Competition
Para Taekwondo: Classes, Rules and How It Is Scored
Para taekwondo is a full-contact Paralympic sport for athletes with arm impairments. This guide covers the four sport classes, how a match runs, how points are scored and where the sport came from.
Reviewed by Daniel Reyes, 4th dan Kukkiwon, 18 years teaching | Last checked: October 29, 2026Para taekwondo was developed by World Taekwondo in 2006 and made its Paralympic debut at the Tokyo Games, held in 2021. It is sparring only, with no poomsae. Athletes compete in four sport classes, K41 to K44, based on arm impairment. A match has three 2-minute rounds, kicks to the head are forbidden and punches do not score.
| Developed | 2006, by World Taekwondo |
|---|---|
| First Paralympic Games | Tokyo, August 24 to September 5, 2021 |
| Format | Kyorugi (sparring) only |
| Sport classes | K41, K42, K43, K44 |
| Match | 3 rounds of 2 minutes, golden round if tied |
| Mat | 8 m in diameter |
The four sport classes
| Class | Arm impairment |
|---|---|
| K44 | One arm below the elbow |
| K43 | Both arms below the elbow |
| K42 | One arm above the elbow |
| K41 | Both arms above the elbow |
Classes K44 and K43 share a weight class and compete in one division. Athletes are also placed in weight classes, so the draw is built from sport class and body weight together. For how weight classes work in able-bodied events, see our weight class guide.
How a match runs
| Item | Rule |
|---|---|
| Format | Kyorugi (sparring) only |
| Rounds | 3 rounds of 2 minutes |
| Tied match | Golden round, first to score 2 points wins |
| Mat | 8 m in diameter |
| Head kicks | Forbidden |
| Punches | Do not score |
Scoring
| Technique | Points |
|---|---|
| Body kick | 2 |
| Turning kick to the body | 3 (adds 1) |
| Spinning kick to the body | 4 (adds 2) |
| Punch | 0 |
| Head kick | Not allowed |
Because punches and head kicks are out, a match is decided by kicks to the trunk. Turning and spinning kicks are worth more, so athletes train them even though they are harder to land. The general sparring rules are on our competition rules page.
History and growth
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 2006 | World Taekwondo develops Para taekwondo |
| 2009 | First World Championships: 36 athletes from 16 countries |
| 2019 | World Championships: 333 athletes from 66 countries |
| 2021 | Paralympic debut at Tokyo, the first full-contact Para sport |
| 2026 | Muju World Para Taekwondo Grand Prix: ten nations won gold |
Between the first World Championships and 2019 the field grew from 36 athletes to 333, and the number of countries from 16 to 66. That is roughly nine times as many athletes in ten years.
Starting out
Most schools run regular classes, so the practical question is whether the instructor will adapt drills. Ask a school before you enroll: have they coached students with arm impairments, can they adjust stances and kicking drills, and do they know a club that enters Para events. Use our school search or the school directory to build a shortlist, and visit each school’s class before you decide.
Frequently asked questions
What is para taekwondo?
Para taekwondo is a full-contact sparring sport for athletes with arm impairments. World Taekwondo developed it in 2006, and it joined the Paralympic Games at Tokyo, held in 2021.
What are the para taekwondo classes?
There are four: K44 (one arm below the elbow), K43 (both arms below the elbow), K42 (one arm above the elbow) and K41 (both arms above the elbow).
Is there poomsae in para taekwondo?
Not at the Paralympic Games. The Paralympic program is kyorugi (sparring) only.
How long is a para taekwondo match?
Three rounds of 2 minutes. If the score is tied, a golden round is fought and the first athlete to score 2 points wins.
How are points scored in para taekwondo?
Punches do not score and head kicks are forbidden. A body kick scores 2 points, a turning kick adds 1 for 3 total, and a spinning kick adds 2 for 4 total.
When did para taekwondo become a Paralympic sport?
It debuted at the Tokyo Paralympic Games, which ran from August 24 to September 5, 2021. It was the first full-contact Para sport at the Games.
How big are the World Para Taekwondo Championships?
The first, in 2009, had 36 athletes from 16 countries. The 2019 edition had 333 athletes from 66 countries.
Sources
- Paralympic Games: Sport Week, welcome to Para taekwondo
- Paralympic Games: Sport Week, 10 things to know about Para taekwondo
- Ten nations strike gold at Muju 2026 World Para Taekwondo Grand Prix