Remember: Early registration often includes exclusive benefits, like eligibility for free add-on events. Secure your spot today and make the most of this unique opportunity!
LNTKD Tournaments
What is a Tournament and Why Should You Participate?
Taekwondo America Tournaments are exhilarating events where students get to showcase their Taekwondo skills in a competitive, yet supportive environment. Participants are thoughtfully grouped by age, rank, and size, performing the curriculum they’ve mastered in training. These unique tournaments challenge students to push their limits, celebrate progress, and pursue excellence in every move.
Participating in a Taekwondo tournament offers a rare and valuable opportunity for growth and camaraderie. Unlike sports with frequent games, Taekwondo tournaments occur just a few times a year, making them memorable events where students can gauge their progress and set new goals. Beyond medals, these tournaments build discipline, determination, and teamwork, inspiring students to elevate their focus and commitment. Taekwondo America is dedicated to fostering fairness, excitement, and skill enhancement, providing various competitions that also allow for creative and artistic expression. Taking part in a tournament is a chance to celebrate the Taekwondo journey, connect with a broader community, and share in the passion for this martial art.
We’re excited for you to experience an event that goes beyond competition—where you’ll showcase hard-earned skills, build lasting friendships, and embrace the excitement of healthy competition!
Regional Tournaments
Our regional tournaments include Taekwondo America schools across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virgina, and Tennessee. These events bring together a vibrant community for high-level competition and connection.
National Tournaments
National tournaments draw Taekwondo America schools from all over the United States. These tournaments rotate across a variety of cities, offering students the chance to compete, travel, and connect with Taekwondo practitioners nationwide!
We can’t wait for you to be part of an unforgettable tournament experience!
Maximize the tournament experience!
Commemorate your competition by getting the unique Tournament T-Shirt. Each tournament has its own limited-edition t-shirt, so make sure to get yours to show off in the class!
How to Register
Registering for a Taekwondo America Tournament is quick and easy, ensuring you’re all set to participate in this exciting event! Follow these simple steps to get started:
- Open the Spark App or Tournament Link
All registrations are handled online for your convenience! You can register via the Spark App by navigating to Shop > Events. Alternatively, register through your web browser using the link provided in our weekly update emails or the newsletter. - Select Competitions & Choose Your T-Shirt Size
All participants are registered for Standard Competitions like Forms and Continuous Sparring/Combos. You can also add optional competitions, like Board Breaking, Synchronized Forms, or Point Sparring, to enhance the experience! Don’t forget to select your tournament T-shirt size for a special keepsake. - Complete the Registration Form
Fill in essential details, including the competitor’s age, height, and contact information, to ensure a smooth event day. Double-check all selections for a complete registration. - Submit Registration and Payment
Once the form is filled out, submit it along with the registration fee. Early registration may qualify for special perks, so don’t wait! - Receive Confirmation and Prepare
After submitting your registration, you’ll receive a confirmation email with event details and the tournament schedule. Now, it’s time to focus on training and preparing for a memorable tournament experience!
Competition Breakdown
Forms Competition
Competition Overview
- Objective: Perform your form in front of a judging panel, which will score you based on stances, power, focus, and correctness of technique.
- Judging Panel: The panel includes a Ring Supervisor (who calls competitors’ names, announces scores, and records results via an app) and 3 judges (TA school owners or instructors) who evaluate forms, one-steps, and sparring.
Judging Criteria: Each judge independently evaluates the competitor’s form on the following criteria:
- Correctness of Technique: Execution of moves in the correct sequence without errors.
- Snap and Power: Visible strength and sharpness in moves.
- Good Stances: Solid, balanced stances throughout the form.
- Proper Kick Height: Kicks performed at the correct height according to the rank.
- Correct Loading and Timing: Hand and foot techniques should be loaded properly, with hands snapping into position as feet land.
- Consistent Pace: Steady flow without rushing or hesitation.
Scoring Process
- Score Announcements: Each judge scores independently, with typical scores falling within a 1-point range of each other.
- Form Repetition Due to Mistakes: If a competitor makes a significant mistake (e.g., skipping a move, adding an extra move, or performing moves in the wrong order), the judges may request a second attempt. Mistakes like these would otherwise lead to a notably lower score.
- Second Attempt Scoring: On the second attempt, judges score as if the first attempt didn’t happen, but 1/2 a point is deducted from the combined total score of the 3 judges. For example, if all 3 judges score an 8, totaling 24, the final score after deduction would be 23.5.
