Tournaments

Tournaments help students develop their physical and mental potential. To compete successfully, students must be in top physical fitness and they must perfect their technique, their overall fighting strategy, and their individual fighting tactics. The purpose of competing is to put your skills up against another and maybe win. Nobody enters a tournament to lose. However, not everyone can win so tournaments also help students develop humility and sportsmanship. If you compete for the joy of competing, you will have fun whether you win or lose.

Tournament sparring is conducted between two players. One is designated slong (red) by having a red ribbon tied to the belt. The other player is designated chung (blue) but wears no ribbon.

Protective hand and feet pads, shin guards, elbow protectors, protective helmet, groin protector, and mouth guard are required. Some tournaments also require a chest protector. Usually, only punching and kicking techniques are allowed, no grabs, sweeps, or throws. The front of the body from the clavicle to the belt may be attacked with punches and kicks. Some organizations allow punches and kicks to the head protector, some allow only kicks, and some do not allow kicks or punches. Kicks below the belt or to the back are forbidden.

Different organizations have different competition rules. Your instructor will inform you of all the rules of your organization before you enter a competition.