Technical details
Taekwondo - a Korean martial art - is a full contact sport. That is, a point
can be scored by executing a powerful kick or punch to the body protector or a
kick to the front of the face.
There are well defined areas which can be considered targets. A continuous
electronic scoring system keeps everyone informed of the situation in the ring.
Contests are scored by awarding a point for each legitimate blow and deducting
a point for each penalty. Five to seven points with one deduction is typical.
The Olympic competition format includes four weight classes each for men and
women, half the number used in World Championships.
Five facts
1) Taekwondo means "the way of the hand and foot".
2) It has its origins as far back as 37 BC.
3) Contestants wear either red, and are referred to as Hong, or blue, and are
known as Chung.
4) Taekwondo was a demonstration sport in the Olympic Games in Seoul 1988 and
Barcelona in 1992 and achieved full Olympic recognition for Sydney.
5) The World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) based in Seoul governs all aspects of
the sport.
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