Although sparring can be done without protections to demonstrate control and accuracy, most sparring is done according to Olympic Rules with full protections and mainly kicks. Like a game of chess, the key is to bring the opponent into the right frame of mind and position to carry out attacks that score points. Kiriougui is an exciting and high intensity sport, rated one of the most exacting cardio practices of any sport. Because of the many rules for the safety of contestants, it has become less interesting to watch as only a small subset of Taekwondo techniques are allowed in Olympic sparring. However to develop cardio endurance, self-confidence and resilience, Kiriougui is a very interesting complement to the other aspects of the martial art.
At training, sparring is done with higher and lower belts, heavier and lighter opponents and the key is to develop cardio resistance, endurance, resilience and calm when receiving a strike, strategic thinking and to broaden the set of techniques and combinations one can execute quickly and to great effect.
At competitions where contestants will aggressively try to win, participants are matched to their own weight and belt categories.
To enjoy Kiriougui fully, each practitioner must come with a full set of protections at training.