Tie-Breaking
- Standard Tie: If a tie occurs, the competitors will perform their forms once more. Judges use predetermined scores for tie-breaking, depending on the place being decided. For instance:
- If the tie is for 3rd place and the scores available are 7 and 8, judges will award the higher score (8) to the competitor they believe had the best performance and the lower score (7) to the other.
- Multiple Ties: If more than two competitors are tied for the same placement, the Ring Supervisor will explain the specific tie-breaking process to be used.
Continuous Sparring Competition/ One-Steps/ Combinations
Division and Gear Requirements
White Belts & Yellow Belts: Perform one-steps/combos with partners (no sparring gear).
- One-steps may be done with either side as long as the moves are done in the correct sequence.
- Both partners need to start in a “sparring stance”: both hands up, one foot in front of the other, body turned sideways.
- There are no traditional stances.
- The “attack” is a JAB (lead hand, straight punch) executed from the sparring stance. The attack can be done with either hand as long as it is a jab.
- When blocking with a kick the kickers should emphasize good control.
Orange Belts to Black Belts: Must wear full sparring gear. Orange Belts can either perform Sparring Combinations or participate in the Continuous Sparring format.
- Sparring combination competition is basically the same thing as the one-step competition except they are wearing gear and making controlled contact while doing the combination.
- While one student is doing the combination, the other student should show proper defensive techniques.
- There are NO WARNINGS in sparring combinations.
- Sparring Combinations can be done from either side (left or right side).
Continuous Sparring Match Format and Scoring
- Competitor Assignment: Judges call out two participants at a time (preferably from different schools) and assign one competitor as “red,” who will wear a red armband.
- Judging and Points: Each of the 3 judges has two clickers to keep track of each competitor’s points. Judges score continuously throughout each 1-minute round. Points are awarded only for legal contact to target areas:
Legal Target Areas:
- Above the belt to the front of the torso (kicks or punches).
- Headgear (Top of Headgear does not earn points).
- Leg checks are allowed in Black Belt divisions, though they don’t earn points.
Point System:
- Basic kick/punch to torso or punch to headgear = 1 point.
- Spin or jump kick to torso or basic kick to headgear = 2 points.
- Jump-spin or 360 kick to torso; jump or spin kick to headgear = 3 points.
- Jump-spin or 360 to headgear = 4 points.
Break and Timer Stops: When “break” is called, the timer stops until the match resumes
Ring and Boundaries
- In the Ring: Each ring consists of a 5-mat by 5-mat square, which is “in bounds.”
- Out of Bounds: The surrounding border mats are considered “out of bounds.” To score, at least one foot must remain within the 5×5 section if the other is out.
Warnings and Penalties
Excessive Contact or Non-Target Areas:
- A warning is issued for excessive contact or strikes to non-legal areas if at least 2 judges agree.
Warning System:
- First Warning: 1 point awarded to the competitor’s opponent.
- Second Warning: 2 additional points awarded to the opponent.
- Third Warning or Injury Causing Blood: Disqualification from the current round.
Warnings and Points Reset in Tiebreaker: Warnings carry over in tie-breaking rounds, but points reset.
Sportsmanship: Poor sportsmanship can lead to removal from the tournament. Encouragement and cheering are encouraged, but sideline coaching or harsh comments are prohibited, as sparring is designed to show individual skill and self-defense.
Determining Winners
- Judges’ Decision: At least 2 out of 3 judges must agree on the winner of each match.
- Double Elimination Format: Modified double-elimination brackets allow each competitor to spar in at least 2 rounds.
- Tiebreaker Rounds: If a match ends in a tie, competitors will continue with 15-second rounds until a winner is declared. Points reset, but previous warnings remain in effect.
- Medals Awarded: After all rounds, 1st through 4th place medals are awarded.
Board Breaking Competition
- Competition Overview
- Objective: Complete 5 different board-breaking techniques for a chance to earn a Gold Medal.
- Stations: Each participant faces 5 breaking stations, with 3 attempts allowed per station.
Technique and Difficulty
- Rank-Based Techniques: The required breaking techniques vary according to the student’s rank.
- Board Difficulty: Board colors indicate difficulty, which is set according to the student’s age and rank.
Station Setup and Preparation
- Adjusting Stations: Participants set their board heights and positions as desired at each station.
- Practice Option: Students may practice their technique before each official breaking attempt.
Breaking Procedure
- Ready Signal: When ready to begin, competitors signal the station manager to initiate their attempt by bowing in.
