Great Lakes Open Championship Rules

Form (poomsae)

For the Form, or Poomsae competition, competitors of similar belt and age will compete against each other. Males and females will compete in separate divisions. Color belts may perform Taeguk or Palgwe forms, while black belts must perform the name form for their Dan (1st Dan -Koryo, 2nd Dan -Kumkang, 3rd Dan -Taebaek).

Scoring

Three judges will be at each ring. Each judge will score on different criteria:

  • Technique- accuracy of movements, techniques, posture, and balance

  • Presentation- energy, power, and rhythm

  • Taekwondo Spirit- attitude, etiquette, and kiyap

Breaking

Scoring

  • Kicking techniques will be scored higher than hand techniques

  • Jumping or spinning techniques will be scored higher than standing techniques

  • Multiple boards will be scored higher than spaced boards

  • Young competitors may use larger boards to increase their score potential

Competitors can set up to 3 stations. A maximum of 6 boards can be used in total. A maximum of 3 boards can be used at one of the stations. Only wood may be broken.

All competitors will have 1 minute to set up holders. Competitors must provide holders if they need more than 3. Deductions may be given if holders assist breaking the board (moving the board into the foot, bending the board).

Color belts will have 3 attempts to break per station. Black belts will have 2 attempts per station. Boards must be purchased at the tournament or through parkstkdacademy.com. Boards purchased on the website will be given to the competitors at their rings. Males and females will compete in separate divisions.

Grand Champion

4 Grand Champion trophies will be awarded as decided in a single elimination poomsae competition. The Grand Champion competition will have 2 belt divisions: Black Belts and Color Belts (red-bodan). There will be 2 age division: 14 and under, and 15 and older. Males and females will compete together.

Forms (Poomsae) will be performed head to head (2/3 competitors) and scored by a panel of 5 judges consisting of masters and grandmasters. From each round, one competitor will advance. Rounds will continue until there is one winner for the division.

Weapons

Scoring

All weapons will be in the same division. Weapons judges will be using the same criteria as the form division. Degree of difficulty will also be taken into account when judging. Males and females will compete in separate divisions.

Sparring

Scoring

11 and Under/All Color Belts

  • Full contact to the body- 1 point

  • Contact to the body resulting in standing 8 count- 1 additional point

  • No contact to the head permitted

Black Belts 12-17

  • Full contact to the body- 2 points

  • Standing 8 count to the body- 1 additional point

  • Controlled head contact- 3 points

  • Spinning kicks- additional 2 points

Black Belts 18 and Older

  • Full contact to the body- 2 points

  • Standing 8 count to the body or head- 1 additional point

  • Controlled head contact- 3 points

  • Spinning kicks- additional 2 points

Equipment

Protective sparring equipment must be USTA approved. Helmet, shin/instep and forearm pads, chest protector, groin protector, and mouthpiece must be worn for competition.