How is para-taekwondo different from traditional taekwondo?

Para-taekwondo is different from traditional taekwondo in several key ways:

Rules and Regulations

One of the main differences between para-taekwondo and traditional taekwondo is the rules and regulations that govern each sport:

Para-taekwondo has specific rules and regulations tailored to athletes with physical impairments, such as amputations or visual impairments.
Traditional taekwondo follows the rules set by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) or the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF), which do not cater to athletes with disabilities.

The evaluation criteria in para-taekwondo differ from traditional taekwondo:

Para-taekwondo competitions focus on the athletes’ ability to execute techniques while taking into account their specific impairments.
Traditional taekwondo competitions emphasize speed, power, technique, and accuracy without considering any physical limitations.

Para-taekwondo makes adaptations to accommodate athletes with disabilities, which sets it apart from traditional taekwondo:

Athletes with physical impairments in para-taekwondo may use prosthetic limbs or compete in a seated position, depending on the nature of their disability.
In traditional taekwondo, athletes are expected to perform techniques in a standing position without any allowances for disabilities.

The equipment and gear used in para-taekwondo differ from traditional taekwondo:

Athletes in para-taekwondo may use specialized protective gear or equipment based on their impairments, such as padded helmets for visual impairments or adaptive footgear for amputees.
Traditional taekwondo athletes typically use standard protective gear, such as helmets, chest protectors, shin guards, and gloves, regardless of any disabilities.

The training and coaching approaches in para-taekwondo are tailored to athletes with disabilities, unlike traditional taekwondo:

Coaches in para-taekwondo undergo specific training to work with athletes with disabilities and adapt training programs to individual needs.
In traditional taekwondo, coaches focus on developing the physical abilities of athletes without considering any disabilities, as the sport is primarily geared towards able-bodied individuals.

Para-taekwondo and traditional taekwondo have different competition categories to accommodate athletes with disabilities:

Para-taekwondo competitions are typically divided into categories based on the nature and severity of disabilities, ensuring fair competition among athletes with similar impairments.
Traditional taekwondo competitions do not have specific categories for athletes with disabilities, leading to challenges in ensuring equitable matchups and opportunities for participation.

Para-taekwondo focuses on recognition and inclusion of athletes with disabilities, which sets it apart from traditional taekwondo:

Para-taekwondo has gained recognition as a Paralympic sport, providing athletes with disabilities the opportunity to compete at a high level on a global stage.
Traditional taekwondo, while inclusive of individuals of all ages and backgrounds, does not have the same level of recognition or opportunities for athletes with disabilities to showcase their skills at an elite level.