How to Win in a Taekwondo Competition

2024 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 09:13

Taking part in a taekwondo tournament is something you can think of if you have been practicing this discipline for a while. A tournament can break the monotony of just training for the next belt and can improve your competitive skills. In this article, the whole procedure to get prepared for a taekwondo tournament will be described, from the previous phase to the match, to the match itself, up to the next phase.

Steps

Part 1 of 3: Before the Match

Step 1. The beginning

It is already when you hear about a tournament you would like to participate in that your training should begin. You should show your interest to the manager because he will be your coach during the tournament and the one who will handle the administrative procedures for you. In many matches, only yellow, blue and red, and black belts compete. If you have not reached those levels, do not despair, but train for the future, for when you can participate, so that you are more prepared than the others.

Step 2. Train your stamina The match in the ring will be three rounds, each lasting 1 or 2 minutes, depending on the type of competition

In between, there will be half-minute rest periods. To sustain this pace, you will need to train your stamina.

1. Run every day, before the tournament, at 70% of your heart rate or do interval sprints. To calculate this, subtract your age from 220. That will be the maximum value. Multiply it by 70%. The result will be the number of beats your heart must have in one minute as you run. For easy counting, divide the number by 6 so that you only have to count them for 10 seconds. While running, press your fingers on the carotid artery and feel the pulse, counting for 10 seconds. If they are 16, for example, your maximum heart rate will be 220 - 16 = 204. 70% of your maximum heart rate will then be 204 * 70% = 142, 8. You can then calculate that in 10 seconds, your heart will have to beat 142.8 / 6 = 23.8 times. So, as you run, check that your heart beats about 24 times every 10 seconds. If so you will be able to build your stamina this way.

2. Practice a full set of kicks with force until you are tired, then stop. If you can go on for 4 to 5 minutes, you will have done a good job.

   

   Step 3. Stretch

   Constant stretching will allow you to kick higher and faster. It will loosen the muscles and you can prevent tearing. You should be stretching every day. Calmly pushing yourself to your limits will allow you to stretch more and more, but beware of too aggressive stretching, which could tear muscles or ligaments.

   

   Step 4. Equipment

   Many training matches require the use of hogu (the equipment to protect the body), a helmet, arm and shin guards, gloves and groin guards for both genders. The areas to be targeted are the front and sides of the hogu as well as the forehead and sides of the head. Any other hit can be considered invalid or considered a foul.

   

   Step 5. Practice kicking

   During the tournament, most of the kicks will be spinning kicks, as competition rules prohibit forward kicks. Only participants over the age of 12 (18 in some places) can hit the head with a kick. Practice with a padded bag or gloves to develop strength and accuracy. Practice the following kicks every day, at least 10 times for each type and for both legs:

   1. Rotating kicks, both with the front and back legs.
   2. Back kicks (push kicks).
   3. Hooks backwards.
   4. Side kicks.
   5. Attack kicks (kicks on the axis).
   6. Backward jump kicks.

   7. Backward jump hooks.

      

      Step 6. Practice with your fists

      Punches are allowed, but it is known that they are rarely counted by the judges, as few kicks are counted. However, work on the punches, because if you hit hard with a punch you can weaken the opponent. Practice with a heavy bag.

      

      Step 7. Practice blocking techniques

      Parrying an opponent's attack takes away points from the opponent. Practice every type of block until you can do it while kicking. For example, while practicing a round kick, the front of your body can be uncovered, becoming a target for a counterattack. Make sure you constantly defend your head and body with both arms and be prepared to parry your opponent's kicks.

      

      Step 8. Practice avoiding blows technique

      Another way to defend yourself is to evade blows. You should be able to move quickly to the side or backwards. Practice until your reactions get quick and you can successfully dodge a full speed kick.

