Sparring isn’t just for gradings and training. World Taekwondo sparring is an Olympic sport and is competitive for every level from club to international. The information on this page will give you an insight into the setup and rules of Taekwondo sparring as well as the key people involved in competitions.

Ring Setup

The square shape is the style that used to be used for Taekwondo sparring, before the octagon shape became the official choice for the Olympics and high-level competitions. However, many clubs will have a set of mats that form the square shape and you are more likely to find it at local competitions than the bigger octagon shape. Aside from being the bigger, the octagon shape has eight sides compared to the four of the square shape, changing the tactics of competitors. As you’ll see further down, points are deducted for stepping out of the ring and the octagon shape provides more corners to be used tactically.

Competitors

One will wear a blue chest protector with the other wearing red. Each will try to score as many points as possible using any permitted technique to a scoring area.

Coaches

Each competitor must have a coach in their corner. The coach will offer encouragement, tactical advice and at high-level competitions can request a replay if they believe points are missed. The coach can also stop the match by throwing in the towel.

Referee

The referee is in charge of starting and stopping the match as well as awarding penalty points. Referees watch the match closely to ensure rules are being followed, and use arm signals as well as Korean words to control the match.

Corner Judge

In competitions without electronic scoring, corner judges will award points using handheld controllers. The style of these vary between competitions, but usually, three of four judges must score the point within a specified time frame for it to be scored.

Table Official

Table officials oversee the match, and in club competitions, they may award the required additional points for spinning kicks that can’t be scored by corner judges. These are usually high ranking Dan grades and may include someone who handles the administrative side. Any appeal of decisions will go to the table officials and they usually have ultimate control of the ring.

Point Scoring

• 1 Point: Valid punch to the trunk protector

• 2 Points: Valid kick to the trunk protector

• 4 Points: Valid turning kick to the trunk protector

• 3 Points: Valid kick to the head

• 5 Points: Valid turning kick to the head

• 1 Point: For every Gam-jeom (penalty point) the opponent receives

Penalties

A Gam-jeom (penalty point) may be given by the referee for any of the following acts. If a Gam-jeom is given, your opponent receives a point.

• Crossing boundary line

• Falling down

• Avoiding/delaying match

• Grabbing or pushing an opponent

• Blocking with the leg, or kicking opponents leg

• Holding leg in the air for more than 3 seconds to prevent opponents attack

• Kicking below the waist

• Hitting opponents head with the hand, or attacking with knee

• Attacking after the referee has stopped the match, or not following the referee’s instruction. Inappropriate protesting of officials decisions

• Attacking fallen opponent

• Provoking or insulting opponent or their coach

Other Rules

• Permitted techniques: A straight punching technique using the knuckle of a tightly clenched fist. A foot technique using any part of the foot below the ankle bone.

• Permitted areas: Attacks by the fist and foot on any area covered by the trunk protector, except the spine. Foot attacks to the head area above the collar bone. Fist techniques are not allowed in this area.

• Gam-jeom: If a competitor receives 10 Gam-jeom during a match, the opponent will be declared the winner

• Different styles of Taekwondo such as TAGB or ITF may follow different rules and scoring for competitions. Ensure you check with the governing bodies for further details.