kyorugi

Kyorugi, often transliterated gyorugi, is the taekwondo discipline focused on sparring in competitive taekwondo. In kyorugi, two competitors face each other in a standardized arena and score points by delivering controlled kicks and punches to legal target areas, while maintaining safety and sportsmanship. It is the most visible form of taekwondo competition and is governed internationally by World Taekwondo (WT). Kyorugi is the form used in the Olympic Games and most major championships.

Matches usually consist of three rounds of two minutes each, with a one-minute interval between rounds for adults; younger athletes have shorter rounds. Techniques that score include valid kicks to the torso and head, with higher point values for certain techniques such as head kicks or spinning/multi-kick actions. Fouls and dangerous actions incur penalties (gamjeom) or disqualification. In modern WT competition, scoring relies on a combination of electronic sensors in the chest protector and referees who judge head kicks and other actions; video replay may be used to confirm disputed calls.

Competitors wear protective equipment: a taekwondo dobok (uniform), a WT chest protector (hogu) with sensors, headgear, shin guards, forearm guards, gloves, mouthguard, and groin protection. Weight classes and age divisions organize events at national and international levels. Major WT events include the World Taekwondo Championships, continental championships, and the Olympic Games, where kyorugi has been contested since 2000.