There can be no mistaking what makes ‘Taekwondo’ such a compelling sport - the name translates into English from Korean as ‘the art of kicking and punching’. The ancient martial art is characterised by head-height, jumping and spinning kicks and a wide range of punches to either the head or body. Competitors perform within an eight-metre octagon, against either an imagined opponent in the case of the poomsae discipline, or another competitor in the case of kyorugi, when protective equipment is also worn. Known to be an effective form of self-defence, taekwondo trains both the body and the mind with an emphasis on strict discipline and solid moral character. A sport for all sizes, there are eight weight classes in each of the men’s and women’s competitions at Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games. Be sure to get your kicks at the Messe Essen.