From cumulative points to the ‘Best of Three’ system: a comprehensive analysis of World Taekwondo rule changes and their performance implications

Naiara Ribeiro  Almeida; Esteban  Aedo-Muñoz; Diego Valenzuela  Pérez; Felipe  Aidar; Bianca Miarka; Ciro Brito

doi:10.18002/rama.v21i1.2610

Authors

Naiara Ribeiro Almeida Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Department of Physical Education. Federal University of Juiz de Fora https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9454-7768
Esteban Aedo-Muñoz Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1544-2824
Diego Valenzuela Pérez Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de las Américas https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9884-1187
Felipe Aidar Postgraduate Program of Physiological Science, Postgraduate Program of Movement Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7378-4529
Bianca Miarka Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Performance in Sports & Combats, School of Physical Education and Sports. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7513-7605
Ciro Brito Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Department of Physical Education. Federal University of Juiz de Fora https://orcid.org/0000-0002-9678-1977

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18002/rama.v21i1.2610

Keywords:

Martial arts, combat sports, taekwondo, competition, performance indicators, physiological demands, technical-tactical analysis, Protector Scoring System

Abstract

Taekwondo competition rules underwent profound transformations between 2012 and 2026, driven by the need for transparency and to increase spectator appeal. This study analyzed the regulatory evolution of taekwondo and its impact on match dynamics and performance. To this end, we reviewed official World Taekwondo documents and scientific literature to synthesize changes in scoring, technology, and combat structure. The main results indicated that evolution was marked by the progressive implementation of the Protector Scoring System (PSS), expanding from torso-only in 2012 to head and sock sensors in 2017. The 2022 reform introduced the “Best of Three” system, resetting scores every round and capping at five gam-jeom (penalties) per round. By 2026, updates integrated sensing gloves for punches and a 60 cm “Warning Area” for spatial awareness. Scoring reforms increased the value of complex techniques, such as raising turning head kicks to six points (2026). Penalty frameworks transitioned from a 10-penalty disqualification limit (2017) to a 5-penalty round-loss threshold (2022). Structural changes included the transition to octagonal arenas and streamlining Instant Video Review by removing head-kick reviews when the PSS is used (2026). Analysis of the scientific literature indicates that these regulatory shifts have increased combat intensity, with studies reporting a rise in post-combat lactate levels and higher kinematic demands, forcing athletes to adopt more offensive technical-tactical strategies. In conclusion, the regulatory trajectory has modernized taekwondo into a more dynamic, technologically driven, and physically demanding sport. The shift to independent round scoring and 2026 updates prioritizes explosive performance and spectator clarity, requiring training protocols to adapt to the increased anaerobic and strategic demands.

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Author Biographies

Naiara Ribeiro Almeida, Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Department of Physical Education. Federal University of Juiz de Fora

Naiara Ribeiro de Almeida (Brazil) is a PhD candidate in Physical Education at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. She holds a degree in Physical Education from the Vale do Rio Doce University, a specialization in Exercise Physiology and Exercise Prescription from the Gama Filho University, a Bachelor's degree in Physical Education from the Claretiano University Center, and an MSc in Physical Education from the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. Her research focuses on exercise physiology, Pilates, sport and exercise psychology, and combat sports, with particular emphasis on taekwondo, judo, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. She is a member of the Group for Research in Sport and Exercise Psychology (GIPPEE) and the Group for Studies in Combat Sports (GEEEC). She has published scientific articles in international journals on sports performance, supplementation, biomechanics, and combat sports, and actively participates in academic research and graduate education. Email: naiara.ribeiro@ufjf.br.
Esteban Aedo-Muñoz, Escuela de Ciencias de la Actividad Física, el Deporte y la Salud, Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad de Santiago de Chile

Esteban Aedo-Muñoz (Chile), PhD, is Professor at the University of Santiago of Chile, Professor in the Graduate Program in Physical Education at the Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences, and Head of the Sports Biomechanics Laboratory at the National Sports Institute of Chile. He holds a degree in Physical Education, Sports and Recreation and a PhD in Physical Education from the Metropolitan University of Educational Sciences, and completed postdoctoral training at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. His research focuses on sports biomechanics, neuromuscular assessment, performance analysis, and high-performance sport, with particular emphasis on combat sports such as judo, taekwondo, boxing, and Brazilian jiu-jitsu. He has published extensively in international scientific journals and serves as reviewer and editorial board member for several journals in sport sciences. He has coordinated numerous research projects involving biomechanical and physiological evaluation of elite athletes and has received academic distinctions for his contributions to sports science in Chile. Email: esteban.aedo@usach.cl.
Diego Valenzuela Pérez, Facultad de Salud y Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de las Américas

