournament-package |