Saying Something…

It is hard work and very fun at the same time. I find it very easy to stay in shape because of the opportunity the club offers me. People come to practice Tae Kwon Do for different reasons, but my main focus is to keep training to become a top fighter in the nation.~ Tuong Nguyen

 

It’s a wonderful byproduct of an affluent society to be able to have these choices. On the other hand, there are only 24 hours in a day, and if you decide to take your child to ballet or tae kwon do and other sports and everything else, then something has to be eliminated.~ Cathy O’Keefe

 

He had tied his tae kwon do belt, and he was standing next to his bed.~ Troy Clark

 

It is a very lofty but reachable goal, … It’s difficult to obtain, some of the best tae kwon do athletes never make it to the Olympics. It’s definitely possible though, and it will be quite an accomplishment if he reaches it.~ Dennis White

 

Tae kwon do and karate are basically the same. It depends on the teacher. Karate is 80 percent with your hands and 20 percent with your feet. Tae kwon do is 80 percent with your feet and 20 percent with your hands. Here at my center, I teach about 50-50.~ Peter Morales

Belt Requirements

The color of the belt is an indication of the skill level of a Taekwondo student. Sometimes belts can be gained by winning competitions, the common way is by completing an exam.

Origin of the belt colors

A brief history of Geup/kyu/dan (kyu is the Japanese equivalent of Geup) ranking systems and belts, contributed by Steve Gombosi follows:

Before Jigoro Kano invented Judo, there was no kyu/dan ranking system. Kano invented it when he awarded “shodan” to two of his senior students (Saito and Tomita) in 1883. Even then, there was no external differentiation between yudansha (dan ranks) and mudansha (those who had not yet attained dan ranking). Kano apparently began the custom of having his yudansha wear black obis in 1886. These obis were not the belts karateka and judoka wear today – Kano had not invented the judogi (uniform) yet, and his students were still practicing in kimono. They were the wide obi still worn with formal kimono. In 1907, Kano introduced the modern gi and its modern obi, but he still only used white and black.

Karateka in Okinawa did not use any sort of special uniform at all in the old days. The kyu/dan ranking system, and the modern karategi (modified judogi) were first adopted by Funakoshi in an effort to encourage karate’s acceptance by the Japanese. He awarded the first “shodan” ranks given in karate to Tokuda, Otsuka, Akiba, Shimizu, Hirose, Gima, and Kasuya on April 10, 1924. The adoption of the kyu/dan system and the adoption of a standard uniform based on the judogi were 2 of the 4 conditions which the Dai-Nippon Butokukai required before recognizing karate as a “real” martial art. If you look at photographs of Okinawan karateka training in the early part of this century, you will see that they were training in their everyday clothes, or (!) in their underwear.

Most other arts that have ranking/belt color systems adopted them from the Japanese.

Belt color epxlanation

The explanation of belt colors was derived from the book of General Choi Hong Hi.

In WTF Taekwondo there are 10 Geups, starting from the 10th Geup (white belt) and ends with the 1st Geup (red-black belt). The term “Geup” means degree. The term “Dan” means phase. There are 9 Dan degrees, starting with the first and ending with the 9th. All Dan-degrees are represented by a black belt.

White Belt (10th Geup)

The color white indicates that a person is “innocent”, has no knowledge of Taekwondo. The white-belt is automatically gained by taking Taekwondo classes.

Yellow Belt (8th Geup)

The color yellow indicates that the person is getting to know the basic techniques, this stadium is compared to a plant growing its roots.

The student going for yellow-belt is usually not skilled enough to show “Chayu daeryon” (non-contact sparring). Instead the student has to show “Sajoe” (“four-direction-movement”, one specific technique shown to all directions).

Green Belt (6th Geup)

The color green indicates that a student is growing as a Taekwondo student. The color of the belt is compared to a plant growing its leafs.

Blue Belt (4th Geup)

The color blue indicates that a student is reaching higher, like a plant that is growing towards the sky.

Red Belt (2nd Geup)

The color red indicates danger. The student is warned to practice the control of his/her movements. The color red also warns an opponent.

