Purpose
Taekwon-Do competitions and tournaments enable students to demonstrate and apply apply their knowledge, skills, and passion for Taekwon-Do in a safe, fun, and friendly atmosphere. They are structured, rule-based events where participants ranging from
children to adults compete in various categories. These events enable students to grow, create/rekindle friendships, experience excitement of competition, improve and enhance their Taekwon-Do journeys, as well as elevating to new levels of performance while gaining real-world experience and discipline.
Benefits
Competing in tournaments is more than just an event—it’s a stepping stone toward excellence in Taekwon-Do and personal growth. With proper support and preparation, every competitor can gain invaluable experience, make lasting memories, and achieve their full potential.
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. In addition, competitors need to consider costs, travel, personal health. Fundraising event(s) can assist to offset tournament expenses.
| 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 |
| Expenses: | Establish budget to attend training sessions and tournament events. Costs include: travel & accommodation, food, fees, team wear, etc. |
| Fundraising: | Fundraising events can offset competitor’s cost to participate at training and/or tournament events. See “Fundraising Guide” in References section for details. |
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 |
| Fundraising Guide | Tournament-Fundraising-Guide.pdf |