By ETU
15.12.2004
New Competition System Tested
New method of tournament fighting is been tested in Stuttgart/Germany - WTF observers will be present to watch.
The WTF is discussing various changes and modifications of the existing tournament rules in order to bring more attractive fights to the spectators and the media. On January 22nd 2005 there will be held a test competition in Stuttgart / Germany which will be featuring a new "5-Minutes-Competition" method.
The Taekwondo department of the University of Stuttgart hosting the "Dragon Cup" under the following new rules to test a different way of competition which could be adopted in one way or the other by WTF also:
- Overall fighting time will be 5 minutes in one round.
- The coach can take a 'Time Out' of 30 seconds - but not during actual fighting, only when the referee gives a 'Kyonggo'.
- The winner will be decided by three ways:
- the one leading by 4 points even the time is not over yet or
- if one competitor reaches 7 points even the time is not over yet or
- the one leading by points after the time is over
- If there is a tie, the the one who has made the first point will win.
- If no point has been reached by both competitors, then the one who has shown more etiquette or politeness will win.
The organizers expect a clear increase in dramatic and dynamic combat scenes from this kind of competition method because it will finish with the usual way of tactical fighting by reducing speed or hindering the opponent's actions if one competitor is leading by points.
Also the time of competitions will be shortened remarkably because there is a chance to win a bout before the regular fighting time ends. Thus the good fighters will be able to save their power in a long tournament and the technical level is expected to rise. Moreover, for spectators should be more clear who is winning and why.
It remains to be seen if this interesting aspect of tournament fighting will be successful and how it will influence WTF's decisions about future shape of Taekwondo competition. Interested competitors or coaches can go to the homepage of Stuttgart University to get the full information.
