The interpersonal dynamics of taekwondo fighting

This study investigates the interpersonal dynamics of a taekwondo fighter–fighter system through the lens of ecological dynamics. The aim was to identify: 1) stable states of fight-fighter system coordination, 2) how the system organised in defensive and 3) attacking situations. Spatio-temporal data of taekwondo fighters from competitive fights was collected. Data was processed to express the taekwondo fighter–fighter system by the continuous time series parameter of interpersonal distance (IPD), the distance between two fighters over time. Data was analysed using linear mixed models, Pearson’s correlations and descriptive statistics. The fighter–fighter system spent most of the fight time (M = 60.43 %, SD = 7.76 %) at 101–200 cm IPD. From this distance, fighters fluctuated between attack (breaking IPD) and defence (maintaining IPD). Findings revealed how taekwondo fighters form a dyadic system that has specific metastable patterns of behaviour. These patterns of behaviour are likely shaped by individual intentions and action capabilities in interaction with task constraints (hit without getting hit). Results highlight the sensitivity that fighters have to their own and their opponent’s action capabilities. Findings have implications for the design of representative practice and research tasks in combat sports.