Taekwondo: tradition, discipline and martial art

Taekwondo is one of the most traditional, popular and intense martial arts. What you learn not only prepares you for a physical match, but also for one of the most intense fights: the inner peace. Many athletes and coaches decided to practice this sport because it was one of the best ways to improve their lives through body and mind training. You are now interested, aren’t you? We are too!

With millions of fans and a great reputation, taekwondo has been included in the Pan American Games since 1987, in men’s events, and the first women’s events were held in 1995. Then, taekwondo made its debut in 2000 in the Olympic Games.

For taekwondo, you need to train especially your legs because it is said in Korea —its country of origin— that if three Koreans got together, they could kill a tiger only with kicks. The skillful feet movements are characteristic of this sport. In the kyorugi discipline (combat), 80% of the attacks are foot kicks and 20% are fist techniques.

Besides matches, the poomsae discipline simulates a combat against many rivals with movement sequences including different postures, kicks and punches along with an excellent breathing control, rhythm and concentration.

Categories at the Pan American Games

Kyorugi discipline

• Men: -58 kg; 58 kg – 68 kg; 68 kg – 80 kg; and +80 kg
• Women: -49 kg; 49 kg – 57 kg; 57 kg – 67 kg; and +67 kg

Poomsae discipline

• Men’s singles
• Women’s singles
• Mixed pair
• Mixed team

Championship development

To define the kyorugi medalists, the two finalists fight for the first place. The two semifinalists go directly to the tournament semifinals to win the two bronze medals.

The rest of the competitors, who lost against the finalists, compete in an elimination round within their original groups, and the best two competitors advance to the semifinals. The winner of each group fights against the semifinalist of the opposite group to compete for the bronze medals.

In Lima 2019, you will have the chance to see the best taekwondo fighters of the Americas and cheer for your favorite competitors. Together, we will help Peru get its first gold medal!