Mixed Poomsae: WT Rules Already Provide for World Ranking Points
ANALYSIS — World Taekwondo already specifies how to distribute points earned in Mixed Poomsae: 50% for Recognized Poomsae and 50% for Freestyle Poomsae. This provision offers a concrete foundation for promoting the individual format and expanding competitive opportunities beyond multi-sport events.
The development of Mixed Poomsae Competition has a tool that deserves greater attention: World Taekwondo’s ranking rules already specify how points earned in this format are distributed.
Article 3, Section 3 of the WT Poomsae Ranking Bylaw establishes that points earned according to an athlete’s finishing position are divided between Recognized Poomsae and Freestyle Poomsae. This is not a proposal awaiting approval, but a mechanism expressly provided for the combination of both disciplines.
This provides another reason to promote the format: beyond its sporting potential, a regulatory framework already exists to connect its results with the world rankings.
How the Points Are Divided
The rule establishes a 50% split for Recognized Poomsae and 50% for Freestyle Poomsae. For example, the Mixed winner at a G1 event receives 10 points in total: five for each discipline. At a G4 event, the table provides for 40 points, divided into 20 for each. The value of the result is not doubled; it is distributed between the two rankings.
This should be distinguished from the discussion about a separate ranking: the provision does not create an independent Mixed ranking. Instead, it allows points to count toward the existing Recognized Poomsae and Freestyle Poomsae rankings. Developing a dedicated Mixed ranking would be a separate discussion.
The current scope particularly supports the development of individual competition, since these are the events covered by the world ranking system. Pairs and teams are not included.
Santo Domingo 2026: A Case That Deserves Clarification
According to the information provided for this analysis, individual Poomsae results at the Santo Domingo 2026 Central American and Caribbean Games did not translate into ranking points. The Kyorugi record reviewed, meanwhile, identifies the Games as a G1 event.
The January 29, 2026 version of the technical manual mentions the WT ranking in the Kyorugi competition system but does not specify a G grade for Poomsae. That omission alone, however, does not establish that Poomsae lacked the required recognition.
The question is whether Poomsae had the appropriate recognition and whether the procedures required to credit its results were completed. The available documents do not establish the cause or support attributing it to a lack of awareness of the rule.
The distinction matters: using the Mixed format does not automatically make a competition eligible for ranking points. The rules require the appropriate WT recognition and the submission of official results within the established deadline. WT also determines the event’s grade.
Rather than assigning blame prematurely, this case highlights the importance of ensuring that athletes and coaches know the approved grade for their event and the requirements for earning points from the moment the event is announced.
The Next Step: More Opportunities at Open Tournaments
The rules also provide a path to expand the format’s presence. Article 1, Section 2.5 allows organizers to establish a combined Recognized Poomsae and Freestyle Poomsae division, depending on the nature of the tournament and subject to World Taekwondo’s approval.
In our view, gradually introducing individual Mixed Poomsae at selected G-ranked open tournaments would bring together format-specific preparation, international competition, and ranking points.
Athletes need opportunities to test themselves before their main target event in the Olympic cycle. Competing in Recognized Poomsae and Freestyle Poomsae separately does not replace the opportunity to assess both performances within a single competitive sequence, with its technical, physical, and mental demands. Coaches also need that experience to adjust their preparation.
The goal would not be to change every competition program immediately, but to offer approved events with clear conditions announced well in advance. It remains to be seen which organizers will take that step and help build a calendar that does not depend primarily on major multi-sport events.
The rules for distributing points are already in place. Putting them to use through more competitions and consistent implementation could make Mixed Poomsae a practical tool for the competitive evolution of the discipline.
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