Poom

W.T.F. Taekwondo requires that one has to be 16 years old to get a black belt. If younger, you get a Poom, which can be replaced by a black-belt when passed the age of 16. The requirements are the same as for the black-belt.

Black Belt (1st dan)

Black is the opposite of white and means the maturity of the student in the art. It also is an indication of being impenetrable for fear and darkness.

Self Defense or Hosinsul

Hosinsul (self defense) is one of the four principles of taekwondo. Although taekwondo is a “self defense” sport in itself, it focusses on high and spinning kicks which are not very suitable for real life (street) application. Hosinsul is a mixture of all kinds of techniques, including grappling/locks as well as depending against armed attackers etc. (The photo shows Yvan de Wever, 6th dan Hwalmoo Hapkido)

Self defense is something that cannot be practised alone. You will need a partner that has equal strength. You will learn how to react (and how not to react), proper freeing techniques, locks and strangling techniques.

The following techniques are generally (this is not a rule, of course) practised (where the opponent either uses his body (i.e. hands), a knife or a stick):

• Control techniques
• Freeing techniques (Paegi)
• Termination techniques

You will often see a big resemblance between the self defense techniques used in taekwondo and those applied in Hapkido.

Linear vs. Circular

There are two sorts of self-defense (this is a BIG generalisation): The hard or linear way and the soft or circular way. In the linear form one uses arms and legs to block a strike of the opponent. The advantage is that there is a direct counter-threat, which results in pain for the opponent. The disadvantage is that this method requires a lot of power and it may look extremely violent for outsiders. The circular form has a different view. Here you use the power and speed of the opponent to neutralise him/her using circular movements. The advantage is that you can neutralise your opponent without hurting him and that no strength is required. The disadvantage is that it takes a lot of skill and practise to come to the necessary level. You will most likely use a combination of both.

Patterns or Poomses

Forms, or Poomses in Korean language, are a series of defending and attacking movements performed against imaginary opponents in a set pattern. Through the practice of forms, students come to learn the applications of various techniques of Taekwondo. Forms serve a multi-dimensional role, aiding in development and refinement of coordination, balance, timing, breath control and rhythm, all of which are essential skills to the Taekwondo student.

Poomse’s

W.T.F. uses Poomses for patterns. Poomses originate from the book ‘I Ching’, a Chinese oracle. The I Ching has 64 hexagrams, a combination of two sets of three lines, closed or broken. The sets of three lines are called trigrams. The closed lines represent Yang, the open lines Yin. In the chinese language, the unity of Yin and Yang is called ‘taich’i’. In the Korean language, the unity is called T’ae-guk. This explains the term Poomse Taeguk. The eight trigrams together are called Pal-gwe as in Poomse Palgwe…

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Il Jang — Heaven

(South, Father) The first Taeguk/Palgwe is the beginning of all Poomses. The associated trigram represents Yang (heaven, light), therefore, this Poomse should be performed with the greatness of Heaven.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Ee Jang — Lake

(South East, Youngest daughter) In the depths of the lake are treasures and mysteries. The movements of this Taeguk/Palgwe should be performed knowing that man has limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. This should lead to a feeling of joy, knowing that we can control our future.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Sam Jang — Fire

(East, Second daughter) Fire contains a lot of energy. Fire helped man to survive, but on the other hand had some catastrophical results. This form should be performed rhythmically, with some outbursts of energy.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Sa Jang — Thunder

(North East, Eldest son) Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth. Thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces, circling, gyrating. This Taeguk/Palgwe should be performed with this in mind.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Oh Jang — Wind

(South West, Eldest daughter) Wind is a gently force, but can sometimes be furious, destroying everything in it’s path. Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Oh Jang should be performed like the wind: gently, but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Yook Jang — Water

(West, Second son) Water can move a mountain. The movements of this Poomse should be performed like water. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Chil Jang — Mountain

(North West, Youngest son) Mountains will always look majestic, no matter the size. This Poomse should be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic and deserved to be praised.

Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Pal Jang — Earth

(North, Mother) The associated trigram of this Poomse is Yin: the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. Even in this darkness, there is still some light. Performing this Taeguk/Palgwe, one should be aware that this is the last Taeguk/Palgwe to be learned, it also is the end of a circle, and therefore it is also the first, the second etc…

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Both Palgwe’s and Taeguk’s are numbered from one to eight. After this point, there is no longer a difference between the patterns. The patterns below follow the Poomse Taeguks as well as the Poomse Palgwes.

