Taekwondo WT (2)

Taekwondo WT is the Olympic sport practised under World Taekwondo rules. At the heart of competition is kyorugi, or sparring, where athletes wear a body protector, headgear and other guards, and points are scored with accurate kicks to the body and head. The other competition format is poomsae, set sequences of movements.

A WT taekwondo coach teaches fast kicking combinations, footwork, distance control and competition tactics. Children start with playful technique work, young athletes prepare for tournaments, and adults often come simply to stay in good shape. Progress through the belt system comes through gradings.

Before choosing a club, ask whether training focuses on sparring, poomsae or both, and whether the club takes athletes to competitions. Also find out which protective gear you need and whether it can be borrowed at first, how big the groups are and whether the same club also teaches ITF taekwondo.