Manila: There is a new format in kyorugi (sparring) and more categories in poomsae (forms) in the UAAP Season 88 taekwondo tournament, which begins on Tuesday at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. Kyorugi competitions will shift from team matches to individual events in accordance with international standards used in tournaments such as the Asian and World Championships, as well as multisport events like the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Games, and the Olympics.

According to Philippines News Agency, despite the change in format, kyorugi still features seven weight classes in the men's and women's divisions. The high school boys' division has five categories, the same as in the girls' division, which is debuting as a demonstration event. The poomsae competition will open the four-day tournament, alongside the boys' kyorugi preliminary matches. Freestyle poomsae will also make its debut as a demonstration event in the collegiate division.

Overall team standings across all divisions in both disciplines-poomsae and kyorugi-will be determined by medal tally, with the school that wins the most gold medals crowned as overall champion. University of Santo Tomas, which ruled collegiate poomsae with three golds and two silvers last season, are seeking a third straight title. Unbeaten De La Salle University bagged the men's kyorugi crown, National University secured the women's title, and the National University Nazareth School took the boys' title.

Preliminary matches in kyorugi will be held on April 22-23, while all finals will be on April 24, the final day of the tournament.