IMAF 2026 · Discipline
Olympic Taekwondo
Olympic-style kyorugi on electronic scoring courts, plus full poomsae competition.
Overview
IMAF's Olympic Taekwondo competition features World Taekwondo-style sparring using Daedo Gen 2 electronic scoring for red and black belts, along with recognized Traditional Forms divisions, breaking, and weapons divisions.
From first-time competitors to national team hopefuls, athletes compete under modified WT rules with certified referees and electronic scoring.
Divisions & Format
Sparring brackets are randomly drawn in a single-elimination format. Divisions are categorized by belt, weight, and age. Forms (poomsae) are contested head-to-head in a double-elimination format. Divisions are divided by belt and age.
Kyorugi — Cadet
Ages 12–14, divided by weight class, with age-appropriate contact levels.
Kyorugi — Junior
Ages 15–17, divided by weight class, with age-appropriate contact levels.
Kyorugi — Senior
Ages 18+, divided by weight class, with age-appropriate contact levels.
Recognized Poomsae
World Taekwondo Taegeuk (WT) forms. Divisions are divided by belt rank and age.
Open Division
You may perform any style Korean form in the open division, such as Moo Duk Kwon (MDK) and International Taekwondo Forms (ITF). Divisions are divided by belt rank and age.
Weapons
Any style martial arts weapon accepted (no sharp weapons allowed). Judged numerically on stances, energy, intensity, quality of movements, and control of weapon. Divisions are divided by belt rank and age.
Breaking
Divisions divided by belt rank and age. All boards must be purchased online during registration or at the tournament. Contestants have 3 minutes to set up, perform the breaks, and clean up. All divisions have a ten-board limit. Breaking with the head is not allowed. Competitors must supply their own board holders (board holders do not enter free — must have at least a spectator armband). Breaking all boards on the first attempt results in 1st place, two attempts results in 2nd place, three or more attempts results in 3rd place.
Additional Divisions You’re Eligible For:
Rules & Judging
- Sparring follows current World Taekwondo competition rules with electronic body protectors and head sensors. Points are awarded for valid trunk and head contact; turning kicks and technical head kicks carry bonus points.
- Gam-jeom penalties apply for falling, grabbing, crossing the boundary line, and avoiding combat; accumulating ten penalties ends the match.
- Mandatory gear includes WT-approved electronic hogu, headgear, forearm and shin guards, gloves, mouthguard, and groin protection. Headgear and chest protectors are supplied on-site for red and black belt divisions.
- Forms, Weapons, and Breaking events are scored based on accuracy of technique and presentation, including speed, power, rhythm, and expression of energy.
- Weapons judging is scored numerically based on stances, energy, intensity, quality of movements, and control of weapon.
- Breaking: boards must be purchased online during registration or at the tournament. Contestants have 3 minutes to set up, perform the breaks, and clean up, with a ten-board limit per division. Breaking with the head is not allowed, and competitors must supply their own board holders. Breaking all boards on the first attempt results in 1st place, two attempts in 2nd place, three or more attempts in 3rd place.
- Video replay review is available where installed; referee and review-board decisions are final.
Compete at IMAF 2026
October 16-18, 2026 · Ocean Center, Daytona Beach, FL