Korean Dominance on the University Stage: The Best of Taekwondo Kyorugi at Rhine-Ruhr 2025 (Summary)
Duisburg, Germany. In the midst of a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, the FISU World University Games Rhine-Ruhr 2025 left their mark on the tatami, where taekwondo—specifically its sparring discipline, Kyorugi—showed why it remains one of the most thrilling sports on the international stage.
Elite athletes, all university students, put their grit, technique, and martial spirit to the test in matches that combined skill and passion in equal measure. As tradition dictates, South Korea, the birthplace of taekwondo, once again set the standard in this ancient martial art during the early days of competition.
South Korea: Signature Supremacy
With a total of 8 medals (4 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze), the South Korean team dominated the overall Kyorugi standings. Their precise technique, combat strategy, and bench depth allowed them to surpass emerging powerhouses in the university circuit with confidence.
One of the tournament’s highlights was the Korean athlete’s victory in the men’s -68 kg category, where he came from behind in the final round with a spinning head kick that drew applause throughout the arena.
China and Ukraine: Pressure from the East
China secured 7 medals (2 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze), solidifying its role as South Korea’s main contender. The country's combat school has matured significantly over the past few decades, producing explosive and disciplined athletes.
Ukraine surprised the crowd with a strong performance, earning 4 medals (1 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze). Notably, in the women’s -62 kg category, a Ukrainian athlete climbed to the top of the podium with a combative and resilient style, reflecting Eastern Europe’s growing prowess in the sport.
Kazakhstan, Canada, and Other Contenders
Kazakhstan reaffirmed its position as a stronghold for university taekwondo with 5 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze), while Canada delivered its best performance in years, taking home 1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze—a testament to the sport’s growth in North America.
Uzbekistan, Taiwan, and Thailand also claimed gold medals, proving that university-level taekwondo has become a truly global discipline.
Spain, Germany, and other European countries won significant medals, though they didn’t reach the top of the podium—setting the stage for a new challenge in the next university cycle.
Medal Table – Taekwondo Kyorugi (Sparring)
Jesús Ramal: A Successful Medal Maker
A Global Vision of Sports Training
Since taking the helm of HANKUK, based in San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid), Jesús Ramal has transformed it into a true temple of international taekwondo. He’s become a global figure, invited to give clinics on every continent and serve as a training base for world and Olympic athletes.
Adopting a holistic approach, he combines technical rigor with a focus on mental health. For him, the psychological aspect is key because “everything is governed by the brain.” Since Adriana Cerezo won silver at Tokyo 2021, and building on the work he’d been doing since the 1980s—along with guiding Suvi Mikkonen in her Olympic appearances—his method exploded in recognition, with results that continue to impress.
source: https://mundotaekwondo.com/
Duisburg, Germany. In the midst of a vibrant multicultural atmosphere, the FISU World University Games Rhine-Ruhr 2025 left their mark on the tatami, where taekwondo—specifically its sparring discipline, Kyorugi—showed why it remains one of the most thrilling sports on the international stage.
Elite athletes, all university students, put their grit, technique, and martial spirit to the test in matches that combined skill and passion in equal measure. As tradition dictates, South Korea, the birthplace of taekwondo, once again set the standard in this ancient martial art during the early days of competition.
South Korea: Signature Supremacy
With a total of 8 medals (4 gold, 3 silver, and 1 bronze), the South Korean team dominated the overall Kyorugi standings. Their precise technique, combat strategy, and bench depth allowed them to surpass emerging powerhouses in the university circuit with confidence.
One of the tournament’s highlights was the Korean athlete’s victory in the men’s -68 kg category, where he came from behind in the final round with a spinning head kick that drew applause throughout the arena.
China and Ukraine: Pressure from the East
China secured 7 medals (2 gold, 2 silver, and 3 bronze), solidifying its role as South Korea’s main contender. The country's combat school has matured significantly over the past few decades, producing explosive and disciplined athletes.
Ukraine surprised the crowd with a strong performance, earning 4 medals (1 gold, 2 silver, and 1 bronze). Notably, in the women’s -62 kg category, a Ukrainian athlete climbed to the top of the podium with a combative and resilient style, reflecting Eastern Europe’s growing prowess in the sport.
Kazakhstan, Canada, and Other Contenders
Kazakhstan reaffirmed its position as a stronghold for university taekwondo with 5 medals (1 gold, 1 silver, and 3 bronze), while Canada delivered its best performance in years, taking home 1 gold, 1 silver, and 1 bronze—a testament to the sport’s growth in North America.
Uzbekistan, Taiwan, and Thailand also claimed gold medals, proving that university-level taekwondo has become a truly global discipline.
Spain, Germany, and other European countries won significant medals, though they didn’t reach the top of the podium—setting the stage for a new challenge in the next university cycle.
Medal Table – Taekwondo Kyorugi (Sparring)
| Country | Gold | Silver | Bronze | Total |
| South Korea | 4 | 3 | 1 | 8 |
| China | 2 | 2 | 3 | 7 |
| Ukraine | 1 | 2 | 1 | 4 |
| Kazakhstan | 1 | 1 | 3 | 5 |
| Canada | 1 | 1 | 1 | 3 |
| Uzbekistan | 1 | – | 1 | 2 |
| Taiwan | 1 | – | 1 | 2 |
| Thailand | 1 | – | – | 1 |
| Spain | – | 1 | 1 | 2 |
| Germany | – | 1 | – | 1 |
| Other countries¹ | – | – | 1 | 1 |
| Total | 12 | 12 | 24 |
Jesús Ramal: A Successful Medal Maker
A Global Vision of Sports Training
Since taking the helm of HANKUK, based in San Sebastián de los Reyes (Madrid), Jesús Ramal has transformed it into a true temple of international taekwondo. He’s become a global figure, invited to give clinics on every continent and serve as a training base for world and Olympic athletes.
Adopting a holistic approach, he combines technical rigor with a focus on mental health. For him, the psychological aspect is key because “everything is governed by the brain.” Since Adriana Cerezo won silver at Tokyo 2021, and building on the work he’d been doing since the 1980s—along with guiding Suvi Mikkonen in her Olympic appearances—his method exploded in recognition, with results that continue to impress.
source: https://mundotaekwondo.com/
