Unlikely to be awarded a point for a solid punch to the hogu in a Taekwondo sparring match. Even with the application of impact sensors and cute gloves, punching in Taekwondo sparring feels almost taboo.
A Punch Barely Counts
Some changes were made to the Competition Rules for Taekwondo Sparring around the turn of the century, which modified the scoring system to award “One (1) point for a valid punch to the trunk protector”. Before this modification, punches in Taekwondo Sparring Competitions were redundant and never considered for a point because we’re in the game of kicking. However, even with the rule changes, the actual scoring of a punch seemed to be dependent on who is officiating. Kicking is definitely more accentuated in Taekwondo than punches, but let’s not regard the competitors inept at punching.
Punching has been long time overlooked in Taekwondo sparring because the federations and associations firmly stand on showcasing the skills of kicking. It is a fighting sport with rules players must follow to have fair competition, in kicking. The first ever UFC event caused a shit storm for regulators and rule changes quickly ensued for what was supposed to be the definitive combat sporting event of “No Holds Barred”. Boxing has gone through many of its own changes to continue public sporting events. Jiu Jitsu has a list of illegal moves at tournaments. Fencing is legal, considering you wear the appropriate protective gear.
Every televised sport has had to go through makeovers to appeal to the masses. The continued existence of a sport is permitted by the public’s recognition and consumption of it. Every combat sport was a Martial Art before its subsequent dilution upon public entrance. Sports is entertainment. Martial Arts is a way of understanding your potential for creation and destruction. The sport of Taekwondo will never strive to seem dangerous, or the public will not recognize it as a “safe” sport for their children to participate in.
Superman Punch Only
What counts as a valid punch in Taekwondo Sparring?
“Fist technique: A straight punching technique using the knuckle part of a tightly clenched fist.”
-USA TKD Kyorugi Competition Rules, 2018, pg. 18
Three conditions to validate a point:
- The punch has to be straight.
- The punch has to strike with the knuckles.
- The punch has to be tightly clenched.
These conditions seem very specific, to me. Straight punch to the chest guard. How can I get a chance to punch your chest when we’re standing at kicking distance? The only chance for a punch is when it’s used as a counter.
One popular technique is the low-block-punch. Basically, you bait your opponent for a Roundhouse to block it and punch the chest at the same time. I’ve never seen anyone get a point for this. At best, neither fighters are awarded a point, and the match proceeds. This is a stalemate. So, punches in Taekwondo can, at least, negate an attack?
The Focus is on Kicking
I don’t ever remember being trained to punch effectively at a Taekwondo school. The only punching I remember practicing was for poomsae, which were meant to be one-hit kill shots. Most of the time, during sparring, many competitors will have their hands hanging by their sides, clearly exposing their face. Not too worried about high kicks because dodging/slipping is, apparently, the preferred method of defense against Spin Kicks to the Face. Blocking those heavy kicks does little to protect your brain. Getting hit by a punch is usually the last thing to be worried about when considering the margin of damage to a kick.
With the rules only allowing a maximum of one point, strict conditions, and political stance in showcasing kicks, the sport of Taekwondo is heavily in favor of skilled kickers. That’s fine by me, for that is the reason why I like this sport.
Replace the Punch
I would like to make an open proposal to amend the Kyorugi Competition Rules. If well-placed punches executed by trained practitioners of the sport are going to be neglected by those officiating, perhaps, we can replace it with something else to grant the opportunity for competitors to effectively utilize the permitted techniques to their advantage and increase the pace of action.
Taekwondo Sparring Competition Rules should allow palm strikes to the trunk protector.
-Bryan L.
Perhaps, the rules to the game should allow for palm strikes to the hogu. I’m not saying that a palm strike has to validate a point. I mean, it is a game of kicking. But, whenever I punched my opponent during sparring, I wasn’t really trying to punch him. I was trying to make space, so I can kick some more. The low-block-punch was enough to stun my opponent for a moment for me to make room. However, punching a chest guard with a straight right can be taxing on the wrist, especially, with tiny four ounce gloves.
By allowing palm strikes, competitors will have a similar tool for similar tactics as used with the punch. Also, this prevents serious injury to the wrist. Boxers use large padded gloves for heavy impact training to prevent injuries to their hands and wrists. Considering all the conditions that validate a scoring point for a punch, only high impact punches that go “boom” are likely to score. Is gaining one point worth the risk?
Technology Improves
The newly standardized impact sensing sparring gear has been put to the test at World Taekwondo Tournaments since 2009. Competitors were quick to argue its reliability, especially, in the early years of utilization. The use of the Challenge Card to verify valid strikes were frequent enough to debate the accuracy of the system. Improvements in software have continued since its introduction, along with third party companies attempting to produce their own brand of technological sparring gear. Although, even with the latest technology, it seems, the scoring of punches are slim to none.
Even with the new system, punches are scarcely awarded a point.
Worth The Wrist?
If you take a closer look at some of the slow-motion sequences of punches scored, you can clearly see the wrist being bent upon impact. This is probably a good example of hypertension. The pain may not be felt until much later. However, as the rule stands, it’s gotta be a punch. Let’s try something to make it a little better for the puncher to avoid severe injury.
Do Not Punch Thru
The goal is to punch the chest guard sensor hard enough to signal the scorekeeper for a point. Traditionally, any of the palm strikes available in the repertoire of Taekwondo are trained to break boards and bricks, as to mimic kill shots. Each strike is to impose all your might into it. Of course, this is not practical for sparring competitions.
Pull back on the power of the punch, and focus more on accuracy and speed. The punch should be a snap on the chest guard, like a quick jolt. Should be more like a Jab than any other familiar punch. A Haymaker at full strength may be overkill when hitting protective gear meant to detect strikes for points.
Basic Technique
The Low-Block-Punch. The basic counter used just about as much as the Roundhouse. This technique is a means to block a mid to low level kick, close the distance, and punch the hogu, simultaneously. We can apply this to both Open and Closed Stances.
Open Stance:
Assuming you are standing with your left leg forward, the likely attack from your opponent would be with their rear leg aimed at your chest. Let’s practice the Low-Block-Punch against this.
Starting from the Open Stance;
Opponent’s Rear Leg swings for attack. React with a Forward Step and Low Block to your open side. Then, punch the center of the chest guard.
Closed Stance:
Assuming you are standing with your left leg forward, the likely attack from your opponent would be a rear leg turning kick, usually. Let’s practice the Low-Block-Punch against this.
Starting from Closed Stance;
Opponent’s Rear Leg swings for attack. React with a Forward Step and Low Block to your closed side. Then, punch the center of the chest guard.
That’s about it
There are other ways to apply the Punch as a counter, or as a lead attack to surprise the opponent. You can try blocking different kinds of kicks and see for yourself if you end up in a good angle for a counter punch. Certain kicks, like an Axe Kick to the Face, are better to block and evade, although, closing the distance is one way to Stop an Axe Kick.