ITF Regulations
Individual Sparring (Matsogi)
Continuous full-contact sparring between two competitors under ITF rules. Bouts are typically two rounds of 2 minutes with a 1-minute break; finals may add a third round or extra time on a tie.
Points
- 1 point: hand attack to the mid or high section.
- 2 points: foot attack to the mid section, or jumping hand attack to the high section.
- 3 points: foot attack to the high section.
- 4 points: jumping foot attack to the high section.
- 5 points: jumping foot attack to the high section with a 360 degree turn.
- Attacks must be delivered with proper technique, focus and control to a legal target.
Penalties
- Juui (warning): minor infraction. Three juui equal one gam-jeom.
- Gam-jeom (foul): -1 point deducted from the offender's score.
- Three gam-jeom during a bout result in disqualification.
- Fouls include: attacking illegal targets, grabbing, pushing, falling on purpose, stepping out of the ring, uncontrolled contact.
Methods of Victory
- Win by Score: highest total points at the end of regulation.
- Judges' Decision: tied score resolved by majority of corner judges.
- Referee Superiority: decision by the centre referee when judges are split.
- KO / TKO: opponent unable to continue after a legal technique.
- Disqualification: three gam-jeom or a serious rule violation.
- Withdrawal / Doctor Stop: opponent unable or unfit to continue.
- White Flag: coach or fighter concedes by tossing the towel / flag.
- Walk-over: opponent fails to appear on the mat.