While not everyone can become an Olympic gold medalist, the excitement and challenge of fair competition can be an enjoyable and memorable experience for students of all ages. For this reason, our centers host a school tournament each year. This event provides friendly competition that will inspire you to bring out your personal best performance. Participation in tournaments is totally optional and is not a required part of our curriculum.
	In addition to our local tournaments, Tae Kwon Do tournaments are held at state, national, and international levels. Most tournaments allow you to compete in any or all of the following events: sparring, poomse, and breaking.
In sparring competitions, the competitors wear head gear, chest protectors, forearm guards, groin protectors, protective gloves, and shin/foot guards. Only punching and kicking techniques are allowed during competition. You may not throw, sweep, or push your opponent. Punches may only be made to the body. Kicks may be made to the body or to the head. Hits below the belt line are forbidden. Points are awarded for successful hits, using both hands and feet. Points and deductions are awarded by a referee and judges.
	Since injuries can occur during sparring, students wishing to spar in tournaments should always consult an instructor before entering any competition other than our in-house tournaments. An instructor can help you decide if a particular tournament is right for you. Our FIGHT TEAM program is a great way to prepare for competitive sparring. Even if you do not spar, you may still compete in poomse and breaking.

Note that in order to compete in any USAT sponsored event, you MUST hold a valid USA Taekwondo Membership card. Go to our LINKS page for more information.

See photos of past tournaments in our Photos section.