Competitor Tips

Pattern competitors must demonstrate they have an understanding of the patterns through their pattern performance. Patterns must be performed with competence and Competitors must demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles underlying the patterns.

• Basics. regardless of your rank, your basics need to be sharp. As a beginner, your basics might consist of a front kick and some simple punches. As an advanced competitor, your basics might include spinning kicks, jumping kicks or multiple-hand combinations.
• Enthusiasm. When your name is called, loudly acknowledge, and respectfully bow and present yourself to the judges. This sets a tone that alerts the judges that a motivated competitor coming.
• Work not Walk. Work through the pattern, do not walk through it. If you merely walk through the pattern, you will have an average performance, whereas, if you work through the pattern, you will have a powerful performance that deserves recognition.
• Do not be afraid of the judges. They are people like you who enjoy Taekwondo. They love to watch a crisp powerful form and want each competitor to his or her best. Do not be intimidated if they sit stone-faced, they are doing it out of respect for you.
• Stances. Keep your stances as low as they should be. Ensure your weight distribution and foot alignment are accurate. Posture is important before and after your presentation.
• Rhythm. Use correct rhythmic combinations. Try not to make your entire routine a blur. Stop for a second after each technique sequence to let the judges appreciate your solid stances, incredible balance, and perfect basics.
• Realism. Move similar to the way you would if fighting real attackers. Strong kicks, punches, and blocks are essential. Remembering that they are fighting numerous imagery opponents and that there is a slight delay before engaging each new opponent.
• Facial Expressions. Your facial expressions control how you feel and how others perceive how you feel. It would be hard to take someone's kata seriously if they smiled all the way through it. Keep your expressions serious throughout your kata and intensify your expression when you kiai.
• Eye Contact. Eye contact is a term for turning your head and looking in the direction you are about to move or strike. Always look before you move..
• Accuracy. Do not add any meaningless additional or stylized moves.
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