Section 5: Rules of Play
5.1 Sparring (Matsogi) — Match Format
Individual free sparring matches for senior competitors consist of 2 rounds of 2 minutes each, separated by a 1-minute rest period. Some tournament formats use 3 rounds. Junior divisions may use shorter rounds (1.5 minutes). Team sparring follows the same round structure, with each team fielding 5 competitors in pre-determined order, matched by weight. The team result is determined by the aggregate of individual match outcomes.
5.2 Light/Semi-Contact Principle
The defining characteristic of ITF sparring is its light or semi-contact approach. Techniques must be delivered with controlled power — sufficient to demonstrate technical proficiency and targeting accuracy, but without excessive force intended to injure. This stands in sharp contrast to WT sparring, which is full-contact and awards points based on impact force measured by electronic sensors. In ITF competition, a well-executed, accurately placed technique with controlled contact scores; a wild, excessively powerful blow may result in a warning or penalty even if it lands on target.
5.3 Legal Techniques and Target Areas
ITF sparring permits a wider range of hand techniques than WT competition. The following are legal scoring techniques:
- Hand techniques (jirugi) — punches and strikes to the mid-section (trunk) and head. This is a major distinction from WT, which only permits punches to the trunk protector, not the head.
- Foot techniques (chagi) — kicks to the mid-section and head, including turning kicks, side kicks, front kicks, back kicks, hook kicks, and spinning techniques.
Legal target areas encompass the front and side of the trunk (from the belt line to the base of the neck) and the front and side of the head (above the jaw line). Attacks to the back of the head, spine, throat, and below the belt are strictly prohibited.
5.4 Patterns (Tul) Competition
Pattern competition showcases the 24 patterns of the Chang-Hon system, developed by General Choi. The patterns range from Chon-Ji (19 movements, representing the creation of the world) through to Tong-Il (56 movements, representing the reunification of Korea). Competitors perform patterns individually before a panel of judges who evaluate: technical accuracy, power, rhythm, balance, breath control, and the correct interpretation of each movement's application. In elimination rounds, the tournament may specify required patterns or allow competitor choice within rank-appropriate sets.
5.5 Power Breaking (Wiryok) Competition
Power breaking tests a competitor's ability to generate destructive force through correct technique. Events are typically divided by technique category: hand techniques (punch, knife-hand, elbow strike), foot techniques (side kick, turning kick, back kick), and sometimes head technique (head butt through boards). Competitors attempt to break the maximum number of boards in a single attempt. Boards are standardized in size and thickness, and the number successfully broken determines the winner. Ties are broken by body weight (lighter competitor wins) or additional attempts.
5.6 Special Technique (T'ukgi) Competition
Special technique events test jumping ability and aerial kicking skill. Common events include: flying side kick (kick a target at maximum height), flying front kick (kick a target over a high obstacle), flying turning kick (kick a target at height with a mid-air turn), and flying back kick. Competitors have a limited number of attempts (typically 3) to successfully strike the target at each height. The target is progressively raised until a winner is determined. Run-up distance is standardized and may not exceed a specified maximum.
5.7 Boundary and Ring-Out Rules
A competitor is considered out of bounds when any part of their body touches beyond the boundary line. Intentionally stepping out to avoid engagement results in a warning. If a competitor is forced out by a legal technique, the action is stopped and restarted from the center. Repeatedly retreating beyond the boundary without engagement may result in a penalty for passivity.