      

      Step 9. Practice counter attacks

      These kicks are the ones that are most likely to allow you to score points, as many fighters get caught while attacking. When the opponent raises his leg up for the kick, you should immediately understand what kind of kick it is and locate the bare spot. A good counterattack is to parry or evade the blow and strike back quickly. Eg:

      If your opponent is doing a round kick, you can either step back to avoid it or use your arm to block it, then hit back with a round kick. Or you can attack faster than your opponent and hit with a suitable back kick or hook. If you hit first and hard, you have a good chance of earning points

      

      Step 10. Check your fighting stance

      The position you take in the ring is very important. The next few tips will ensure you have a better attack and defense position:

      1. Stay on the soles of your feet at the height of your toes, so you can move when needed and can do it quickly.
      2. Jump so you can hide the next move and find yourself in the right position to practice jumping kicks.
      3. Your front arm must protect your head from attack. This arm must be ready to move sideways or down to quickly parry an attack.

      4. The other arm should be close to your forehead, also ready to move.

         

         Step 11. Weight Categories

         All wrestlers should compete in their weight class for the matches to be fairer. You will have to choose the category you belong to and stick to the weight parameters. You will be weighed a few weeks before the match.

         

         Step 12. The day before the meeting

         On the day before the match, train lightly and don't put too much weight on your body. It would be good to take carbohydrates, then eat foods rich in starch, which will be absorbed in the form of glycogen, a substance capable of producing a lot of energy during the meeting. Don't overeat, remember to stay on weight and don't get dehydrated.

         Part 2 of 3: During the Match

         

         Step 1. The morning of the meeting

         You need to wake up after sleeping well. In the morning, eat foods that release energy slowly throughout the day, such as carbohydrates. Stretch and mentally go through all your strategies.

         

         Step 2. Get to the meeting early

         Try to find your meeting time and access the training area very early. If you can get the match times of your opponents you can watch them and prepare your match based on their strategies. Likewise, change your style in the different rounds in such a way that your strategy cannot be predictable.

         

         Step 3. The final weight check

         When your match number is announced, you will need to go to the area where you will be weighed to make your membership in that weight class official. They will also check that you are wearing all protective gear, that your nails are clipped and all necessary measures to avoid injury to yourself and your opponent.

         

         Step 4. The waiting area

         It is perhaps the most tense moment. You will have to sit with your opponent in the waiting area, waiting for your turn to go to the ring. If you're nervous at this stage, get up and walk around. In this way you can relax your muscles and, in a rational way, evaluate your opponent. For example, by assessing his height, you can begin to figure out how to hit his head with a kick.

         

         Step 5. The meeting

         During the match, trust what the coach recommends. Your mind will be focused on attacking your opponent, on hitting and it will be important for your coach to remind you of the strategies to follow. The procedure is as follows:

         1. The referee points both hands to the ground, saying 'Chung, Hung'. This means 'blue, red', and indicates where you need to be.
         2. The referee will then say 'chareot' twice to make you bow to him and each to the other.
         3. The referee then says 'kyeorugi choonbi', asking you to take a position to fight.
         4. He then says 'shijak', and the match begins!

         5. You must stop immediately if the referee says 'kuman' or 'kaleyo'.

            

            Step 6. Stitches can also be removed, sometimes half a point, other times a whole point

            Try to get the first point, as this can psychologically intimidate the opponent giving you an edge. Attack quickly when the starting signal is given. You will get 1 point for a kick to the hogu (body protection equipment), 2 points for a kick to the head (among those allowed), 1/2 point or 1 point can be taken off due to fouls.

            Part 3 of 3: After the Match

            

            Step 1. Train for the next match

            Victory or defeat is up to you. Whatever your result, never give up and train hard for the next fight.

         Warnings

         • Don't take part in a competition for which you are not physically fit. Always consult a sports doctor before embarking on an activity that can prove you.
         • The rules may depend on the competitions chosen or the age group. Make sure you go through all the rules before starting matches in order to make the most of your racing experience.