Championships - Rules and Scoring

The information on this page is respectfully taken from the program for the 2000 National Championships.

Hyung

Hyung are an essential part of Moo Duk Kwan training. Sometimes referred to as a "fighting dance," a hyung is a planned sequence of blocks and attacks executed in the direction of imaginary opponents. Hyungs condition the mind and body by providing opportunities to develop focus, balance, speed control, and discipline.

The following are the elements used by judges to evaluate the performance of competitors hyungs:

1. Form Sequence: Performing the movements in their correct sequence.

2. Power Control: Command of explosive, focused power.

3. Tension and Relaxation: Breathing and timing in controlled power.

4. Speed and Rhythm Control: Proper speed for the subsequences in the form.

5. Direction of Movement: Balance and confidence in turns.

6. Spirit or Attitude: Calmness and humility due to dedication to perfection in performance.

7. Power of Technique: The offensive and defensive moves are of equal power.

8. Understanding of Technique: The techniques happen without thought.

9. Distinctive Features of the Form: Spectators should be aware of the kinds of attacks and direction of attackers the form is designed for.

10. Perfect Finish: The form ends at the same spot at which it began.

11. Precision of Movements: Displaying the finest logical coordination of balance, distance, power, ability, and control.

12. Intentness: The eyes show determination and preparedness.

13. Proper breathing control.

14. Ring protocol as set by the TAC.

Scoring of hyungs is based on a point system, with the lowest possible score being 5 points and the highest being 10 points. There are up to five judges for each division. Each judge awards a score between 5 and 10 points. Typically the highest and lowest scores are dropped, and the remaining scores are added together. The highest cumulative score determines the winner. Note: a score of a perfect 10 should not be given, in keeping with the Moo Duk Kwan philosophy.

Hyung Ring Positions

Sparring

Sparring is a test of the ability of two participants to respond with the techniques learned in their daily training to spontaneous attacks and defenses.

The center referee controls the activity of the ring and monitors contestant safety and the four ring judges. The four ring judges are located at the corners of the ring. They evaluate the sparring match and request a stop in the action for the verification of a point by either participant. The sparring match is 2 minutes long and time is not usually stopped while the action is stopped to determine a call. The center referee or any ring judge can request a stop of the action for the determination of a point call, because the participants are outside the ring area, or to request a warning for improper conduct by a participant.

Sparring Ring Positions

The contestant on the left side of the center referee, as he or she faces the head table to bow, is designated "red" and the other as "white." This designation is made to distinguish the participants when points are awarded. The contestants spar continuously unless instructed to stop by the center referee. When the action is stopped for a point call decision, each judge must make one of three basic calls. Point - The flag with the color of the contestant being awarded a point is raised. A point is scored when a proper technique is delivered to the proper target area (between the belt and the head on the front side of the body only). No Point - Both flags are crossed and pointed toward the floor. Could Not See - Both flags are crossed and raised in front of the face.

In the case of contact, judges who see the contact have three possible choices of calls: Warning with Point - The flag with the color of the contestant being awarded a point and given a warning is tapped on the other flag, then raised. Warning No Point - The flag with the color of the contestant being given a warning is tapped on the other flag, then extended parallel to the ground. Disqualification - The flag with the color of the contestant being disqualified is tapped on the other flag, then extended toward the ground. The head referee is authorized to issue warnings in other situations.