ABSTRACT
Since sparring competitions were introduced to taekwondo in the 1960s, training began to split into two distinct categories: the conventional forms and selfdefense exercises of hitherto traditional taekwondo or karate, and the new methodology of full-contact sparring training for sports competitions. This chapter seeks to demonstrate that forms training and sparring are fundamentally different activities. This chapter will show that traditional and sport/sparring taekwondo have distinct differences regarding biomechanical characteristics and principle movement patterns, which are incompatible with one another. The fact that these disparate training styles coexist under the same banner is a fundamental inconsistency in taekwondo’s training methodology and philosophy. This chapter will conclude by offering some possible solutions.
