Agree that tkd is severely flawed in that department
Which is why I'm interested in the idea of either an open TKD or kickboxing tournies.No, TKD is not. WTF-style TKD tournies are.
I should have said wtf eventsNo, TKD is not. WTF-style TKD tournies are.
Well, if we consider sparring to be training for fighting (which is not universally true by any means) then point sparring has what I personally consider a fatal flaw.
The assumption that you will only need to hit your opponent once, especially with the little backfist pops that are so popular in these events, is patently ridiculous.
Frankly, I will gladly let you hit me once, if in doing so I can set up a counter that will allow me to inflict more damage than you.
From what little I know, my school goes up against other schools that are also kukkiwon style, but I'm curious to know if there are any tournaments where they don't care what taekwondo style or organization your styles under?
Also, is pro-taekwondo still a thing?
Google United States Karate Alliance (USKA)
Their tourneys are all open to all styles.
It is a karate association but king fu practitioners can compete as well.
Sparring rules allow full contact to the body. Groin is legal target. Controlled Light contact to head is legal. 5 point matches.
Face contact allowed for adult black belts.
Required equipment: head gear, feet protectors, groin protection (cup), gloves
It's nice to hear that groin is still a legal target somewhere.