Scoring in TKD Sparring

Tae Kwon Do sparring is a form of martial art well-known throughout the world as a combination of combat technique, self defense, exercise, sport, entertainment and philosophy. It was developed in Korea and became Korea’s national sport. Today, TKD, as it is commonly called, is considered as the most commonly practiced martial arts, with millions of people around the world training and mastering the art.

The TKD sparring, on the most basic, is consists of three rounds. Each round takes about 3 minutes, with a one minute rest period between the rounds. It is performed with parties in TKD uniform and wearing proper TKD sparring gear to avoid any onset of possible injury. In competition, TKD sparring is performed in accordance with the rules of the competition. What happens usually is that the game is controlled by a centre referee who also awards the scores and penalties for violations of the rules.

Speaking of scores, the TKD sparring is scored according to the strikes made by the competitors. According to the TKD rules, the strike must be successfully delivered with enough strength to abruptly displace the body or head of the opponent. This strike is what makes a good point.

In TKD sparring, there are valid scoring areas involve. These include the abdomen and flank areas which are covered by the chest protector. For further emphasis, the normal target is from the top of the pelvis, where the belt is worn, to the pectoral area of the chest. Also, a valid scoring area in TKD sparring could be anywhere on the chest protector, provided that the opponent falls down as a result of the power of the blow. Another valid target is the front half of the head, from the ears upward.

There are some kinds of strikes that allow the competitor to achieve a one point score in a TKD sparring session. One of those is a successfully delivered punch with the first two knuckles on the middle portion of the body. “Mid portion of the body” refers to the area on the chest protector. Another strike that deserves a one point is a kick that is successfully delivered on the front half of the head or on the body. In addition, a kick anywhere on the vest provided that the opponent falls down as a result of the power of the kick makes another good point. In case the opponent during a valid strike dazed or falls and is momentarily unable to continue, a countdown will then be started, plus a point will be awarded to the strong party.

TKD sparring doesn’t just end there. In case the opponent fell, but still manage to recover by the referee’s count of eight, the TKD sparring match may resume. But, if the count goes past eight, it is often made clear that the dazed or fallen opponent loses by knock out. It is important, however, to note that in TKD sparring, striking the legs or groin area, as well as the back of the body or head is strictly prohibited.