Chapter 18: Competitionalization

In an effort to "Koreanize" Taekwondo and remove its Japanese karate connections, in the early 1960's some masters began to "competitionalise" Taekwondo by developing a system of interrelated kicking techniques, intricate footwork, and attacks/counterattacks that were different from karate. Emphasis was shifted from form/pattern practice to that of contact sparring. Some of the changes were: 

• No hand attacks to the face.

• No attacks below the waist.

• No grabbing.

• Use of body protection making full-contact possible.

• A scoring system which awarded points only for accurate contact blows of substantial power.

• Continuous fighting without interference from the referee.

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