A Korean martial art and Olympic combat sport famous for fast, high kicks and spinning techniques.
Origin and rules
Taekwondo was formalised in South Korea in the 1950s, drawing on traditional Korean martial arts and Japanese karate. Two athletes in protective gear face off in a square court, trying to score points with kicks and punches.
How it plays
Olympic bouts run three two-minute rounds. Body kicks score two points, head kicks three, and spinning techniques earn bonuses. Electronic scoring sensors in trunk protectors and head gear register valid strikes.
Competition
World Taekwondo governs the Olympic style. The World Taekwondo Championships and the Olympic tournament headline the calendar. South Korea, Iran, Spain, China, and Russia produce many of the top fighters. Taekwondo became Olympic at Sydney 2000.
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Taekwondo starts with T and ends with O. Browse other sports along the same letter.
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