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SINGAPORE: Put on a virtual reality headset, strap on motion sensors and start kicking at an opponent – without ever physically touching them.<\/p>\n
It might sound like a video game, but virtual taekwondo will make its Asian Games debut in October, with Singapore’s Darren Yap among the athletes competing for a medal.<\/p>\n
The 22-year-old will take part in the mixed-gender event as part of the 2026 Asian Games in Japan, which run from Sep 19 to Oct 4.<\/p>\n
Despite its obvious similarities to gaming, virtual taekwondo is not classified as an esport at the Games.<\/p>\n
And for Yap, who has practised conventional taekwondo since he was four, mastering the virtual version has meant learning a different way of fighting.<\/p>\n
“You are not fighting against an actual human. You’re actually just fighting as an avatar,” he told CNA.<\/p>\n
“But the main difference is also that gauging your distance when you’re fighting is a very big change, and also just getting used to the system, getting used to the equipment.”<\/p>\n
So how does a taekwondo fight take place without either competitor actually hitting the other?<\/p>\n
Co-developed by World Taekwondo and Singapore-based technology company Refract Technologies, virtual taekwondo combines the physical movements and techniques of taekwondo with virtual reality and motion-tracking technology.<\/p>\n
Athletes wear virtual reality headsets and motion-tracking devices, or nodes, on their spine, thighs and shins.<\/p>\n
Their movements are translated onto digital avatars, allowing them to kick and attack their opponent in a virtual arena without making physical contact. Successful strikes deplete their opponent’s virtual health bar.<\/p>\n
Refract Technologies chief operating officer Gerald Lee told CNA that the technology grew out of an idea to use the human body itself as a controller.<\/p>\n
After encountering limitations with existing motion-capture technology, the company developed its AXIS motion-capture system, which is now used for the sport.<\/p>\n
At the Asian Games, 16 athletes will compete in a mixed-gender knockout tournament, according to the Olympics website.<\/p>\n
Matches follow a best-of-three format and are contested in a 4m by 4m space, with each round lasting 60 seconds, according to the Virtual Taekwondo website.<\/p>\n
Virtual taekwondo was showcased at Singapore’s Olympic Esports Week in 2023 and held its inaugural world championships in Singapore the following year.<\/p>\n
Its progression to the Asian Games has been quicker than even its developer expected.<\/p>\n
Lee said its inclusion “reflects the credibility the sport has built since 2023”.<\/p>\n
Virtual taekwondo is also expected to feature at the 2027 SEA Games, AP reported in July.<\/p>\n
In Singapore, it featured at this year’s GetActive! Singapore Pesta Sukan, with categories ranging from juniors to participants aged 55 and above, including mixed-gender events.<\/p>\n
The Singapore Taekwondo Federation also formed a national development squad this year to “sustain the development” of Singapore’s virtual taekwondo talent. The squad has 14 athletes.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
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