Competition Taekwondo is not just fighting — it is chess at full speed.
At Superior Taekwondo, our competition programme is designed for athletes who want more than just fitness. We develop complete competitors: technically sharp, physically dominant, and mentally resilient. Whether your goal is your first regional podium or a place on the New Zealand national team, this is where that journey gets serious.
Our head coach brings Olympic-level insight to every session. That means you are not just learning how to kick hard — you are learning why the right kick at the right moment wins the match. Strategy, timing, distance management, and mental composure are trained as deliberately as any physical skill.
The competition team trains out of our base in Helensville, serving athletes from across North West Auckland, Kaukapakapa, Waimauku, and the wider Rodney District.
What Competition Training Includes
Tactical Strategy
Every athlete receives individual tactical coaching. We study opponent tendencies, build counter-attacking setups, and develop a personal fighting style that exploits your strengths.
Setup & Combination Drills
Competition is won on combinations, not single strikes. We drill structured attack chains, feint-to-score sequences, and defensive counters until they are instinctive under pressure.
Live Sparring
Controlled, purposeful sparring with a focus on applying tactical learning in real-time situations. Sparring is analysed and debriefed to accelerate development.
Fight Conditioning
Competition-specific fitness: explosive power, anaerobic capacity, match-duration endurance, and rapid recovery. Conditioning is tailored to the demands of WT tournament formats.
Video Analysis
Athletes review sparring footage to identify patterns, correct habits, and develop self-awareness — a method used by elite combat sports programmes worldwide.
Tournament Preparation
Pre-competition camps, weight management guidance, mental preparation techniques, and warm-up protocols ensure athletes peak on competition day.
How the Programme Works
Assessment & Placement
New competition students complete an initial assessment. We review technical foundation, fitness base, and competitive history to determine the right entry point and design an individual development plan.
Technical Foundation Sessions
Before live sparring becomes the focus, we refine fundamental mechanics — guard position, footwork patterns, chamber-to-extension efficiency, and defensive habits. Good competition is built on excellent basics.
Tactical Training Blocks
Training follows structured blocks tied to the competition calendar. Each block has a theme — for example, counter-attacking or closing distance — which is developed systematically over several weeks.
Sparring & Live Application
Progressive sparring introduces athletes to full-speed application. Early rounds are theme-driven (e.g., 'attack only from the lead leg'); later rounds simulate match-condition pressure.
Competition & Review
Athletes compete at TNZ-affiliated tournaments with full coach support. Post-tournament reviews identify what worked, what to adjust, and how to set goals for the next cycle.
Who Is Competition Training For?
The Ambitious Beginner
You have been in general class for 6+ months, you love the challenge, and you want to test yourself against others. Competition training will accelerate your development dramatically.
The Returning Athlete
You competed before — school, another club — and want to get back into it with proper coaching. We will assess where you are and build from there.
The National Aspirant
You are chasing TNZ selection, Australian Open qualification, or the Olympic pathway. This programme is built around athletes with that level of ambition.
Common Problems We Fix
❌ Losing on the scoreboard despite feeling competitive
✅ We study the scoring system and teach athletes to optimise every exchange for maximum points.
❌ Gassing out in the second and third rounds
✅ Our conditioning programme is matched to the exact energy demands of a WT match format.
❌ Freezing under tournament pressure
✅ We use progressive stress inoculation in training and teach mental reset routines used by elite athletes.
❌ Training the same thing every session with no progress
✅ Our periodised programming has clear blocks, themes, and measurable milestones so development is visible.
❌ No coach support at tournaments
✅ Our coaches attend tournaments with the team, providing cornering, real-time strategy adjustments, and emotional support.
Our Promise to You
We are transparent about what competition training requires: commitment, consistency, and a willingness to be challenged. We will not tell you it is easy — but we will tell you it is worth it.
Every athlete in our competition programme receives an honest assessment of their development. We celebrate wins and we address weaknesses directly — because that is how champions are made.
We are aligned with World Taekwondo (WT) and Taekwondo New Zealand (TNZ), so every grade, every result, and every ranking point your athlete earns is officially recognised.
No false promises. Just serious coaching for serious athletes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need previous competition experience to join?
No. We welcome athletes transitioning from general training into competition. We assess your current skill level and develop a personalised training pathway suited to your goals and experience.
What age can athletes start competition training?
We typically introduce competition training from around 10–12 years of age, though this depends on the individual's maturity and technical foundation. Our coaches assess readiness on a case-by-case basis.
How often does the competition team train?
Competition team sessions are held in addition to regular class attendance. Frequency varies by season and upcoming tournament schedule. Athletes are expected to maintain consistent training attendance.
What equipment do I need for competition training?
You will need an approved WTF-style dobok (uniform), full sparring gear including hogu (chest protector), head guard, forearm/shin guards, and a mouthguard. We can advise on approved brands and suppliers.
Can I compete internationally from this club?
Yes. Several Superior Taekwondo athletes have represented New Zealand at international events. We are aligned with Taekwondo New Zealand (TNZ) and actively support athletes pursuing national team selection.
What is the difference between Kyorugi and Poomsae competition?
Kyorugi is Olympic-style point sparring — a dynamic, tactical combat sport. Poomsae is pattern-based competition judged on technique, power, and presentation. Our competition class focuses primarily on Kyorugi.
Ready to Compete?
Take the first step toward tournament excellence. Talk to our coaching team about joining the competition programme.