Competition Sparring

Sparring takes many forms in Taekwondo and rules and regulations will vary greatly between styles and governing bodies. World Taekwondo (WT) governs Taekwondo as an Olympic Sport and the information on this page will align with WT style sparring. 

Competition sparring differs from other forms as it is a full-contact sport where opponents use hand and foot techniques to score points. The rules and setups described here will be used at most club-level competitions, though there will inevitably be adaptations depending on the size of the competition and the availability of officials.

An electronic Protector Scoring System (PSS), is used in the Olympics and similar high-ranking events to automatically score points. This works by sensors in the protective equipment and competitor’s socks/foot guards that award points for valid strikes to legal areas. 

Ring Setup

Image showing the two most common ring setups used in Taekwondo sparring.

The octagon shape is the official choice for the Olympics and high-level competitions. However, many clubs will have a set of mats that form the square shape, which was formerly the Olympic choice. You are more likely to find it at local competitions than the octagon shape and its smaller size makes it more appropriate for small clubs.

In addition to being bigger, the octagon shape has eight sides compared to the four of the square shape, changing competitors’ tactics. As noted in the scoring guide, points are deducted for stepping out of the ring and the octagon shape provides more corners to be used tactically.

Match Layout

The diagram below is designed to give you an idea of a typical match setup. It uses the square ring and follows the format most often used at club-level competitions. This is subject to change depending on several conditions, such as space, level of competition and the number of officials available.

Table Official

Table officials are high-ranking Dan Grades who oversee the match and have ultimate control of the ring. In club competitions, they award additional points for spinning or head kicks that corner judges can’t score. Any appeals will go to the table officials.

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 in a scoring area. Competitors are usually divided into groups based on age and grade at club level, and weight categories at high-level competitions.

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 varies between competitions, but usually, three of four judges must score the point within a specified time frame for it to be scored.

Points, Penalties & other rules

This guide is for club-level, World Taekwondo sparring. High-level competitions may use different rules that take into account electronic scoring. Club competitions are likely to stick to basic rules and scoring with flexibility for inexperienced competitors. Kyongo (warning) used to be given before a Gam-jeom (deduction point), however many competitions no longer use a Kyongo. It is included here as clubs tend to use it with young/inexperienced competitors. Ultimately,  rules and point scoring are broadly the same across World Taekwondo competitions however how they are implemented is dependent on the clubs involved, the level of competition and the experience of the competitors and officials.

Icon showing a box with a plus sign and the number one to show a positive score

Point Scoring

The following points are awarded for a legal, valid strike to a scoring area. You will note the only hand technique that scores is a punch to the chest guard, no other hand techniques are legal or can score in competitive sparring.

  • 1 Point: Valid punch to the chest guard
  • 2 Points: Valid kick to the chest guard
  • 4 Points: Valid turning kick to the chest guard
  • 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
Icon showing a box with a minus sign and the number one to show a negative score through penalties

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
Icon showing a rule book with Taekwondo fighters on the front

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 chest guard, except the spine. Foot attacks to the head area above the collarbone. 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.