The Korean art of tae kwon do began as a form of fighting that relied heavily on strikes using the lower part of the body. By striking with the leg and foot, the practitioners protected their hands. Since these martial artists were also responsible for writing down events for posterity, healthy hands were a must. In modern tae kwon do sparring events, hand strikes are also acceptable, but the target areas are still more easily hit with kicks.
Step 1
Locate your targets. Local tournaments may have their own variations on the rules of sparring, but the World Tae Kwon Do Federation awards points for kicks to the head and front or side of the chest protector. You may also punch to the chest protector.
Step 2
Kick or punch the target. An accurate and powerful punch or simple kicking technique to the chest protector is worth one point. Two points are awarded for a spinning kick to the chest protector and three points are awarded for clean kicks to the head.
Step 3
Fake a kick to the target. If your first technique misses, it might confuse your opponent if you appear to be trying to hit the same target again. While he is busy guarding that area, quickly kick or punch to another target.
Step 4
Follow up with more punches or kicks. You may continue to try to score points until time is called by the referee. Fast, clean techniques in quick succession are harder to guard against.
Step 5
Protect your targets against retaliation. Always keep your guard solid. Practice quickly covering your targets after landing techniques and avoid letting the adrenaline rush of scoring leave you vulnerable to being scored against.
Tips and Warnings
- Practice combinations often. When you are able to let your techniques flow easily, you don't waste time thinking too long about how to connect with your targets. Be respectful of your opponent by only using enough force to score a point. Sparring is usually about solid technique rather than force. Know the rules well in advance of the sparring competition so you can practice accordingly. Always wear properly fitted protective gear. Find out if your competition requires certain types of gear that you are not already using.
- Sparring is a contact sport and can easily lead to injury. Heed the advice of your instructors as to when you are able to begin competing. Consult your doctor to make sure you are healthy enough to train.
Things You'll Need
- Foot guards
- Sparring or boxing gloves
- Helmet
- Chest protector
- Mouth guard
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