Poomse Koryo

Koryo (Korea) is the name of an old Korean Dynasty. The people from the Koryo-period defeated the Mongolian aggressors. Their spirit is reflected in the movements of the Poomse Koryo. Each movement of this Poomse represents the strength and energy needed to control the Mongols.

Poomse Keumgang

The definition of Keumgang is “Too h3 to be broken”, or “diamond”. The movements of the Poomse Keumgang are as beautiful as the Keumgang-san (a Korean mountain) and as h3 as Keumgang-seok (diamond).

Poomse TaeBaek

The legendary ‘Dangoon’ founded a nation in Taebaek, near Korea’s biggest mountain Baekdoo. Baekdoo is a symbol for Korea. The definition of Taebaek is “lightness”. Every movement in this Poomse must not only be exact en fast, but with determination and hardness.

Poomse Pyongwon

The definition of Pyongwon is “stretch, vast plain”: big, majestic.

Poomse Sipjin

Sipjin stands for decimal. This Poomse represents the orderliness of the decimal system. It also means the endless development and growth in a systematic order: stability.

Poomse Jitae

Jitae is derived from the meaning of the earth. All things evolve from and return to the earth, the earth is the beginning and the end of life.

Poomse Cheonkwon

Cheonkwon means ‘sky’. The sky should be seen as ruler of the universe. It is both mysterious, infinite and profound. The motions of Cheonkwon are full of piety and vitality.

Poomse Hansoo

This poomse is derived from the fluidity of water which easily adapts within nature.

Poomse Ilyo

The state of spiritual cultivation in Buddhism is called ‘Ilyo’ which means more or less ‘oneness’. In Ilyo, body and mind, spirit and substance, I and you are unified. The ultimate ideal of taekwondo can be found in this state. It is a discipline in which we concentrate on every movement leaving all materialistics thoughts, obsessions and extermal influences behind.

Tul’s

I.T.F. has 24 patterns (or Tul) representing the 24 hours of the day, or the whole of a man’s life. There are 10 patterns for the first black belt, at which point the member moves from being a ‘beginner’ to a ‘novice’.

The primary difference between I.T.F. and W.T.F. (from looking to the two) is that I.T.F. uses a ‘stepping’ movement for all hand techniques.

Contributed by John Browne.

This ‘stepping motion’ that the I.T.F. utilizes is referred to by I.T.F. practioners as “Sinewave”, “Knee Spring” or “up/down Motion”. It causes the body to move in a “sine wave” resulting in the whole body being involved at the moment of impact, blocking or attacking.

This techniques us not just used for hand-techniques. It is used in I.T.F. kicking techniques as well.

Contributed by jeja@gnn.com

Chon-Ji Tul (19 movements)

Literally means heaven and earth. It is in the orient interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history, therefore it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth.

Dan-Gun Tul (21 movements)

Dan Gun is named after the Holy Dan Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 B.C..

Do-San Tul (24 movements)

Do-San is a pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1876 – 1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life which he devoted to furthering education in Korea and the Korean independence movement.

Won-Hyo Tul (28 movements)

Won-Hyo was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year 686 AD.

Yul-Gok Tul (38 movements)

Yul-Gok is a pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yi I (1536 – 1584) nicknamed the “Confucius of Korea”. The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on 38 degree latitude and the diagram of the pattern represents scholar.

Joon-Gun Tul (32 movements)

Joong-Gun is named after the patriot Ahn Joong-Gun who assassinated Hiro Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-general of Korea, known as the man who played the leading part in the Korea-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in this patter to represent Mr Ahn’s age when he was executed at Lui-Shung in 1910.

Toi-Gye Tul (37 movements)

Toi-Gye is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th century) an authority on neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements of the pattern refer to his birthplace on 37 degree latitude, the diagram represent “scholar”.

Hwa-Rang Tul (29 movements)

Hwa Rang is named after the Haw Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th century. The 29 movements refer to the 29th infantry Division, where Taekwondo developed into maturity.

