Para Taekwondo

Paralympic taekwondo follows all standard taekwondo rules with the aim being for each athlete to attempt to knockout their opponent with landing blows on their opponent’s torso. Para taekwondo is open to athletes with upper body impairments.

Para Taekwondo Athlete Resources, opens in a new tab

Eligibility in Para Taekwondo 

The three following impairment groups are eligible for Paralympic taekwondo. Only athletes with upper-limb impairments are eligible for Paralympic taekwondo.

  • Impaired Passive Range of Motion

    Athletes with Impaired Passive Range of Movement have a reduced ability for a joint to be passively moved that is consistent with an Underlying Health Condition affecting a structure of bones, joints, connective tissue, or soft tissues.

    Examples of Underlying Health Conditions leading to impaired passive range of motion include: arthrogryposis and contracture resulting from chronic joint immobilization or trauma affecting a joint.

  • Limb Deficiency

    Athletes with Limb Deficiency or Limb Length Difference have a total or partial absence of a limb or anatomically irregular limb dimensions that are consistent with an Underlying Health Condition resulting from trauma (traumatic amputation), illness (example: amputation due to bone cancer), or congenital causes affecting the bones and/or joints (example: dysmelia).


  • Impaired Muscle Power

    Athletes with Impaired Muscle Power have a reduced (or no) ability to contract their muscles to generate force that is consistent with an Underlying Health Condition affecting the structure and function of the central or peripheral nervous system or the muscles.

    Examples of Underlying Health Conditions leading to impaired muscle power include: spinal cord injuries, muscular dystrophy, post-polio syndrome, and spina bifida.

Sport Entry 

  • Entering the Pathway

    The first step for athletes looking to get involved in Para taekwondo is to join a club, also referred to as a school in the sport of Taekwondo, in their area. After joining a club, athletes must get tested for a belt.

    Before athletes can begin to compete, they will need to earn a certificate of at least an 8 Geup (roughly the equivalent of a yellow belt).

    To begin competing in international competitions, athletes will need to earn either the equivalent of a World Taekwondo recognized Para taekwondo Dan certificate (roughly the equivalent of a black belt) or a World Taekwondo issued and recognized 5-1 Geup.

  • Equipment

    At minimum, athletes will need the following equipment to begin competing in Para taekwondo:

    • Dobok (Taekwondo uniform)
    • Arm, shin, and mouth guards
    • Groin protector
    • Taekwondo socks and gloves specifically for competition

  • Para Taekwondo Talent Search

    Athletes interested in getting started in Para Taekwondo are encouraged to fill out the Para Taekwondo Talent Search survey.

    Once completed, a USA Taekwondo staff member will reach out to connect the athlete with the appropriate resources.

    Para Taekwondo Talent Search Survey, opens in a new tab

Classification 

USA Taekwondo currently does not offer National Classification. See below for information on the international classification process and the two sport classes within Paralympic taekwondo.

  • Ariana Aguila Paris(1)

    International Classification

    International Classification is managed by World Taekwondo, the international federation for the sport. The process of international classification involves verifying the athlete's underlying health condition, verifying the athlete has an eligible impairment, and an in-person assessment to ensure the athlete meets the minimum impairment criteria.

    World Taekwondo Classification, opens in a new tab

  • K41 and K44 Classes

    At the Paralympic level, K41 and K44 classes are combined to compete in the same events.

    • Athletes in the K41 class have bilateral amputations in their upper limbs through the elbow or an equivalent loss of function in both upper limbs.

    • Athletes in the K44 class have a unilateral amputation of an upper limb at least through the wrist, bilateral amputations of both upper limbs through the wrist, or equivalent loss of function.

Paralympic Scoring and Weight Classes 

  • Paralympic Scoring

    Athletes compete in three two-minute rounds with a minute rest between rounds. If the scores are tied after three rounds, an extra round is held. There are three types of valid points to the trunk:

    • Two points are awarded for a valid kick
    • Three points for a kick involving a 180-degree turn
    • Four points for a spinning kick involving a 360-degree turn

  • Men's Weight Classes

    At the Paralympic level, K41 and K44 classes are combined. All weight classes are for the K44 sport class:

    • -58kg
    • -63kg
    • -70kg
    • -80kg
    • +80kg

  • Women's Weight Classes

    At the Paralympic level, K41 and K44 classes are combined. All weight classes are for the K44 sport class:

    • -47kg
    • -52kg
    • -57kg
    • -65kg
    • +65kg

Next Steps 

  • Club Locator

    Find a USA Taekwondo club or school near you to start your journey!

    USA Taekwondo Club Locator, opens in a new tab

  • Selection Procedures

    View the 2026 Para National Team selection procedures to learn more about high performance in Para taekwondo.

    Selection Procedures, opens in a new tab

  • National Tournaments

    Athletes need a USATKD membership to compete in domestic national tournaments. View the full list of domestic Taekwondo tournaments to find an event near you.

    Domestic Events, opens in a new tab