Olympic Style
Taekwondo in Malaysia
Taekwondo goes beyond just self-defense or martial arts — it's a great workout for everyone, young and old, whether alone, with friends, or even as part of a team.
World Taekwondo (WT) adheres to the rigorous standards set by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for Olympic inclusion. This ensures athletes compete in a safe, fair, and globally recognized format.
World Taekwondo (WT) upholds the Olympic Games' highest standards through a rigorous selection process for its member organizations, ensuring fair play, athlete safety, and unwavering commitment to the Olympic spirit.
In addition to the Olympics, World Taekwondo (WT) stages world-class competitions featuring athletes who hold a Global Athlete License (GAL), further igniting a passion for the sport.
World Taekwondo (WT) collaborates with Kukkiwon, the international Taekwondo headquarters, to ensure the implementation of the highest technical standards in dojangs around the world. This fosters a unified Taekwondo experience for athletes and practitioners at all levels.
As the official Member National Association (MNA), Taekwondo Malaysia (TM) oversees WT programs and issues official certificates recognized within Malaysia.
Poomsae proficiency is essential. Successful completion of the Taekwondo Malaysia (TM) examination requires mastery of Kukkiwon-defined poomsae. This ensures adherence to global standards, as set by the World Taekwondo (WT). Furthermore, the Recognized Poomsae Competitions is aligned with the established curriculum, providing a platform for athletes to showcase their technical proficiency, and to prepare them to excel on the international stage.
A TM Certificate, awarded upon successfully passing the examination, not only officially recognizes you as a martial arts practitioner but also as a WT Sports Taekwondo athlete in Malaysia. It ensures full recognition within WT-affiliated dojangs, enables seamless transfers between WT-affiliated dojangs, and permits participation in WT-sanctioned tournaments.
A Kukkiwon Certificate is the internationally recognized gold standard for Taekwondo. Nevertheless, a Kukkiwon Certificate obtained from non-WT-affiliated dojangs may not be recognized for participation in WT-sanctioned tournaments. This is because WT-affiliated dojangs are required to adhere to rigorous safety protocols and training standards to ensure compliance with the elevated standards established by WT.
Recognition — TM Certificate provides full recognition within the Malaysian WT Sports Taekwondo community and facilitates transfers between WT-affiliated dojangs. A Kukkiwon Certificate alone does not facilitate transfers between WT-affiliated dojangs in Malaysia.
Local Tournaments — A TM Certificate is essential for eligibility to participate in WT competitions in Malaysia. Possession of a Kukkiwon Certificate alone does not fulfill the requirements for competing in WT-sanctioned tournaments.
International Tournaments — For international WT competitions, obtaining both a TM Certificate and a Kukkiwon Certificate is essential to qualify for a Global Athlete License (GAL). Since the Kukkiwon Certificate is only required for international events, local athletes can save on examination costs.
Poomsae, though yet to be recognized as an Olympic discipline, is a prominent competitive art form featured in major international events such as regional championships, the SUKMA Games, the SEA Games, and the Asian Games.
In World Taekwondo (WT), the Kukkiwon-defined poomsae are standardized forms essential for rank advancement. These poomsae are also directly integrated into Recognized Poomsae competitions. While Free Style Poomsae and Mixed Poomsae feature prominently in international events, Malaysian tournaments often emphasize Recognized Poomsae competitions.
Recognized Poomsae — Contestants typically perform two (2) randomly selected Poomsae per round, displayed on a monitor on the Field of Play before the match. Both Poomsae must be completed within a total time limit of 90 seconds, with a minimum break of 30 seconds between performances. However, for regional tournaments, organizers may opt for a simpler format, requiring contestants to perform only one (1) randomly selected Poomsae per round.
| Men | Women | |
| Individual | ||
| Pair | + | |
| Team | + + | + + |
| ☆ | Recognized Poomsae | Men | Men's Individual | |
| Men's Team | ||||
| Women | Women's Individual | |||
| Women's Team | ||||
| Pair | Mixed Pair |
Free Style Poomsae — Performance based on Taekwondo techniques, incorporating music and choreography, lasting 90 to 100 seconds. It requires advanced technical skills such as jumping side kicks, multiple kicks in a single jump, spinning kicks with varying gradients, consecutive kicks, and acrobatic kicking techniques.