Diego Ignacio Valenzuela Pérez (Chile), PhD, is Kinesiologist and researcher in the field of exercise physiology and sports sciences. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Kinesiology from Santo Tomás University, a Master’s degree in Sports Medicine and Science from Universidad Mayor, and a PhD in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences from the Technical University of Madrid. He currently serves as National Director of the School of Kinesiology and was also National Director of the Master’s Program in Physical Activity and Sport Sciences at Santo Tomás University. His research focuses on exercise physiology, sports performance, energy metabolism, ergospirometry, and combat sports. He has published numerous articles in high-impact international journals, including studies on judo, taekwondo, rapid weight loss, and nutritional supplementation in combat athletes. He has collaborated extensively with international research groups, particularly in partnership with Brazilian and European institutions, and has contributed to graduate education in Chile and Brazil. Email: dvalenzuelap@udla.cl.
Felipe Aidar, Postgraduate Program of Physiological Science, Postgraduate Program of Movement Sciences, Federal University of Sergipe

Felipe J. Aidar (Brazil), PhD, is Associate Professor in the Department of Physical Education at the Federal University of Sergipe. He is a Physical Education professional and a third-degree black belt in judo, with extensive experience integrating scientific research and practical applications in combat sports. He holds MSc and PhD degrees in Sport Sciences from the University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro. He completed postdoctoral training in Strength Training at the University of Beira Interior, in Exercise Biochemistry and Immunology at the Federal University of Minas Gerais, and in Integrative Physiology at the University of Manitoba. His research focuses on combat sports, strength training, exercise physiology, adapted physical activity, and health-related exercise interventions. He has published numerous articles in international scientific journals and coordinates social and academic initiatives involving physical activity for special populations and children in socially vulnerable contexts. Email: fjaidar@gmail.com
Bianca Miarka, Laboratory of Psychophysiology and Performance in Sports & Combats, School of Physical Education and Sports. Federal University of Rio de Janeiro

Bianca Miarka (Brazil), PhD, is Professor and researcher at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, where she coordinates the Psychophysiology and Performance in Sports and Combat Sports Research Group (PPSC) and the PPSC Laboratory. She holds MSc and PhD degrees in Biodynamics from the University of São Paulo, as well as degrees in Sport Sciences and Psychology, and completed postdoctoral training at the Federal University of Pelotas. A former international athlete, she represented Brazil in both rowing and judo, winning titles in international competitions. Her research focuses on psychophysiology, biofeedback, and technical-tactical performance analysis, with particular emphasis on combat sports and martial arts. She has published more than 200 scientific articles in international journals and has collaborated with leading universities worldwide. In addition to her academic work, she has provided scientific consulting to elite athletes, including Olympic medalists and UFC champions, contributing to performance enhancement through advanced psychophysiological and technical-tactical assessment. Email: biancamiarka@gmail.com
Ciro Brito, Postgraduate Program in Physical Education, Department of Physical Education. Federal University of Juiz de Fora

Ciro José Brito (Brazil), PhD, is Associate Professor at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora and advisor in the Graduate Program in Physical Education (Master’s and PhD) jointly offered by the Federal University of Viçosa and the Federal University of Juiz de Fora. He holds a Bachelor’s and Teaching Degree in Physical Education from the Federal University of Viçosa, a Master’s degree in Nutrition Science from the same institution, and a PhD in Physical Education from the Catholic University of Brasília. He completed postdoctoral studies in Physical Activity Science at the Technical University of Madrid and in Biomechanics at the University of Santiago of Chile. He is the leader of GRECO (Group for Studies in Martial Arts and Combat Sports), coordinating research focused on physiological, biomechanical, and performance aspects of combat sports and martial arts. His main areas of research include combat sports, exercise physiology, sports nutrition, biomechanics, and training assessment. He has published numerous articles in international scientific journals and supervises master's and doctoral students in the field of sports sciences. Email: ciro.brito@ufjf.br

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