Taekwondo athletes can be divided into two major types. The first is the offensive athlete, who uses impressive skills and shows an aggressive approach to the match. A defensive athlete, on the other hand, defends himself calmly while looking for a clean hit in order to score points. When watching the game, explore the history of each athlete to figure out what type each one is- then use the scoring method below to predict who will win.

                                                             Scoring Method

Because Taekwondo is a highly aggressive sport, men fight in 3 minute increments, 3 times, with a 1 minute break in between. Women fight in 2 minute increments, 3 times, with 1 minute breaks. Points can be added or deducted, and scores earned during each of the three sessions are tallied up at the end to determine the winner. In the case of a tie, the winner is the one who earned the most positive points. When that is impossible as well, the winner is at the discretion of the judges, who select the athlete who has shown the best attacks during the match.

How Points are Calculated

Earn Points (+2 Points)

Using feet: Knock an opponent off their feet with a strong kick to the face for 2 points.

Earn Points (+1 Points)

Using fists: When a clean hit is delivered to the blue or red areas of the protective gear on the body. A clean hit means the opponent is moved by the impact or there was a strong hitting sound.

Using feet: When a clean hit is delivered to the blue or red areas of the protective gear on the head and body.

Warnings (-0.5 Points)

1) Illegal contact

-Grabbing the opponent

-Wrestling the opponent

-Pushing the opponent

-Touching the opponent with one's body


2) Shows of cowardice

-Going outside the lines on purpose to evade attack

-Showing your back to the opponent while evading attack

-Falling on purpose

-Pretending to be hurt


3) Illegal strikes

-Impacting the forehead with the knees

-Kicking the groin area purposely

-Stepping on a fallen opponent's thighs, shins, knees, etc

-Hitting the face with the hand


4) Bad conduct

-When the athlete or coach argues about points given

-Bad conduct by the athlete or coach

-When the coach leaves his seat



Deductions (-1 Points)

1) Illegal contact

-Felling the opponent by grabbing with the hands

-Grabbing an opponent's leg during a kick in order to fell them


2) Shows of cowardice

-Going outside the match area to evade attack

-Purposely making it difficult to continue the match


3) Illegal strikes

-Hitting a fallen opponent

-Hitting an opponent after the referee orders to fall apart

-Hitting the back of the head or back purposely


4) Bad conduct

-Extremely bad conduct by the athlete or coach