| Men | Women | |
| Individual | ||
| Pair | + | |
| Mixed Team | + + + + | |
| ☆ |
Free Style Poomsae
Age: ● -17 yrs ● +17 yrs |
Men | Men's Individual | |
| Women | Women's Individual | |||
| Pair | Mixed Pair | |||
| Mixed Team | Mixed Team |
Mixed Poomsae — Contestants shall perform recognized Poomsae for the first Poomsae, and Free Style Poomsae for the second Poomsae. Mixed Poomsae routines may be incorporated during the Semi-Finals and Finals of a Recognized Poomsae Competitions.
| Men | Women | |
| Individual | ||
| Pair | + | |
| Team | + + | + + |
| Mixed Team | + + + + | |
| ☆ |
Mixed Poomsae
Age: ● +17 yrs |
Men | Men's Individual | |
| Men's Team | ||||
| Women | Women's Individual | |||
| Women's Team | ||||
| Pair | Pair | |||
| Mixed Team | Mixed Team |
The competition methods will be determined by the Technical Delegate. Typically, one of four systems is used, with advancement based on points. Each performance is scored out of a maximum of 10 points.
Cut-off System — Typically, the competition consists of three rounds: the Preliminary, Semi-final, and Final rounds. The Semi-final round narrows down the field of 9 to 19 contestants to the top 8, who then advance to the Final round.
Single Elimination System — A competition where the loser of each match is immediately eliminated from the tournament. Winners advance to the next round until a single champion remains. Opponent shall be decided at drawing of lots.
Round Robin System
Combination System — Cut-off System, and Single Elimination System
The designated compulsory Poomsae for each division, as outlined in the provided charts, apply to Recognized Poomsae events in World Taekwondo (WT) and Regional competitions. Note that the Junior and Senior Belt divisions are specific to Regional competitions. These lists are subject to change.
| World Taekwondo | |
| Regionals: Senior Belt | |
| Regionals: Color Belt |
| Age | Taegeuk 1 Jang |
Taegeuk 2 Jang |
Taegeuk 3 Jang |
Taegeuk 4 Jang |
Taegeuk 5 Jang |
Taegeuk 6 Jang |
Taegeuk 7 Jang |
Taegeuk 8 Jang |
Koryo |
Keumgang |
Taeback |
Pyongwon |
Shipjin |
Jitae |
Chonkwon |
Hansu |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | - | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | - | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 12 | - | 14 | Cadet | ||||||||||||||||||
| 15 | - | 17 | Junior | ||||||||||||||||||
| - | 30 | Open | |||||||||||||||||||
| + | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| - | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| + | 40 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| - | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| - | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| - | 65 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| + | 65 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Age | Taegeuk 1 Jang |
Taegeuk 2 Jang |
Taegeuk 3 Jang |
Taegeuk 4 Jang |
Taegeuk 5 Jang |
Taegeuk 6 Jang |
Taegeuk 7 Jang |
Taegeuk 8 Jang |
Koryo |
Keumgang |
Taeback |
Pyongwon |
Shipjin |
Jitae |
Chonkwon |
Hansu |
|||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | - | 8 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 9 | - | 11 | |||||||||||||||||||
| 12 | - | 14 | Cadet | ||||||||||||||||||
| 15 | - | 17 | Junior | ||||||||||||||||||
| - | 30 | Open | |||||||||||||||||||
| + | 30 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| - | 50 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| - | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| + | 60 | ||||||||||||||||||||
Participation in international WT tournaments requires strict adherence to equipment regulations. Only approved equipment, as specified on the WT website, will be permitted for competition. Non-compliance with these regulations will result in disqualification. Regional competitions may permit the use of other brands.
Olympic-Style Sports Taekwondo is the ultimate platform for testing and refining your skills within the structured and secure framework established by World Taekwondo (WT). As the official format for Olympic competition, WT provides a safe environment for contestants of all levels. Nevertheless, practitioners must still exercise sound judgment and follow the instructions of their instructors. Sparring must always be conducted under supervision and with the appropriate safety gears.
Super Cadet |
Cadet |
Junior |
Open |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regionals | 9 - 11 | 12 - 14 | 15 - 17 | > 16 | |
| World Taekwondo | 12 - 14 | 15 - 17 | > 17 |
During registration, contestants are required to declare their weight class. From the date of registration until the weigh-in, contestants must maintain their weight within the limits of their declared class. Failure to meet the weight requirement at the weigh-in could result in disqualification.
