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Competitions
WHAT DOES A TAE KWON-DO COMPETITION INVOLVE?
The Tae Kwon Do Association of Great Britain (TAGB) hosts a number of competitions every year which can be a great source of technical and confidence growth for any student.
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There are different events for each competition which are divided up by grade (belt) and by weight/height category. These events include: Patterns, Sparring and Destruction (Board-breaking). Many of these events can also be entered in a separate "teams" category too.
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Note - this is a very basic breakdown of competition rules. For more guidance, see your instructor and refer to this resource.
Typical example of patterns competition scoring
Example of high-level patterns. With practice and dedication this is what can be achieved.
HOW DOES COMPETITION SPARRING WORK?
In competitions, there are two main kinds of sparring. Point-Stop and Continuous.
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Point-Stop
In point-stop sparring, points are awarded for the following techniques.
Punch/hand technique to the body - 1 point
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Kick to the body - 2 points
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Kick to the head - 3 points
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The referee will pause the sparring when they believe they have seen a successful technique. At least one of the two other judges must agree for the point to be recorded.
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Use of a blacklisted technique or for unsportsmanlike behaviour. A list of these rules can be found here.
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In most cases, the first to 10 points wins, but bouts are timed - the victory will then be awarded to the competitor with the highest points tally. In the event of a draw, additional time may be used.
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Continuous
In continuous sparring, points are awarded for the same techniques. The bout is timed and only paused for a transgression.
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A judge sits on each corner of the square using a clicker to add successful points they see scored. At the end of a match, each judge will show who they believe to be the winner.
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In the event of a tie, the referee themself may decide to add extra time or to call a winner themselves. A full list of rules can be found here.
Example of high-level, experienced destruction.​
TAGB Tae Kwon Do - Junior's sparring
HOW DO COMPETITIONS PATTERNS WORK?
At a competition, a student may have a choice of pattern to perform. This is usually their current grade pattern, or if they have recently graded, the one from the previous belt (although this can differ depending on the tournament).​
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The student will perform their pattern in front a panel of between 3 and 5 judges. Once completed, the judges will show their scores.
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Take this image for example. Both the highest and lowest scores will be deducted. Then the scores will be added together. This means that the following student would have a total score of 27.9.
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Once every competitor has performed their pattern, they are able to choose a winner from the highest score. In the event of a tie, the joint competitors are asked to perform either the same pattern again, or another one.
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In certain tournaments, two competitors will perform a pattern side-by-side and a winner chosen from a direct comparison. This is done on a knock-out basis until only 1 winner remains.
Example of high-level adults sparring.
Note - this is what sparring can look like after years of dedication. Competition sparring is far more intense than club sparring. Sparring at the club will be in a much more controlled, and practice-centred environment.
HOW DOES COMPETITION DESTRUCTION WORK?
Destruction is only permitted for adult black belts. A pre-agreed technique is performed.
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If a competitor breaks, they move onto the next round. If they do not, they are eliminated. In the event of a draw of a draw between two or more competitors, these will then attempt higher breaks (i.e. more boards).
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A full list of rules can be found here.