Presentation of the adidas Electronic Body Protector (EBP)

World Taekwondo Federation 

Dr. Chungwon Choue 

4th Fl. JoYang Building 113 

Samseong-dong, Gangnam-gu 

Seoul, Korea 135-090 

By Fax (0082 2 553 4728), Courier Service (address see above) and E-Mail (wtf@wtf.org) 

06.05.2009 

Presentation of the adidas Electronic Body Protector (EBP) to the WTF Ad Hoc Committee 

Dear Mr. President, 

As we have already informed you in our letter dated April 24, 2009 we offer you the detailed reasons as to 

why adidas has been forced to take the unfortunate decision not to participate in the presentation in Lausanne 

scheduled for May 6, 2009 under the conditions set by the World Taekwondo Federation. 

Since the last demonstration in Seoul on January 12th, 2007 with a positive 5:3 vote of the ad Hoc 

Committee in favor of the adidas EBP we have been trying to establish communication with WTF to agree 

on joint, basic criteria to be fulfilled. 

Since August 2008 we have consistently attempted to attain precise details for the proposed May 6th, 2009 

set up and the corresponding criteria to be fulfilled. Also, following the results of the test given to the WTF 

by the Korean Institute of Science (KISS) we did not receive any concrete information whatsoever 

concerning what was to be requested by the WTF. 

The invitation and test report finally were received on April 22 nd , 2009 with a given deadline for 

confirmation of participation by April 26 th , 2009. This can hardly be regarded as serious or realistic and is 

the reason for this reply with today’s date. 

The test criteria obviously lack any relevance for the sport of Taekwondo as well as for scientific principles. 

Furthermore, the submitted test procedure does not correspond to the WTF Competition Rules (WTF CR). 

In addition, not a single objective technical requirement is mentioned: CE, DIN standard, approval by 

Technical Control Board (TÜV) or any other similar globally acknowledged and standardized requirements. 

Also the entire criteria developed by KISS have nothing in common with scientific accuracy and procedure. 

This has been pointed out by a scientific advisory opinion provided by the renowned sport scientist Prof. 

Dr. Vieten (Elite-University of Konstanz). 

adidas AG 

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Chairman of 

Supervisory Board: 

Henri Pascal Filho 


Executive Board: 

Herbert Hainer 


Glenn Bennett 

Robin Stalker 

Erich Stamminger 

adidas-Group.com 

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page 2 

As an initial reference please find attached his advisory opinion. Besides his University Chair for Sports 

Sciences and Biomechanics Prof. Vieten is also President-Elect of the “International Society Of 

Biomechanics In Sports”. 

There can be no doubt that the adidas system - if subjected to relevant test criteria - would certainly get the 

approval of the WTF. 

Our real and proven reputation are thousands of athletes performing with the adidas EBP during training and 

competition all over the world. 

The adidas Electronic Body Protector has been approved by the ETU [March, 2007] as well as the OTU 

[September, 2007]. We are in the process of gaining approval from the AFTU, as well. 

It is well established and has already demonstrated proof of its functionality during exclusive use in the 

following important and prestigious tournaments (among over 200 other tournaments): 

World & Continental Events 

Australian Youth Olympic Festival (AYOF) 2007 Australia Sydney 17-21-Jan 

European Senior Championships 2008 Italy Rome 10-13-Apr 

French-Speaking World Cup 2008 Gabon Libreville 24-25-May 

European Team Championship 2008 Turkey Konya 24-26 Nov 

Oceania Taekwondo Championship2008 New Zealand Auckland 6-7-Dec 

European Junior Championships 2009 Sweden Trelleborg 28-31-May 

European Cadet Championships 2009 Croatia Zagreb 3-5-Jul 

European Taekwondo Championship under 21 - 2009 Spain Vigo 6-8 Nov 

International Main Events 

2006 

Prince Albert II Cup Monaco Monte Carlo 06-May 

2007 

Argentina Open Argentina Buenos Aires 16-18-Nov 


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page 3 

2008 

Trelleborg Open – European A-Class Sweden Trelleborg 9-10-Feb 

German Open– European A-Class Germany Hamburg 8-9-Mar 

Prince Albert II Cup Monaco Monte Carlo 31-May 

Prince Hassan Championship Jordan Amman 07-09-Aug 

Russian Senior Championship Russia Ulyanovsk 15-21-Sep 

Argentina Open Argentina Buenos Aires 11-12-Oct 

Croatia Open– European A-Class Croatia Zagreb 15-16-Nov 

French Open– European A-Class Paris France 29-30-Nov 

Chinese Taekwondo Championship China 20-21-Dec 

2009 

Trelleborg Open– European A-Class Sweden Trelleborg 14-15-Feb 

Dutch Open– European A-Class Netherlands Eindhoven 21-22 Mar 

German Open– European A-Class Germany Hamburg 4-5 Apr 

Spanish Open– European A-Class Spain Alicante 25-26 Apr 

Austrian Open– European A-Class Austria Innsbruck 2-3-May 

It would strike any competent person as extremely peculiar that such a system could be able to fail a test to 

determine its suitability for the sport of Taekwondo. 

