Proposed changes to Kyorugi Rules 2025: What coaches need to know
Once again World Taekwondo are looking at making changes to the Kyorugi competition. Based on feedback after the recent 2024 Paris Olympics, WT are currently analyzing and testing a set of modifications to the sparring rules. These changes are not definitive, they are currently part of a technical evaluation process.
The WT General Assembly, being held on October 23rd 2025, a decision will be made on whether or not to approve them for the Olympic cycle leading up to LA 2028.
PROPOSED CHANGES:
Scoring system: simplification and clarity
Current rules (in force since September 2024):
- 1 point: punch to the body.
- 2 points: kick to the body.
- 3 points: kick to the head.
- 4 points: spinning kick to the body.
- 5 points: spinning kick to the head.
- 1 additional point for each warning given to the opponent.
Proposal under trial:
- Maintain 1 point for a punch to the body (registered with electronic gloves).
- 2 points for a kick to the body.
- 3 points for a kick to the head.
- Eliminate bonuses for spinning kicks.
Technical implications for coaches/athletes:
The format becomes clearer to understand for athletes and spectators, but we may see a reduction in spinning kicks as there is no incentive for these high risk techniques.
Use of Video Replay (IVR): reduction of interruptions
Current rules (2024):
- The coach may request a review for kicks to the head not scored by the electronic system.
- The coach can also request a review for any gamjeon's to their player.
- The coach can also request IVR for some selected missed gamjeon's to the opponent.
- The referee may also request a review in cases of clear hits to the head or gamjeon situations.
Proposal under trial:
- IVR would be restricted to gamjeon's only.
- Reviews requested by the coach for missed kicks to the head are eliminated.
- Only the referee could request a review for misses head kicks in very obvious cases.
Technical implications:
Athletes would have to ensure clear and solid contact to the head (like it used to be!). Reliance on the video review would no longer be a strategic resource. (extra rest etc). The benefit for spectators is the speed of the match with less interruptions, fitness would be rewarded again.
Number of referees: reduction in the octagon
Current rules:
- One center referee and three judges, or in some cases one central referee and two corner judges.
Proposal under trial:
- Officially establish a fixed format of one center referee and two corner judges.
Technical implications:
Fewer referees mean a more agile system, but also greater reliance on technology to score points. For coaches and athletes, it will be crucial to ensure accuracy of strikes on the sensors.
Introduction of electronic gloves with sensors
Current rules:
- Fist points were validated by the judges, as the approved gloves did not yet have a mandatory sensor.
Proposal under trial:
- Use of electronic gloves (Daedo brand), capable of automatically scoring impacts and sending a clear signal to the referee.
Technical implications:
This represents a substantial change in the scoring of the fist, which until now depended on human perception. It is expected to increase the relevance of punches in matches forcing athletes/coaches to change their fight strategies.
What happens next?
These tests are part of a global process that has already been tested at the recent WT 2025 German Open and will soon be replicated in Russia. The final decision will be made in Wuxi, China, in October 2025, during the World Taekwondo Assembly, prior to the World Championships.
Nothing is confirmed: the changes may still undergo adjustments or even be discarded.
In conclusion: the proposed changes being tested are designed to speed up matches but increase the overall reliability on technology. They will directly affect athletes/coaches strategy and the execution of techniques.
It is important that coaches stay informed and are aware of the proposals as they may need to begin to adapt quickly.
