The AAU Taekwondo Nationals 2025 are a cornerstone event in the American taekwondo calendar, bringing together thousands of athletes from across the nation to showcase their skills, compete for national titles, and connect with fellow martial artists. The 2025 championships promise to be another exciting installment, hosted in a dynamic city.

Host City and Dates: A Week of Taekwondo Excellence

The 2025 AAU Taekwondo National Championships are set to take place from June 29 to July 5, 2025, at the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City, Utah. This vibrant city provides an excellent backdrop for such a prestigious event, offering both competitive facilities and opportunities for participants and spectators to explore. With an estimated attendance of 6,000 athletes, coaches, and families, the convention center will transform into a hub of taekwondo activity, with around 20 rings running simultaneously to accommodate the various competitions.

Eligibility and Membership: Paving the Way to Nationals

To participate in the AAU Taekwondo Nationals 2025, all athletes and coaches must hold a current AAU membership. It's crucial to note that adult and non-athlete memberships are no longer instant and require a background screening process that can take 5-10 business days. Therefore, it is highly recommended that participants secure their AAU memberships well in advance of the registration deadlines for the Nationals. Youth athlete memberships typically process instantly.

Many regional and district championships serve as qualifiers for the National Championships, and participation in these events often grants automatic qualification. Athletes should check with their local AAU Taekwondo contacts or event organizers for specific qualification requirements and deadlines.

Divisions and Competition Categories: A Place for Every Practitioner

The AAU Taekwondo Nationals offer a comprehensive range of divisions to ensure fair and competitive matchups for all participants. Competitions are divided by age, belt rank, weight, and gender. The general belt divisions include

• Novice: White, Yellow, and Orange Belts


• Intermediate: Green, Blue, and Purple Belts


• Advanced: Red and Brown Belts only


• Black Belt: Poom Belts, 1st Dan, and up

Age divisions are meticulously structured, ranging from youth categories (5-17 years old) to senior (18-32), executive (33+), ultra (43+), and diamond (53+) divisions. Athletes are generally expected to compete in their respective age and belt groups, though tournament directors reserve the right to combine or move competitors in cases of insufficient numbers in a specific division.

The Nationals typically feature several key competition categories:

• Forms (Poomsae): Athletes perform pre-defined sequences of taekwondo movements, judged on accuracy, presentation, power, balance, and rhythm. Both Traditional Poomsae and Sport Poomsae divisions are offered, with sport Poomsae adhering to modified World Taekwondo rules.


• Olympic-Style Sparring (Kyorugi): This full-contact sparring competition utilizes electronic scoring systems (PSS) for black belt divisions and some advanced color belt divisions, emphasizing strategic kicks and punches to designated scoring areas.


• Point Sparring: A modified sparring format often used for color belt divisions, focusing on controlled techniques and point accumulation.


• Board Breaking: Competitors demonstrate power and technique by breaking boards with various hand and foot strikes.


• Demonstration Teams: Teams showcase synchronized routines, martial arts techniques, and creative presentations.

Specific rules regarding permitted techniques, protective gear, and duration of rounds are outlined in the official AAU Taekwondo Rule Book, which competitors and coaches should review thoroughly.

Registration and Schedule: Planning Your National Journey

While precise registration dates for the 2025 Nationals are typically released closer to the event, it's advised to monitor the official AAU Taekwondo website for updates. Early registration often comes with lower fees. Information regarding online registration portals, entry fees for various events, and deadlines will be made available.

A detailed schedule of events will be published, outlining the specific days and times for check-ins, weigh-ins (for Olympic Sparring Black Belts 10 & Up), and competition for each division and category. Spectator passes will also be available for purchase, either online or at the door.

Training for Success: The Road to Salt Lake City

Preparing for the AAU Taekwondo Nationals requires dedication, consistent training, and a strategic approach. Athletes should focus on:

• Technical Proficiency: Refining forms, sparring techniques, and board-breaking skills.


• Physical Conditioning: Building endurance, strength, speed, and flexibility through targeted exercises, including cardio, strength training, and stretching.


• Mental Fortitude: Developing focus, discipline, and resilience, which are crucial for high-pressure competition. Visualization and mental rehearsal can also be beneficial.


• Strategic Sparring: For sparring competitors, working with coaches to develop fight strategies, analyze opponents, and practice defensive and offensive maneuvers.


• Nutrition and Rest: Maintaining a balanced diet and ensuring adequate rest are vital for peak performance and injury prevention.

Coaches play a pivotal role in guiding athletes through their training journey, providing technical instruction, physical conditioning plans, and mental preparation. Many clubs and instructors will organize specific training camps or intensified training schedules leading up to the Nationals.

Spectator Experience: Witnessing Taekwondo Brilliance

The AAU Taekwondo Nationals offer an exhilarating experience for spectators. The Salt Palace Convention Center provides ample space for multiple competition rings, allowing attendees to move between areas and witness different events throughout the day. The energy of the competition, combined with the camaraderie among martial arts enthusiasts, creates a unique and inspiring atmosphere.

Spectators are encouraged to purchase their passes in advance. Information regarding spectator passes, venue access, and any specific policies will be available on the official event website. Remember to support all athletes with respect and good sportsmanship.

The Spirit of Taekwondo: Beyond the Medals

While the AAU Taekwondo Nationals are undeniably about competition and striving for excellence, they also embody the core tenets of Taekwondo: courtesy, integrity, perseverance, self-control, and indomitable spirit. It's an opportunity for athletes to test their limits, learn from both victories and defeats, and grow as individuals. The event fosters a strong sense of community, allowing practitioners from diverse backgrounds to share their passion for martial arts and forge lasting friendships. The experience of competing on a national stage, regardless of the outcome, contributes significantly to an athlete's development and journey in Taekwondo. Watch it