Minutes |
Rounds |
Rest (s) |
M -20 kg |
M -23 kg |
M -26 kg |
M -29 kg |
M -32 kg |
M -36 kg |
M -40 kg |
M +40 kg |
W -18 kg |
W -21 kg |
W -24 kg |
W -27 kg |
W -30 kg |
W -34 kg |
W -38 kg |
W +38 kg |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regionals | 1½ | 2 | 30 | |||||||||||||||||||
Finweight |
Flyweight |
Bantamweight |
Featherweight |
Lightweight |
Welterweight |
Middleweight |
Heavyweight |
Finweight |
Flyweight |
Bantamweight |
Featherweight |
Lightweight |
Welterweight |
Middleweight |
Heavyweight |
Minutes |
Rounds |
Rest (m) |
M -33 kg |
M -37 kg |
M -41 kg |
M -45 kg |
M -49 kg |
M -53 kg |
M -57 kg |
M -61 kg |
M -65 kg |
M +65 kg |
W -29 kg |
W -33 kg |
W -37 kg |
W -41 kg |
W -44 kg |
W -47 kg |
W -51 kg |
W -55 kg |
W -59 kg |
W +59 kg |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regionals | 1½ | 3 | ½ | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| World Taekwondo | 1½ | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Finweight |
Flyweight |
Bantamweight |
Featherweight |
Lightweight |
Welterweight |
Light Middle |
Middleweight |
Light Heavy |
Heavyweight |
Finweight |
Flyweight |
Bantamweight |
Featherweight |
Lightweight |
Welterweight |
Light Middle |
Middleweight |
Light Heavy |
Heavyweight |
|||||||
| or | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Height: | M -148 cm |
M -152 cm |
M -156 cm |
M -160 cm |
M -164 cm |
M -168 cm |
M -172 cm |
M -176 cm |
M -180 cm |
M +180 cm |
W -144 cm |
W -148 cm |
W -152 cm |
W -156 cm |
W -160 cm |
W -164 cm |
W -168 cm |
W -172 cm |
W -176 cm |
W +176 cm |
||||||
| Weight: | Max | 45 | 48 | 51 | 53 | 56 | 59 | 61 | 64 | 67 | 80 | 43 | 45 | 48 | 51 | 53 | 56 | 59 | 61 | 64 | 75 | |||||
| Min | 33 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 | 45 | 47 | 49 | 52 | 32 | 33 | 35 | 37 | 39 | 41 | 43 | 45 | 47 | 50 | ||||||
Minutes |
Rounds |
Rest (m) |
M -45 kg |
M -48 kg |
M -51 kg |
M -55 kg |
M -59 kg |
M -63 kg |
M -68 kg |
M -73 kg |
M -78 kg |
M +78 kg |
W -42 kg |
W -44 kg |
W -46 kg |
W -49 kg |
W -52 kg |
W -55 kg |
W -59 kg |
W -63 kg |
W -68 kg |
W +68 kg |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regionals | 2 | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| World Taekwondo | 2 | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||||
Finweight |
Flyweight |
Bantamweight |
Featherweight |
Lightweight |
Welterweight |
Light Middle |
Middleweight |
Light Heavy |
Heavyweight |
Finweight |
Flyweight |
Bantamweight |
Featherweight |
Lightweight |
Welterweight |
Light Middle |
Middleweight |
Light Heavy |
Heavyweight |
Minutes |
Rounds |
Rest (m) |
M -54 kg |
M -58 kg |
M -63 kg |
M -68 kg |
M -74 kg |
M -80 kg |
M +80 kg |
M -87 kg |
M +87 kg |
W -46 kg |
W -49 kg |
W -53 kg |
W -57 kg |
W -62 kg |
W -67 kg |
W +67 kg |
W -73 kg |
W +73 kg |
||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regionals | 2 | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| World Taekwondo | 2 | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Olympics | 2 | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Asian Games | 2 | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SEA Games | 2 | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SUKMA | 2 | 3 | 1 | |||||||||||||||||||||
Finweight |
Flyweight |
Bantamweight |
Featherweight |
Lightweight |
Welterweight |
Heavyweight |
Middleweight |
Heavyweight |
Finweight |
Flyweight |
Bantamweight |
Featherweight |
Lightweight |
Welterweight |
Heavyweight |
Middleweight |
Heavyweight |
Contestants must ready the following approved equipment before entering the Field of Play:
Protector and Scoring System (PSS) utilizes state-of-the-art electronic sensors to precisely measure the force of impact from kicks and punches, aiming to promote fair and objective scoring during competitions. For tournaments utilizing the PSS, organizers will provide electronic sensing head guard and chest guard. Contestants are obligated to bring their own electronic sensing socks and, where applicable, electronic sensing gloves.
Participation in international WT tournaments requires strict adherence to equipment regulations. Only approved equipment, as specified on the WT website, will be permitted for competition. Non-compliance with these regulations will result in disqualification. Regional competitions may permit the use of other brands.