Choong-Moo Tul (30 movements)

Choong-Moo was the name given to the great Admiral Yi Soon-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armored battleship (Kobukson) in 1592, which is said to be the precursor of the present day submarine. This pattern ends with a left hand attack, to symbolize his regrettable death. He was noted for his unrestrained loyalty to the King.

Kwang-Gae Tul (39 movements)

Kwang-Gae is named after the famous Kwang-Gae-Toh-Wang, the 19th king of the Koguryo Dynasty, who regained all the lost territories including the greater part of Manchuria. The diagram represent the expansion and recovery of lost territory. The 39 movements refer to the first two figures of 391 AD, the year he came to the throne.

Po-Eun Tul (36 movements)

Po-Eun is the pseudonym of a loyal subject Chong-Mong-Chu (1400) who was a famous poet and who’s poem “I would not serve a second master though I might be crucified a hundred time” is know to every Korean. He was also a pioneer in the field of physics. The diagram represent his unerring loyalty to the king and country towards the end of the Koryo Dynasty.

Ge-Baek Tul (44 Movements)

Ge-Baek is named after Ge-Baek, a great general in the Baek-Je Dynasty (660AD). The diagram represents his severe and strict military discipline.

Eui-Am Tul (45 Movements)

Eui-Am is the pseudonym of Son Byong Hi, leader of the Korean independence movement on March 1, 1919. The 45 movements refer to his age when he changed his name of Dong Hak (oriental Culture) to Chondo Kyo (Heavenly Way Religion) in 1905. The diagram represents his indomitable spirit, displayed while dedicating himself to the prosperity of his nation.

Choong-Jang Tul (52 Movements)

Choong-Jang is the pseudonym given to General Kim Duk Ryang who lived during the Yi Dynasty, 14th century. This pattern ends with a left hand attack to symbolise the tragedy of his death at 27 in prison before he was able to reach full maturity.

Juche Tul (45 Movements)

Juche is a philosophical idea that man is the master of everything and decides everything, in other words, the idea that man is that master of the world and his own destiny. It is said that this idea was rooted in Baekdu Mount which symbolise the spirit of the Korean people. The diagram represents Baekdu Mountain.

Sam Il Tul (33 Movements)

Sam Il denotes the historical date of the independence movement of Korea which began throughout the country on march 1, 1919. The 33 movements in the pattern stand for the 33 patriots who planned the movement.

Yoo-Sin Tul (68 Movements)

Yoo Sin is named after General Kin Yoo Sin, a commanding general during the Silla Dynasty. The 68 movements refer to the last two figures of 668 AD the year Korea was unified. The ready posture signifies a sword drawn to the right rather than the left side, symbolizing Yoo sin’s mistake of following his king’s orders to fight with foreign force against his own nation.

Choi Yong Tul (46 Movements)

Choi Yong is named after General Choi Yong, Premier and Commander-in Chief of the armed forces during the 14th century Koryo Dynasty. Choi Yong was greatly respected for his loyalty, patriotism, and humility. He was executed by subordinate commanders headed by General Yi Sung Gae, who later became the first king of the Yi Dynasty.

Yon Gae Tul (49 Movements)

Yon Gae is named after a famous general during the Koguryo Dynasty. Yon Gae Somoon. The 49 movements refer to the last two figures of 649 AD the year he forced the Tang Dynasty to quit Korea after destroying nearly 300,000 of their troops at Ansi Sung.

UL-JI Tul (42 Movements)

UL-JI is named after general UL-JI Moon Dok who successfully defended Korea against a Tang’s invasion force of nearly one million soldiers led by Yang Je in 612 AD, Ul-JI employing hit and run guerilla tactics was able to decimate a large percentage of the force. The diagram represents his surname. The 42 movements represent the author’s age when he designed the pattern.

Moon-Moo Tul (61 Movements)

Moon Moo honors the 30th king of the Silla Dynasty. His body was buried near Dae Wang Am (Great King’s Rock). According to his will, the body was placed in the sea “Where my soul shall forever defend my land against the Japanese”. It is said that the Sok Gul Am (Stone Cave) was built to guard his tomb. The Sok Gul Am is a fine example of the culture of the Silla Dynasty. The 61 movements in this pattern symbolize the last two figures of 6612 AS when Moon Moo came to the throne.

