Tae kwon do, a Korean martial art whose name translates to "foot fist way of life," is a highly athletic style of fighting, and one of only two Asian martial arts included in the Olympics. Tae kwon do looks like most other martial arts when using it for self-defense. In sparring, practitioners can use the signature kicks that make tae kwon do different from other styles of fighting.
Before Fighting
Step 1
Find a qualified instructor or coach to supervise the fighting. Sparring involves getting hit and kicked while you're in an emotionally elevated state. A referee can help you keep your head in a competitive, rather than a combative, space.
Step 2
Put on your dobok, the tae kwon do uniform. Make sure all ties and your belt are tightly fastened, since fighting can quickly put your uniform in disarray.
Step 3
Wear your safety equipment. Tae kwon do uses nearly full-contact conventions. The gear keeps you safe.
Step 4
Warm up for five to 10 minutes before stepping into the ring.
Fighting
Step 1
Use only punches with a closed fist or kicks with any part of the foot below the ankle. Other techniques are forbidden in sparring.
Step 2
Attack your opponent's head, but not his face, or his chest protector. All other targets are illegal. The head is only a legal target for kicks.
Step 3
Score a point for basic attacks to the chest protector. Score two points for spinning kicks. Score three points for a kick to the head.
Step 4
Strike with force. Tae kwon do fighting does not award points for a light or glancing strike.
Step 5
Avoid strikes to your opponent's spine, face or anywhere below the chest protector. These moves are illegal and can draw penalty points or disqualification from the match.
Tips and Warnings
- Use the simplest techniques that you have practiced most. Under the stress of fighting -- even the mock fighting in a sparring match -- your memory of advanced or newly learned techniques likely will fade.
Things You'll Need
- Tae kwon do uniform
- Sparring headgear
- Sparring gloves
- Sparring boots
- Forearm guards
- Shin guards
- Chest protection
- Groin cup, for males
- Mouth guard
- Referee, teacher or coach
References
- Taekwondo Information: Taekwondo Sparring Rules
- "Tae Kwon Do: The Korean Martial Art"; Richard Chun; 2007
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