Taekwondo – Five Rules to Know

  • Scoring
    Points are awarded for accurate and controlled kicks and punches to the opponent’s torso and head. A basic kick to the torso scores 2 points, a turning kick to the torso scores 4 points, and a kick to the head scores 3 points, with additional points for spinning techniques.
  • Allowed Techniques
    Only kicks and punches are permitted, with kicks being the primary scoring method, especially for the head.
  • Protective Gear
    Athletes must wear protective equipment, including a head protector, trunk protector, forearm guards, shin guards, gloves, sensing socks, and a mouthguard, to ensure safety during matches.
  • Match Duration
    Matches consist of three 2-minute rounds with 1-minute breaks. A sudden-death round may be added if scores are tied.
  • Penalties
    Illegal actions, such as low blows, stepping out of bounds, or excessive force, lead to point deductions or disqualification.

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