How is Tae Kwon Do scored?

Answer 1

In W T F (Olympic style) Taekwondo sparring the following techniques are allowed

Players can punch (with a clenched fist).
And kick with any part of the foot below the ankle.
And that's it. No other techniques are allowed only punches and kicks.

Players can kick to two places: the opponent's chest protector or head.

Players can punch the opponent's chest protector. (Although it's got to be a very powerful punch to score!)

Punches to the head or face are not allowed.

Players can't kick or punch their opponent's spine or below the chest protector.

Taekwondo sparring rules - scoring points

One point for a basic attack to the chest protector (for example a basic turning kick).
Two points for a kick to the chest protector if the kick involves a spinning technique - (this includes back kick).
Three points for a head kick.

To score a point the punch or kick has to be accurate and powerful.
Light tapping kicks do not score.


In major competitions, chest protectors now have electronic scoring systems in them.
These are adjusted to take into account the weight category of the competitors.
(Heavier players have to kick harder to score a point.)

For head kicks and if non-electronic hogus are used then at least 3 judges have to see the point and score it at the same time.
The judges push a button when they see a point.

How is the winner decided?

At the end of 3 rounds (2 for juniors) the winner is the player with the most points.

A knock out is also a win.

If it's a draw after 3 rounds then there is a golden point round. The first player to score a point wins.
If no-one scores a golden point then the winner is the player who shows the best technique in the golden point round.

Answer 2

This depends on the type of karate, whether it may be full, semi or non contact karate. However,

Full contact scoring is 5 points to the head and groin, 3 points to chest and back and 1 point to the legs.

Semi Contact scoring is 5 points to the chest and one point for "ippon" on top of head.

Non contact is same as Full contact, however some styles don't score in non contact. The highest Sensei available who judges the fighting will judge as to whether the strike posed by the fighter would have had any effect or not and award the fight as over or not. These types of fights can last anything between a couple of seconds to generally less than a minute.

Answer 3

Taking that you mean the scoring system of WKF rules and regulations. One point is given for punches. Two points are given for a kick below face (on chest/back). Three points are given for a kick on face or K.O.