First virtual taekwondo held, the possibility of a new fighting competition that transcends physical limitations

Athletes wearing VR (virtual reality) goggles split into two groups and perform kicks and other moves. A sensor attached to the body instantly detects the movement. Virtual Taekwondo, in which avatars fight each other in virtual space, was held for the first time.

Since there is no contact, there is no risk of injury or damage. Since the avatars have a uniform physique, there are no classes. One round in real kumite is 2 minutes, while the virtual round is 1 minute. The selling point is that it can be enjoyed regardless of size or age.

Japanese male and female athletes compete against each other

There was a competition between Japanese male and female athletes.

It was held in three rounds, with the female Miho Nakajima (Shoshijuku) winning the first round. Hayate Suzuki (Shinjuku Taekwondo Club) won the remaining two rounds. The way my health gauge decreased on the screen in virtual space was just like a fighting game. Inside the venue, there was an announcement that ``the players themselves are the controllers themselves.''

Suzuki, who was defeated in the quarterfinals, was originally a kumite player. However, a few years ago, cancer was discovered in her bone, and she had her collarbone removed in 2023. I thought, ``I can't continue anymore,'' and just as I was starting my path to becoming a coach, Virtual came along. "I can do this. It's a diverse sport, so I think it will grow in the future."

In terms of management, some issues were highlighted, such as the time needed to adjust equipment after the athletes took to the mat, and the matches not starting immediately.

Nakajima says, ``There were parts where I felt like I was making the audience wait.However, I was glad that a variety of people could see it.''

New events will be updated as events are held in the future.