Matt Chandler - Tae Kwon Do: A Guide for Athletes and Fans

Growing up in Melbourne, Australia, Lauren Burns never dreamed of competing in theOlympics. Her career in tae kwon do began with lessons at the local . Burnstrained tirelessly, and her hard work paid off. She won 12 national titles in Australia.In 2000 she made the Olympic team and earned the chance to compete in her home country.Burns became the first Australian to win gold in tae kwon do!

The Korean government trained its police forces to use tae kwon do techniques followingWorld War II.

At the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Jackie Galloway of the United Stateswas matched against Crystal Weekes of Puerto Rico. If Galloway was going to earnan Olympic medal, she would have to take down the teen, who was competing in herfirst Olympics. Early in the second round, Galloway delivered an explosive kick tothe face of Weekes, scoring three points. The younger fighter never recovered fromthe kick and lost the match 50. Galloway went on to win the bronze medal.

1. Headgear: All competitors wear padded headgear. It protects against and protectsa fighters ears. 2. The Hogu: The hogu is a padded chest protector worn in competition. It is especially importantto protect the ribs from hard kicks. Modern national and international competitionactually uses electronic hogus, which measure the strength and validity of strikes. 3. Groin Protector: In competition groin strikes are illegal. The groin guard is a shield to protectagainst an accidental strike. 4. Mouthguard: All fighters wear plastic mouthguards. They protect the teeth and protect againstaccidentally biting your tongue. 5. Shin/Foot and Forearm Protectors: A kick to the shins or forearms can be devastating. Hard plastic guards cover a fightersshin bones and forearms.

Like all fighters, Weekes was wearing lots of protective gear in the ring. But protectivegear doesnt mean a fighter wont get hurt. Her headgear covered her head and ears.But her face was left unguarded. So when Galloway delivered the kick to her face,the full force stunned Weekes. Her gear still offered some protection. Fighters arerequired to wear a mouth guard. Thanks to her mouthpiece, Weekes lost the match butnot her teeth.

FACT

In the 1930s, students of tae kwon do experimented with using baseball catchersequipment as one of the earliest forms of protective gear.

In tae kwon do competition, fighters wear headgear, a mouth guard, a chest protector,groin guard, forearm guards, and shin guards. The use of protective gear adds morestrategy to a match. A fighter must work to strike an opponent in places where hisor her body is exposed. Galloway struck Weekes in the face. Fighters can also attackthe back of an opponents legs and arms.

Protective equipment guards against fighters incurring major injuries, but it canalso have limitations. A fighters movement is less free when wearing protectivegear. Fighters are trained to adjust, but it does make a difference. So much protectivegear can also cause an opponent to let his or her guard down. A kick to the facelike Galloway delivered to Weekes reminds everyone what a physical sport tae kwondo can be.

Tae kwon do headgear is usually made of foam about 0.75 inches (2 centimeters) thick.

Tae kwon do is built on tradition. Athletes are expected to follow rules inside thedojang. Respect is shown to the instructor, the dojang, and the opponent. Tae kwondo has five guidelines: