How do the energy systems relate to taekwondo?
Due to the fact
that the ATP-PCr system can only generate for up to 10 seconds, it’s often used
in explosive exercises. A common use of this system in taekwondo is a high
power kick to the head. These kicks are worth many points so competitors that
succeed in these kicks will get an advantage over other opposition. To do this
kick and to receive an advantage over the opposition, the kicking athlete must
perform this movement with maximal intensity over the shortest period of time
(Duration). The athlete must do this to
catch the opponent off guard. This now further proves that the CP system is
used in TKD. During taekwondo, sparring is a good example of high intensity yet
low duration movements. The opponent and competitor are attacking each other at
full power before resting and rethinking the next strategy. As the athletes
rest, ATP stores are being replenished. Because of the duration (2 minutes) of
the bout there would generally be a switch over to the lactic system when all
ATP stores are depleted.
The Lactic Acids system continues to provide energy when the Creatine Phosphate System no longer can. It continues to supply the ATP to muscle cells at a reasonably high intensity so that the athlete can continue to work over the short duration of the match (Livestrong.com, 2013). This system is also ‘Anaerobic’ due to the fact that energy is being created so fast the athlete can work without oxygen. Due to the Lactic Acid system working for 1-2 minutes, the intensity drops down from the previous intensity of the ATP-PCr system. An example of the use of the lactic acid system is when a competitor does a range of fast and powerful kicks, but then needs to quickly recover and defend himself as he is being attacked. The use of the lactic system has now taken over due to the fact that the ATP-PCr system has fatigued and all ATP stores have become depleted.
Although taekwondo looks like it’s at a high intensity all the time, it isn’t. The Aerobic system, which is the system that requires oxygen, is used quite a lot during a match of taekwondo. When the rounds are in action the taekwondo competitors are often seen bouncing around the floor using minimal energy as they decide what action to take against their competitor. They would then make explosive movements on their competitor before finally slowing back down to low intensity. During a Taekwondo match there is a constant flow of low level exercise being performed when the athlete bounces, motions and fakes all throughout a round. This form of exercise is reliant on the aerobic system because of the low intensity levels (Taekwondo Coach, 2015). This system is used during low intensity periods within the match and rest time afterward as glucose and glycogen have to be replenished.
The Lactic Acids system continues to provide energy when the Creatine Phosphate System no longer can. It continues to supply the ATP to muscle cells at a reasonably high intensity so that the athlete can continue to work over the short duration of the match (Livestrong.com, 2013). This system is also ‘Anaerobic’ due to the fact that energy is being created so fast the athlete can work without oxygen. Due to the Lactic Acid system working for 1-2 minutes, the intensity drops down from the previous intensity of the ATP-PCr system. An example of the use of the lactic acid system is when a competitor does a range of fast and powerful kicks, but then needs to quickly recover and defend himself as he is being attacked. The use of the lactic system has now taken over due to the fact that the ATP-PCr system has fatigued and all ATP stores have become depleted.
Although taekwondo looks like it’s at a high intensity all the time, it isn’t. The Aerobic system, which is the system that requires oxygen, is used quite a lot during a match of taekwondo. When the rounds are in action the taekwondo competitors are often seen bouncing around the floor using minimal energy as they decide what action to take against their competitor. They would then make explosive movements on their competitor before finally slowing back down to low intensity. During a Taekwondo match there is a constant flow of low level exercise being performed when the athlete bounces, motions and fakes all throughout a round. This form of exercise is reliant on the aerobic system because of the low intensity levels (Taekwondo Coach, 2015). This system is used during low intensity periods within the match and rest time afterward as glucose and glycogen have to be replenished.