- No Practice After Bow-In: Once bowed in, the student cannot practice further and must proceed with the breaking attempt.
- Attempts: Any movement toward or contact with the board counts as an official attempt. Each student has 3 attempts per station.
Medal Awards
- After attempting all 5 stations, medals are awarded based on the number of successful breaks:
- 3/5 Breaks – Bronze Medal
- 4/5 Breaks – Silver Medal
- 5/5 Breaks – Gold Medal
- Medal Collection: Medals can be collected at the main tournament or distributed in class after all competitions are completed.
Point/Break Sparring Competition
Match Overview
- Duration: Matches last 1 minute or until one competitor scores 5 points.
- Sudden Death: If the match ends in a tie, the next point scored determines the winner.
- Bracket System: Matches follow a modified double-elimination bracket, similar to Continuous Sparring.
Scoring Rules
- Point System: Scoring is based on the same point system as Continuous Sparring.
- Breaks Between Points: After each point or warning, the match is paused briefly for a “break,” allowing judges to clearly indicate scoring and warnings.
Point and Warning Calls
- Order of Calls: Points are determined first, followed by warnings.
- Point/Warn Agreement: For a point or warning to count, at least 2 out of 3 judges (or all three) must call it.
- Lowest Point Assigned: In cases of differing opinions among judges, the lowest number of points called is awarded. For example, if the center judge calls 2 points for a spin kick to the body, but a corner judge calls 3 points for a jump spin, only 2 points will be awarded.
Scoring Specifics
- Single Competitor Points: Only one competitor may score points at a time. However, warnings may be given to both competitors simultaneously if necessary.
- Point Indication: Judges indicate points by raising the correct number of fingers and pointing high to either the red or white competitor.
- Warning Indication: Warnings are signaled by pointing low to the respective competitor.
Extreme Freestyle Forms Competition
Competition Overview
Objective: Teams perform a synchronized form, aiming for precision, originality, and audience appeal. Uniform options include Traditional Taekwondo, Team, or Specialty Uniforms.
Judging Criteria
Teams are evaluated based on the following elements:
- Synchronization: The team should stay together for 70% of the form, with allowances for creative formations such as staggered, mirrored, or back-to-back sequences. Judges look for seamless timing and teamwork.
- Originality: Unique and exciting forms score higher. Teams are encouraged to bring energy and creativity to their performance.
- Execution: Techniques should demonstrate good form, power, and precision, comparable to standards in individual forms competitions.
- Entertainment: The form should captivate and engage the audience, blending creativity with traditional Taekwondo skills.
Competition Procedure
- Preparation: Teams line up, stand at attention, bow in, and take their Ready Stance when called by the Ring Supervisor.
- Start Signal: Once the Ring Supervisor says “Begin,” the Scorekeeper starts the timer as the music or form begins.
- Time Limit: The form should finish within 90 seconds, and the timer stops once the team returns to Ready Stance.
- Judging Process: The Ring Supervisor will bring competitors to attention before scores are announced. The judging follows standard Taekwondo America procedures with some variations:
- Teams have only one opportunity to perform.
- The form can be a standard Taekwondo America (TA) form or a unique creation but must include only traditional Taekwondo techniques (no spins over 360°, acrobatics, or weapons).
Judging focuses on maintaining a 70:30 ratio of synchronized to non-synchronized movements.
Medals
- Medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place based on team performance.
Deductions
A 1-point deduction will be applied for the following infractions:
- Exceeding the 90-second time limit.
- Stepping out of the competition area due to balance loss or during a technique.
- Performing “extreme” or gymnastic moves, such as flips, cartwheels, or spins over 360°.
- Stopping and restarting the form, unless there’s a music malfunction.
Tie-Breaking Procedure
- Two-Way Tie: Each team performs their form once more. Judges will award either an 8 or 9 for 1st and 2nd place ties and a 7 or 8 for 3rd and 4th place ties.
- Three or More-Way Tie: Teams perform their forms, and scores are given as usual without predetermined scores.
Synchronized Forms Competition
Competition Overview
- Objective: Teams perform a synchronized form, aiming for precision, originality, and audience appeal. Uniform options include Traditional Taekwondo, Team, or Specialty Uniforms.
Judging Criteria
Teams are evaluated based on the following elements:
- Synchronization: The team should stay together for 70% of the form, with allowances for creative formations such as staggered, mirrored, or back-to-back sequences. Judges look for seamless timing and teamwork.
