Virtual taekwondo heads to Asian Games as Singapore representative prepares for debut
It may look like a video game, but competing in virtual taekwondo is tougher than it seems, says Singapore's Darren Yap.
Singaporean athlete Darren Yap, 22, will compete in virtual taekwondo at the Asian Games in Japan this October. Virtual taekwondo, a new addition to the Asian Games, is a mixed-gender event held in a 4m by 4m space for a 60-second round. Athletes use virtual reality headsets and motion-tracking devices to perform techniques on digital avatars in a virtual arena without physical contact.
The technology, developed by Refract Technologies, originated from an idea to use the human body as a controller. Yap, who has practiced traditional taekwondo since age four, found mastering virtual taekwondo involved learning a different way of fighting and adjusting to the smaller competition area. Training includes warm-ups, cardiovascular exercises, kicking drills, and sparring sessions.
Despite the virtual aspect, Yap emphasized that competing in virtual taekwondo is challenging and requires considerable adjustment.
Written by urgent.news from CNA - Singapore's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
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