Taekwondo is a sport that requires much fitness, skill, flexibility, courage, focus, confidence and concentration. Training sessions should and usually do work on many of these qualities even though it seems like skills alone. If you know the skills, you become more confident.

There are several different levels, which are referred to as belts. There is white, yellow, blue, red and black belts and from there it is Black 1^st Dan to Black 9^th Dan.

In competitions there are different divisions. At the Olympics there are approximately 8 female and male weight divisions. Each division is a range of approximately 6-10kg.

Each player must wear protective gear, such as leg, am and groin guards, a mouth guard, chest protector or shield and head gear.

There are rules which must be strictly followed. No kicking below the belt is allowed as well as no face punches. Competitors cannot kick the back of the opponent's head. Once "korgo" or "stop" has been called, no kicking must take place. Fallen opponents cannot be kicked whilst they are down. No kneeing or faking injuries are permitted. Competitors have 1 minute to recover from a semi-illegal blow.

Taekwondo will be making its Olympic debut at the upcoming 2000 Olympic Games. It will be held in the State Sports Centre, which is located in Sydney Olympic Park.