- Originality: Unique and exciting forms score higher. Teams are encouraged to bring energy and creativity to their performance.
- Execution: Techniques should demonstrate good form, power, and precision, comparable to standards in individual forms competitions.
- Entertainment: The form should captivate and engage the audience, blending creativity with traditional Taekwondo skills.
Competition Procedure
- Preparation: Teams line up, stand at attention, bow in, and take their Ready Stance when called by the Ring Supervisor.
- Start Signal: Once the Ring Supervisor says “Begin,” the Scorekeeper starts the timer as the music or form begins.
- Time Limit: The form should finish within 90 seconds, and the timer stops once the team returns to Ready Stance.
- Judging Process: The Ring Supervisor will bring competitors to attention before scores are announced. The judging follows standard Taekwondo America procedures with some variations:
- Teams have only one opportunity to perform.
- The form can be a standard Taekwondo America (TA) form or a unique creation but must include only traditional Taekwondo techniques (no spins over 360°, acrobatics, or weapons).
- Judging focuses on maintaining a 70:30 ratio of synchronized to non-synchronized movements.
Medals
- Medals are awarded for 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th place based on team performance.
Deductions A 1-point deduction will be applied for the following infractions:
- Exceeding the 90-second time limit.
- Stepping out of the competition area due to balance loss or during a technique.
- Performing “extreme” or gymnastic moves, such as flips, cartwheels, or spins over 360°.
- Stopping and restarting the form, unless there’s a music malfunction.
Tie-Breaking Procedure
- Two-Way Tie: Each team performs their form once more. Judges will award either an 8 or 9 for 1st and 2nd place ties and a 7 or 8 for 3rd and 4th place ties.
- Three or More-Way Tie: Teams perform their forms, and scores are given as usual without predetermined scores.
Team Sparring
Join up with two other teammates as you compete against other teams of three to become the Team Sparring Champions!
Get your friends together and build your team! Compete head-to-head against other teams in this special sparring event. Both teams will meet in the center of the ring, the Center Judge and Corner Judges will pair off competitors according to size and skill. Each member will face-off against a member from the opposing team, and after all 3 rounds, the team with the most cumulative points wins!
Team Members
- Each team must have 3 members
- Members must be green belt or higher
- Members may be from different Taekwondo schools
- Students may not compete on multiple sparring teams
Uniform
- Taekwondo T-shirt
- Uniform pants
- Uniform top/jacket (optional)
- Taekwondo belt (optional)
Sparring Gear
- Each student must have a complete set of Taekwondo America co-branded sparring gear in good repair.
Team Sparring Rules
- Standard continuous sparring rules apply, Including point values, legal/illegal target areas, with the following exceptions:
- All matches are 30 seconds long.
- Time stops for “Breaks” as called by the Center Judge.
- At the end of each round, clickers are NOT reset “zeroed out”. Scores are cumulative across all three matches.
- Winners are NOT announced between rounds.
- Scores and warnings are carried over from round to round.
- There is a 5 warning limit per team per match.
- If any one team member receives 3 warnings they are disqualified. A
disqualification is worth 3 points. - At the end of the 3 rounds, both teams are brought to the middle and the winner is announced.
- In the event of a tie, each team picks their “champion” to spar for 30 more seconds. If it’s tied again, then each team picks a different member to spar. This is repeated until one team wins.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most frequent questions and answers about Tournaments
You’re already registered, so there is no need to check in.
Head to your competition ring. If you are there 15 minutes early. stay there until your competition starts. We will begin shortly.
If you are more then 15 minutes early watch your fellow student’s competition. Make sure you return to the ring 15 minutes before it’s supposed to begin.
Absolutely! However, please remember that coaching is not allowed! We work hard to maintain a positive, friendly atmosphere.
Please remember the TAEKWONDO AMERICA COURTESY POLICY: Any competitor, spectator, parent or judge exhibiting unsportsmanlike conduct or interfering with the positive competitive atmosphere of this tournament will be asked to leave the facility.
We first keep adults, teens and children separate.
We divide the kids by rank, size, and age. Most kids will compete against kids their own belt color and very close in age to themselves.
Many adult/teen divisions may be combined depending on the number of competitors, their age and rank.
Ask the center judge or one of the school owners. Remember, like your child, we’re doing the best we can and that we aren’t perfect. We will do our best to address any concerns you have and fix any problems.
As many as you want! Make sure you stay in the spectators area though.
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