What do you know about this Korean form of martial art? In Korea, it provides more than entertainment for those who learn it. Tae Kwon Do is a form of self-defense and exercise. Uniquely, competitors come together in matches, somewhat like boxing, to fight, or spar with one another. Also, much training and practice take place before official sparring matches take place. Competitors must be aware of what types of hits (strikes) are legal and illegal.
Tae Kwon Do
Tae Kwon Do competitors have a requirement to wear the proper protective gear. They must abide by the rules of the referee who is present during the sparring. There are three rounds in a match. The rounds last for three minutes, and there is a one-minute break between rounds. If, during a round, a competitor is knocked down and is unable to rise, the competitor loses that round.
In order to score a point, a competitor must strike his opponent with enough force to abruptly move either his head or his body from where it was before the strike. There are some areas which are considered out of bounds for hits. These include any area below the waistline, and the back of the head and body.
What is Acceptable?
The front of the head, the torso and chest are all legal strike zones. Protective gear must worn in these areas to protect the competitors from serious injury. Strikes are delivered both as punches and kicks, with the goal being to knock the opponent to the ground.
Both power and control are essential to Tae Kwon Do sparring, due to the force required to move an opponent. The competitor must be able to deliver his strike as powerfully and accurately as possible. Much training must take place before the Tae Kwon Do competitor is able to spar with strength and accuracy, and to defend himself from the blows of his opponent.
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