Taekwondo Nationals Training & Tournament Tips

✅ Poomsae Technical Tips

1. Stance Clarity & Transition

  • Tiger Stance: Both knees slightly bent, weight mostly on back leg, heel of front foot lightly touching the ground.

  • Long Stance: Front knee bent firmly, back leg straight with heel down, 4 feet distance between front and back foot.

  • Make transitions clear and deliberate for judge visibility.

2. Knifehand Block (Sonnal Makki)

  • Extend the blocking arm — avoid keeping it too tight or close to your body.

  • Relax shoulder and arm to allow smooth movement.

  • Finish with the block at shoulder height, slightly forward.

  • Opposite hand should stay firmly chambered.

3. Long Stance Punch Mechanics

  • Turn your shoulder into the punch for power and follow-through.

  • Use full-body mechanics (hip and shoulder), not just arm strength.

  • Punch with intent — project confidence and commitment.

4. Taeguk 8: Mountain Block (San Makki)

  • Switch hands between left and right mountain blocks — don’t repeat the same hand on top.

  • Upper arm should be horizontal (parallel to the floor).

  • Top fist: palm faces you.

  • Strong stances support the block visually and mechanically.

5. Footwork & Step Direction

  • Keep your steps straight, not curved or circular.

  • Follow the line of motion in the poomsae precisely.

  • Straight steps improve balance, alignment, and scoring clarity.

6. Ready Position Protocol (Joon-bi)

  • Before going into Ready Stance:

    • Start with open palms at belt level (2 inches between fingers).

    • Bring hands up to the solar plexus, then form fists.

    • Lower fists down into final Joon-bi position.

  • Execute this transition smoothly and with control.

⏱️ Timing & Rhythm

7. Taeguk 8: Slow Uppercut Timing

  • The slow uppercut block in Taeguk 8 should take a full 8-count to complete.

  • Maintain steady, controlled motion — show strength through tempo, not speed.

  • Judges look for rhythm contrast and precise timing control in this sequence.

🏟️ Tournament Navigation & Strategy Tips

1. Mistake Recovery Rule

  • If you make a serious mistake, you may reset and restart within 30 seconds.

  • Return to Ready Stance (Joon-bi) and begin again.

  • Judges will deduct points, but restarting shows focus and professionalism.

2. Wear the Recognized Belt

  • Do not wear your bo-dan (black-striped) belt at Nationals.

  • Wear your solid red belt, which is the rank recognized by USAT.

  • Keeps judging and scoring clear and consistent.

3. Undershirt Guidelines

  • Under your dobok, wear a plain white or black T-shirt only.

  • No logos, graphics, or colors — maintain a clean, regulation appearance.


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