So-San Tul (72 Movements)

So San is the pseudonym of the great monk Choi Hyong Ung (1520 – 1604) during the Lae Dynasty. The 72 movements refer to his age when he organised a corps of monk soldiers with the assistance of his pupil Sa Myung Dang. The monk soldiers helped repulse the Japanese pirates who overran most of the Korean peninsula in 1592.

Se Jong Tul (24 Movements)

Se-Jong is named after the greatest Korean King, Se-Jong, who invented the Korean alphabets in 1443, and was also a noted meteorologist. The diagram represents the king, while the 24 movements refer to the 24 letters of the Korean alphabet.

Tong Il Tul

Tong Il denotes the resolution of the unification of Korea which has been divided since 1945. The diagram symbolises the homogenous race.

Vital Points (Keupsoh)

• The front of the head
• The front of the body
• The back of the body

The vital points of the body are listed below. A vital point is a part of the body that, when attacked in the right way (force, angle, accuracy), can cause paralysis, unconsciousness or even death. Attacks to nerves can lead to nausea, headaches or worse.

This information should only be used to increase your knowledge of the body and of Taekwondo, it is not meant to be used without the supervision of a qualified instructor.

The impact on vital points is indicated by numbers as followed:

1. Moderate pain
2. Sharp pain
3. Severe pain
4. Unconsciousness or temporary paralysis
5. Fatal

The body has about 280 vital points so this list is far from complete.

The front of the head

Number	Description	Result of light impact	Result of full-power attack
1	Top of head	2	4
2	Forehead	2	4
3	Temple	3	5
4	Cheekbone	2	4
5	Neck artery	3	5
6	Cervical trachea	3	5
7	Glabella	2	4
8	Intraocular pressure	2	4
9	Eyeball	2/3	4/5
10	Philtrum	1/2	3/4
11	Jaw	2	4
12	Chin	2	4
13	Adam’s apple	3	5

The front of the body

Number	Description	Result of light impact	Result of full-power attack
1	Center of the torax	2	4
2	Lower end of sternum	3	5
3	Solar plexus	3	5
4	Center of abdomen	2	4
5	Inner thigh	2	4
6	Center of instep	2	4
7	Brest	1	3
8	Thorax flank	2	4
9	Flank pit of waist	2	4
10	Groin	3	5
11	Upper knee-edge	2	4
12	Shin	1	3

The back of the body

Number	Description	Result of light impact	Result of full-power attack
1	Back of the neck	3	5
2	(several parts of) backbone	3	5
3	Outside of upper arm	1	4
4	Outerwrist	1	3
5	Hipnerve	2	4
6	Achilles heel	2	4
7	Kidneys	2	4
8	Elbow (just below)	1	3
9	Coccyx	2	4/5
10	Pit of thumb and first-finger	2	4
11	Kneepit	1	3

Ethics

As in all Martial Arts, ethics are of great importance. One can look at individual ethics, treat a fellow-man right, or one can look at social ethics, as part of a whole.

Ethics basically all comes down to one point, the difference between ‘good’ and ‘evil’. We practise taekwondo, often seen as an aggresive sport, but does this mean that we can be aggresive? Do we want to be aggresive? The answer is NO!

We wear protection, because we don’t want someoneelse to be injured, nor do we want to get hurt ourselves. Taekwondo is not a destructive and aggressive sport, but a sportive one. As I see it, taking part in a competition is not to hurt your opponent, but to test your strength, in both physical and mental ways.

Taekwondo students can improve themselves physically, and mentally by training. The final goal is to achieve harmony with nature and oneself. Balance is gained by controlling both evil and good forces (Yin vs. Yang): A true Taekwondo student knows how to behave in all situations.

In my opinion, Taekwondo (and I guess this goes for every Martial Art) is not only a way to improve skills of self defence, but it’s a way of life. Practicing Taekwondo gives the student more self-confidence, but this should not result in a false sense of superiority.

