Effects of match simulation games on physical characteristics and taekwondo techniques in taekwondo players

Aim: The aim of this study is to examine the effects of an 8-week match simulation game based training program on physical fitness, motor skills, and taekwondo-specific technical performance in licensed taekwondo athletes. Material and Method: A total of 29 volunteers participated in the study, with 14 assigned to the experimental group and 15 to the control group. The experimental group followed a structured training program incorporating match simulation games, while the control group continued routine taekwondo training. Results: The experimental group showed significant improvements in back and leg strength, agility, abdominal endurance, balance, and Palding-Chagi technique compared to the control group (p<0.01). Although flexibility increased in both groups, no significant differences were observed between groups. Similarly, Dollyo-Chagi performance improved in both groups, but no statistically significant group differences were found. Overall, match simulation games had a positive effect on both physical fitness and technical performance. Conclusion: The 8-week match simulation game-based training program was found to be effective in improving strength, agility, balance, and technical performance in taekwondo athletes, while no significant differences were observed between groups in flexibility and Dollyo-Chagi.