USATKD Safest Place to Play Initiative Directly Supports Fight Fearless Mentality

USATKD Safest Place to Play Initiative Directly Supports Fight Fearless Mentality

(Charlotte, NC), (December 20, 2023) - In a groundbreaking move, the United States Taekwondo Federation (USATKD) has announced a historic change in its uniform regulations, permitting all athletes to wear black pants during domestic competitions. 

USATKD aims to promote inclusivity and support the well-being of all athletes.  The Fight Fearless mentality is the ability to fight in an environment that is safe from physical and mental abuse.  It is an environment that enables competitive athletes’ education, programs, and guidelines that free the mind and allow for best-in-class competition.

For years, female athletes across various sports have grappled with the challenge of managing their cycles during rigorous training and high-stakes competitions. USATKD acknowledges the unique physiological considerations female taekwondo athletes face, and this change demonstrates a commitment to fostering a more equitable and supportive environment within the sport. USATKD is committed to promoting gender equality and inclusivity in taekwondo, recognizing that menstruation is a natural part of a woman's life and should not be a hindrance to her participation in the sport.

By foregoing the traditional white dobok pants and allowing female athletes to wear black pants during competitions USATKD hopes this will help female athletes focus on their performance and remove some of the added stress of managing their cycle. We believe that this change will empower female athletes to fight fearlessly at their highest level without worrying about this particular challenge posed by menstrual cycles.

Taekwondo is about physical and mental strength regardless of gender, and this change reflects our commitment to ensuring that every athlete has the equal opportunity to excel.  USATKD will be working closely with state associations and competition organizers to ensure the smooth implementation of this change, which will come into effect immediately. Tusah, USATKD Official Sponsor, has Classic Black Uniform Pants available for purchase for all athletes today via the USATKD PROSHOP.  Classic Black Uniform Pants (usatkdshop.com)

U.S. Taekwondo Athlete and Athlete Advisory Council Chair,  Carissa Fu shares “All athletes should be allowed the opportunity to compete in a safe and inclusive environment.  I believe this policy change from USATKD moves our sport in a direction toward providing that type of competition experience for the athletes.”

USATKD encourages other sports organizations, both inside of taekwondo and in other sports, to consider similar measures to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for female athletes and will discuss the matter with World Taekwondo in the hopes of seeing the change implemented at international competitions in the near future.

Please review updated U.S. Taekwondo Kyourgi Competition Rules.

https://www.usatkd.org/usatkd-competition-rules