8/23/2026
When we protect our athletes, we protect Taekwondo.
Whether you are working towards your white belt or black belt, all athletes are equal when wearing the dobok. Practicing using their entire bodies in self-defense, this Korean martial arts form develops focus, confidence, and self-discipline in athletes. Relying on the kick for strong and powerful strikes, students of this discipline must learn concentration to garner balance, strength, and endurance. Athletes spin, jump, and sometimes use their fists to deliver blows in an effort to win the match. When we protect those practicing Taekwondo, we keep this sport safe and healthy for all.
Courage First Athlete Helpline
Use this resource if you are in need of confidential emotional support, crisis intervention, informational athlete-focused resources, and guidance related to concerns about any type of abuse.
The Courage First Athlete Helpline is a no-cost call and text service for anyone in need. +1 888-279-1026
Common Taekwondo Safeguarding Concerns
Abuse and misconduct can happen in all sports, at every level of play. Taekwondo has some specific vulnerabilities, such as:
- Since taekwondo is a specialized combat sport, coaches can have unchecked authority over athletes and can potentially minimize toxic behaviors demonstrated by athletes or the coaches themselves by saying, “This is how we’ve always done things.” Authoritarian coaching and unquestioned authority are linked to a higher risk of abuse.
- In taekwondo, athletes may be taught “toxic resilience,” which means to push limits, ignore pain, and endure violence. This can lead to increased risk of injury, neglect, and abuse.
- Taekwondo often requires frequent travel, and a variety of venues are used for practice and competition. It can be difficult to identify isolated and other high-risk areas at variable and unfamiliar locations.
What’s the difference between tough coaching & abuse?
The Coach Athlete Relationship Dynamics Diagrams below can be used as a gut check; consider the conduct you experience and observe in your sporting community, and discern whether what is occurring aligns with a caring and supportive coach-athlete relationship. For athletes who have unhealthy relationship dynamics with their coaches, inappropriate behavior can be subtle and difficult to discern. Awareness and prevention of these patterns of power and control help keep everyone safe.
Current Events
Unfortunately, news articles chronicling misconduct in sport and unhealthy coach-athlete dynamics are frequent and widespread. Abuse in sport has been occurring for decades, and the public is now becoming aware of these hidden situations as more and more survivors bravely disclose and report misconduct they have experienced. #WeRideTogether is committed to increasing awareness and continually updating this compiled list of current events on the topic of sexual abuse in sport. Sexual misconduct is happening across all sports, at all levels, internationally.
9/4/2025
Arunachal Taekwondo star accuses ATA official of abuse
6/3/2025
Former Maine taekwondo instructor accused of sexually abusing a child dies
12/20/2024
Costa Rica stripped of taekwondo events amid abuse scandal
10/11/2026
As sports betting is normalized, college players have become targets of aggrieved bettors
10/6/2026
Gresham Man Accused Of Faking His Age To Participate In Youth Sports And Sexually Abusing Children, Faces More Charges
10/1/2026
Ohio State Could Owe Millions More to Prior Strauss Sex-Abuse Plaintiffs
9/30/2026
Burke County high school coach charged with felony sex act with a student
Taekwondo Resources
Below are resources related to Physical Safety and Safeguarding within Taekwondo.
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5 Key Practices of Sportsmanship in Martial Arts
Safeguarding
Learn about key aspects of sportsmanship and how they relate to safeguarding in martial arts.
Crash Course: Concussion Education
Physical Safety
Learn about the prevention and treatment of concussions.
Injury Prevention Series Martial Arts
Physical Safety
Develop an understanding of injury prevention in martial arts.
USA Taekwondo - Concussion Information
Physical Safety
Learn about concussion recognition, protocol, and prevention in taekwondo.
Survivor Stories
Survivors are increasingly stepping forward to bravely tell their stories. The following stories reflect the survivors’ personal experiences, as told by them, and may be triggering for individuals who have experienced sexual abuse or misconduct. All information has been anonymized.
If you are a survivor interested in sharing your story and learning more about this process, please reach out to us at info@weridetogether.today.
We want to hear from you!
You are not alone.
What resources or information do you want for your sport? Contact us and let us know.
If you or someone you know has experienced misconduct or abuse, please access these resources for help. For additional information on confidential helplines, sexual assault reporting procedures, and mental health resources, click the button below.
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