What is the age for Tae Kwon Do tournaments?

Answer 1

In Korea, children often start training as young as age three.

But in most western countries, the majority of children lack the focus to properly absorb Taekwondo techniques at that age - in part, because we don't permit teachers to harshly discipline young children. My recommendation, based on two decades of experience, is to start a child no sooner than age five; though if the child has a particular interest in learning the art (such as an older sibling who's been studying it for some time) that could be shaded down to age four.

The ideal time to start might be around age seven or eight: the student is old enough to pay attention and absorb more complex skills (such as entire poomse forms, or specific sparring combinations), yet young enough to be at their most flexible and fearless.

Although, in some in the U.S.A. you can start at 2 years old.

Answer 2

Many taekwondo organizations sponsor 'national' competitions. The age limits for each tournament might be different. USATaekwondo, the organization associated with International Olympic Committee, offers competitive divisions from age 5 to 99; however, the most prestigious age category seems to be 18-32.

Answer 3

Note: There is a difference between a "class leader," "assistant instructor," fully certified "instructor," and a "Master Instructor" (other various titles are used depending on the association rules).

In most locations, there are no restrictions pertaining to age and teaching in the capacity of a senior student/class leader, instructor trainee, junior instructor, or assistant instructor. In most official Taekwondo schools and organizations, these levels of class leadership is done under the direct supervision of a certified, adult instructor. The student high ranking color belt student under the rank of 1st Poom (under age 15), or 1st Dan (15 and older), is not authorized to run a school, or teach classes unsupervised. Junior Black Belts (Poom) who are trained and certified to assist instruction might be as young as 9 years old, but are "in training" to become a fully certified instructor as an adult, and should not be teaching without adult supervision by a certified instructor.

Rank and teaching credentials are two separate issues, but minimum age and rank are usually required to be certified as an instructor. Most beginner instructors between the ages of 15 to 17, and holding the rank of 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Dan (Black Belt Degree) are in charge of certain classes, but not the entire teaching program, or a full functioning dojang (school). Senior instructors, or Masters, who run a school are called "sabeomnim" (사범님), and are rarely under 18 years old, or under 4th Degree. All other instructors at a school should be under the guidance, and supervision of the adult senior instructor, or Master.

Answer 4

Age requirements differ from tournament to tournament. Some tournaments accept competitors as young as five years old.