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At competitions, participants are judged by how well they perform the choreographed sequences, by their accuracy in breaking boards, and by their skill in sparring contests. There are two different types of tae kwon do: Olympic and ITF. Each has its own rules for competition:
ITF
ITF competition involves low impact, since opponents wear head, fist,
and foot protection. It is based on the teachings of General
Choi and considered the safer of the two forms for the young or in-experienced.
The
main difference?
In ITF competition, scores are made with much lighter blows.
How
to score:
Points are earned when a competitor employs skillful techniques to tap
valid targets on his
opponent's body.
Olympic/
WTF
Olympic competition involves full contact blows and kicks to the body
and head. The matches last up to three rounds, and require a great deal
of fitness.
The
main difference?
In WTF competition, scores are made with much heavier blows.
How
to score:
Points are earned when a competitor delivers a hit that knocks an opponent
down.
International and Olympic competitions take place in a ring with set dimensions. The contest area measures 26 square feet (8 m), and its surrounding boundary measures 39 square feet (12). The surface must be flat, and covered with foam padding or wood. The dimensions for the contest area in regional and local tournaments are 19 ½ square feet (6 m), surrounded by an outer boundary of 26 square feet (8 m).
Contestants should always wear safety equipment when engaging in sparring. Regulation gear includes: a trunk protector, head gear, forearm guard, shin guard, groin guard, and breast guard.
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