Para-Taekwondo

Introduction to Para-Taekwondo

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, characterised by it’s emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks. Para Taekwondo was initially developed for individuals with limb deficiency, but since 2013 has been developed for athletes with a motor impairment. The format for motor impaired athletes in Para Taekwondo is Poomsae; a pattern of prearranged attacking and defensive techniques performed against imaginary opponents.

Eligibility

Ambulant individuals with hemiplegia, diplegia, mild quadriplegia, athetosis or ataxia.

Classification

Athletes with a motor impairment compete in four sport classes; P31, P32, P33 and P34, divided in to three age categories; junior, under 30 and over 30. Taekwondo will make its Paralympic debut at Tokyo 2020 although initially this will just be sparring for individuals with limb impairments.

• P31: diplegia, asymmetric diplegia, triplegia
• P32: dyskinesias athetosis, dystonia, ataxia, mild spastic quadriplegia or a combination of the above
• P33: spastic hemiplegia or very mild spastic diplegia
• P34: very mild hemiplegia, diplegia, athetosis, dystonia, hemidystonia and very mild ataxia