HwaRang code of honor

Because of the military background, there is a general code. These codes are reflected in the so-called ‘Commandments of modern Taekwondo’ and is strongly influenced by the Buddhism. These commandments are influenced by the HwaRang Do code of honor:

1. Serve your lord with loyalty
2. Serve your parents with filial piety
3. Trust your friends
4. Never retreat from a battle
5. When taking life, be selective

The commandments of Taekwondo are used as a guide for the moral development of students and art. No student who does not fully understand these tenets can ever hope to master the true essence of the art.

Commandments of modern Taekwondo:

1. Loyalty to your country
2. Respect your parents
3. Faithfulness to your spouse
4. Respect your brothers and sisters
5. Loyalty to your friends
6. Respect your elders
7. Respect your teacher
8. Never take life unjustly
9. Indomitable spirit
10. Loyalty to your school
11. Finish what you begin

The Tenets of Taekwondo

 Courtesy (Ye Ui). To be thoughtful and considerate of others. Taekwondo practisers (both students and instructors) should be polite, and show consideration for others.

 Integrity (Yom Chi). Integrity describes how you should interact with others. To be honest and good, earn respect and trust.

 Perseverance (In Nae). This basically stands for your internal drive. Challenges allow us to improve ourselves and should therefor not be avoided.

 Self control (Guk Ki). To have control of your body and mind. A Taekwondo student should practice controlling his actions and reactions.

 Indomitable spirit (Baekjool Boolgool). To have courage in the face of adversity. A Taekwondo student should never be dominated by, or have his spirit broken by another.

How to behave in the dojang

There are a few general rules.

• Always wear a clean Dobok.
• Clean hands, feet, short nails.
• Don’t wear sharp things (if you do not have a Dobok, do not wear pants with zippers etc.)
• No jewelry allowed
• Don’t drink, smoke or eat in the dojang (no chewing gum!)
• Be on time.
• When entering and leaving the dojang, make a proper bow
• Don’t talk, unless it is necessary

Introduction to Taekwondo

What is taekwondo?

Taekwondo is a modern martial art, characterized by it’s fast, high and spinning kicks. There are multiple interpretations of the name taekwondo. Taekwondo is often translated as ‘the way of hand and foot’. My definition of the name Taekwondo is

• Tae=’to strike or block with the foot’ or ‘to kick’, it also means ‘jump’
• K’won=’Fist’, ‘to strike or block with hand’
• Do=’The way of’ or ‘art’.

Put this together and Taekwondo means: “The art of Kicking and Punching” or “The art of unarmed combat”. The sport has been founded in Korea and is one of the popular modern martial arts.

Disciplinces of taekwondo

Taekwondo has four disciplinces which are explained in a seperate page/chapter of this site. The four displinces are:

• Patterns
• Sparring
• Self-defence
• Breaktest

It is the combination of these four disciplines that makes the art called taekwondo.

Objectives of Taekwondo

1. to develop an appreciation for Taekwondo as a sport and as an art
2. to achieve physical fitness through positive participation
3. to improve mental discipline and emotional equanimity
4. to learn self-defense skills
5. to develop a sense of responsibility for one self and others.

Taekwondo for kids

Taekwondo has no age limits and is a very good sport for children. They learn fast reactions through games, learn to respect others and learn to know their abilities and disabilities. Competition rules are a bit different for children then they are for adults. Although children wear full body protection (preferably thicker than the protection for adults) only kicks and punches to the body are allowed, no kicks to the head.

Is Taekwondo dangerous?

Although WTF Taekwondo is a full contact sport where it is allowed to kick to the head (throwing punches to the head are not allowed), it is not very dangerous to practise Taekwondo. During training, there is no need to actually win so contact is light. During competition, full protection is used to protect the competitors.

To avoid head injuries, a competitor is not allowed to participate in a competition for three months (this time-period seems to vary) if one was knocked out by a kick to the head. If the same incident happens again after these three months, you are not allowed to participate for half a year. Another K.O. to the head after this half year period results in a permanent exclusion of competitions.

ITF Taekwondo is so-called semi-contact. It is not allowed to attack the head with full force. However, it is allowed to throw punches to the head, by using the so-called “killing-blow”, stop just an inch before the target. To avoid injuries, ITF uses gloves at sparring-competition.