Info on sparring, the gear students need to wear, and a video about gear from a kids perspective.

[MeLisa Turcott Strongheart]

Lets start with some very basic rules of tae kwon do Olympic style sparring.

 

you can punch (with a clenched fist).

And you can kick with any part of your foot below your ankle. And that's it.

No other techniques are allowed only punches and kicks.

You can kick to two places. Your opponent's chest protector or side of the head (although at our school we only allow certain ages and belt levels to go to the head). 

You can punch your opponent's chest protector.  You can't punch your opponent in the head or face.

You can't kick or punch your opponent's spine or below their chest protector.

            You get one point for a basic attack to your opponent's chest protector (for example a basic arc kick).

            You get two points for a kick to your opponent's chest protector if the kick involves a spinning technique - (this includes back kick).

            You get 3 points for a kick to your opponent's head.

To score a point your punch or kick has to be accurate and powerful.

In major competitions, chest protectors have electronic scoring systems in them. These are adjusted to take into account the weight category of the competitors. (Heavier players have to kick harder to score a point.)

For head kicks and if non-electronic hogus are used then at least 3 judges have to see the point and score it at the same time. The judges push a button when they see a point.

These are the common things that give your opponent penalty points:

                     Stepping both feet out of ring

                     Evading by turning your back on your opponent

                     Intentionally falling down

                     Avoiding the match

                     Grabbing, holding or pushing your opponent

                     Attacking below your opponent's waist

                     Pretending to be injured

                     Butting or attacking with your knee

                     Hitting your opponent's face with you

            Minium Protective Gear Requirements

 

            Chest Protector (Hogu)  $49.99

            Head Gear  $39.99

            Groin Protector  Compression Short  $24.99

            Fist/Forearm Guards  $18.99

            Shin/Instep Guards  $18.99

            Mouth Guard   $39.99

 

            High Belts and Black Belts it is recommended that you upgrade your gear to a higher level of protection including:   Advanced Chest Protection, Hand Guards, Forearm Guards.  This is also gear that is recognized by the WTF for practicing Olympic Style sparring

            Advanced Chest Protector:  $69.99

            Head Gear  $39.99

            Groin Protection Compression Shorts:   $24.99

            Fist Guard:  $29.99

            Shin Guard:  $29.99

            Hand Protection:  $29.99

            Mouth Guard:  $39.99

 

            We also recommend purchasing one of our Althetic Bags  as it is large enough to store all of your gear and specifically chosen to handle your gear needs.

 

Due to safety needs all gear must be worn during classes that involve gear.  We will do our best to ensure everyone is wearing full gear, but the responsibility ultimately lies with each student and/or student's parents.  We highly recommend that you purchase from us.   We have spent years working with this gear, and researching and selecting the appropriate sizing/gear/models/etc-- and it will be the same cost to you as any other store.   And of course, we appreciate your ongoing support of Mercer Island Martial Arts.