About

TAEKWONDO AT MUTKD

Taekwondo is the national sport of South Korea and a Korean martial art that translates to “The Way of the Fist and Foot.” While there are several branches of Taekwondo with their own styles and rulesets, Melbourne University Taekwondo Club is predominantly associated with World Taekwondo (WT). As a club, we emphasise Taekwondo as a combat sport, with a stronger focus on competitive training rather than traditional self defence. Under WT, Taekwondo competition is divided into two main disciplines: Kyorugi and Poomsae.

KYORUGI

Kyorugi is the Korean term for sparring. It involves two competitors facing each other in a matted arena while wearing protective equipment.

Points are awarded for clean and accurate contact to the opponent’s chest guard or head guard. Matches are contested over a best of three rounds, with each round won by the competitor who scores more points.

Members holding yellow belt rank and above are eligible to compete in kyorugi. Rules vary slightly between belt divisions to ensure fair and safe competition.

POOMSAE

Poomsae refers to Taekwondo patterns, which are sequences of techniques linked together to form a continuous routine. Under World Taekwondo, there are 17 recognised forms, divided into Gup patterns known as Taeguk, and Dan patterns for black belts.

	Gup Patterns	Dan Patterns
	Taeguk Il Jang	Koryo
	Taeguk Ee Jang	Keumgang
	Taeguk Sam Jang	Taebek
	Taeguk Sah Jang	Pyongwon
	Taeguk Oh Jang	Sipjin
	Taeguk Yuk Jang	Ji Tae
	Taeguk Chil Jang
	Taeguk Pal Jang

At MUTKD, training covers patterns up to fifth Dan due to age category limits. Poomsae plays an important role in refining fundamental techniques and serves as a key indicator of a student’s readiness to progress to higher belt levels. In competition, poomsae is judged on accuracy, technique, and presentation, with scores awarded out of maximum of 10.0 points.

THE FIVE TENETS OF TAEKWONDO

COURTESY (예의)

Showing respect and consideration towards others.

INTEGRITY (염치)

Being honest and trustworthy without compromise.

PERSEVERANCE (인내)

The patience to never give up in pursuit of one's goals.

SELF CONTROL (극기)

Control of mind & body, in actions & reactions.

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT (백절불굴)

To have courage in the face of adversity.