Don’t fancy getting someone’s foot launched into your head? Virtual Taekwondo is the perfect solution. In this new virtual Machina Sport, you get decked out in full-body motion-tracking sensors and throw on a headset. Then, you put your kicking skills to the test in a virtual realm against a real opponent. VR-powered Taekwondo represents a new frontier for combat sports, as it’s able to recreate the feel of the original sport but without the risk of injury, particularly brain trauma.
Virtual Taekwondo is the brainchild of Singapore-based tech company Refract. They wanted to recreate legendary fighting games like Mortal Kombat and Tekken in real life. Refract has successfully created an immersive gaming experience where you actually feel like you’re fighting against a human opponent. Refract’s Virtual Taekwondo uses full-body motion-tracking powered by the company’s Active XR Interface System (AXIS). It’s like playing an ultra-realistic video game, but instead of clicking buttons, you actually get a serious workout as you throw kicks and bounce around in an effort to avoid your opponent’s strikes. With the AXIS technology, virtually every sport can be taken to the virtual realm.
How Does Virtual Taekwondo Work?
To play Virtual Taekwondo, you need to wear a VR headset and up to 10 sensors, which are applied all over your body. The sensors ensure that even the slightest twitch of your body is captured and projected into the game in real time. In front of you, there’s a massive HD screen where you can see yourself and your opponent. If you enjoy fighting games but can’t ever drag yourself to the gym, this may be the perfect solution because you burn some serious calories while playing VR Taekwondo.
You aren’t attached to any cable or wires when you play Virtual Taekwondo. You have total freedom to move around the game. Due to the number of sensors on your entire body, you can create your own fighting style, for example, you focus on throwing quick jabs to your opponent’s body or get a little more creative and unleash spinning kicks to the other fighter’s head. However, we recommend doing a few stretches before you start leaping in the air and doing your best Bruce Lee impression.
The rules in Virtual Taekwondo are exactly the same as Olympic Taekwondo. The goal is to score points through controlled and accurate strikes using hands and feet. Legal target areas include the torso and head. Punches and kicks with proper technique are allowed, with points awarded based on the contact’s accuracy and power. However, certain actions, such as hitting below the waist or using prohibited techniques, result in penalties. Whoever has the most points at the end of the match wins.
Refract is excited about the future of their AXIS platform. They believe that the takeover of VR sports is inevitable as this technology improves. Traditional sports will be forced to adapt and add the latest technology. The IOC has already shown that they’re willing to include non-traditional sports in the Olympics, so it may not be too long until virtual sports enter the Olympics.
President of the World Taekwondo Federation Sees VR Taekwondo in the 2028 Olympic Games
Dr. Chungwon Choue, President of the World Taekwondo Federation, is excited about the partnership with Refract, and he envisions virtual sports and virtual Taekwondo debuting at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. He said, “In today’s society, it’s never been more important to transcend physical barriers. With Virtual Taekwondo, we promote fitness, well-being, and community to a wider, digitally-savvy audience.”
The exciting thing about Virtual Taekwondo and other virtual sports is the barriers it breaks down. No longer will athletes be confined to competing against their own gender or age group. Also, virtual sports give athletes without access to training partners or facilities a more equal chance.
Virtual Taekwondo was recently one of nine featured games at the Olympic Esports Series 2023, making Dr. Chungwon Choue’s vision of VR Taekwondo becoming an Olympic sport that much closer to reality. The event, which took place in Singapore on the 25th of June, featured 16 talented athletes. In a thrilling contest, two-time Olympic gold medalist Wu Jingyu took the bronze medal after being defeated by local youth athlete Nigel Tan, who earned gold, while fellow Singaporean athlete Natalie Tor took the silver medal.