The major reason we have canceled the presentation to the Ad Hoc Committee is the selection of test criteria 

which have been devised in a way irrespective of the WTF Competition Rules of Taekwondo and lack the 

simplest indications of points concerning what is factually required in actual practice. 

We would like to draw attention to only the most obvious shortcomings of the issued test criteria: 

WTF would have expected the adidas system to detect certain hand strikes which according to the WTF 

Competition Rules are irrelevant to detection. These techniques (Hammer Fist Punch, Knife-Hand Punch, 

Down Palm Strike, Elbow Strike etc.) are not used in tournaments and are simply purely theoretical. From 

any viewpoint relevant for the sport there is no necessity for detecting these strikes. On the other hand, 

many legal techniques which must be detected as they are widely used are nowhere to be found within the 

test criteria (Front Kick, Side Kick, Push Kick, Bituro Kick). This further strengthens the conclusion that 

the test criteria are devised 


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Glenn Bennett 

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page 4 

haphazardly. adidas was given the impression that the detecting of a knee kick and the non-distinguish 

ability between a hand strike and a kick would lead to a non-approval decision by the Ad Hoc Committee. 

The knee kick was always unlawful within Taekwondo rules. It would always have to be detected and 

annulled by the Referee (Art. 14 Lit. 5/1/h). It is, therefore, not a disadvantage of the adidas system. The 

criteria that hand and foot techniques have to be differentiated are in fact not a disadvantage of the adidas 

Electronic Body Protector, but rather an advantage: 

For the scoring of hits the differentiation is not needed. Every hit within the legal scoring area, regardless of 

whether by hand or foot, leads to a point. 

This is clearly stipulated in Article 11 paragraph 1 WTF (Competition Rules): 

“Article 11: Permitted Techniques and Areas 

1. Permitted Techniques 

1) Fist technique: Delivering techniques by using the front parts of the forefinger and middle finger of 

the tightly clenched fist. 

2) Foot technique: Delivering techniques by using the parts of the foot below the ankle bone” 

So why does WTF demand this differentiation from the adidas system? 

Systems with the ability to differentiate between hand and foot like the LaJust system do have significant 

disadvantages (both, hand and foot protectors have to be used) and pose a high legal risk as well as the 

possibility of manipulation. 

The criteria demanding differentiation between hand and foot leads to the logical conclusion that a sensor 

device for the foot would be required with all the ensuing problems and risks. 

The foot devices would be needed by all athletes in their respective sizes. The situation today with the 

LaJust system forces these devices to be passed on during a tournament from athlete to athlete with obvious 

risks. 

Injuries incurred with the foot device resulting in contact with blood could lead to numerous infections 

(Hepatitis, HIV etc.). An athlete infected in such a way could take legal action against the legal entity 

which “forced” him to wear the foot device. Apart from the damage to Taekwondo itself this possible 

liability is a severe threat to all. WTF as well as any organizer of a tournament might be sued and damages 

may be claimed. Against such claims based on an impairment of health no insurance will provide coverage 

as the passing on of infected foot devices constitutes gross negligence. A limitation of liability is not 

possible as the responsibility for health and life damages cannot be excluded under any regional legislation. 


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Glenn Bennett 

Robin Stalker 



91072 



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DE 132490588 


BLZ 76320072 / Kto. 4 607 112 


BLZ 76080040 / Kto. 540 690 000 


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page 5 

Furthermore, the correct fit of the foot device for each athlete can not be assured. Even worse, oversized foot 

devices would give athletes an advantage to score more points than they would usually have, hence the risk 

of an unfair advantage and manipulation. 

In the end, the test criteria were not acceptable, as the only approved system from LaJust was NOT tested 

against these criteria and was not even approved by the only body which can approve a system: The Ad Hoc 

Committee. adidas has purchased and tested the LaJust with independent organizations and it would surely 

fail the test which is now intended to be imposed on the adidas Electronic Body Protector. 

We have analysed the other two systems who will participate in Lausanne, too. We respect and honor their 

investments. However, it is obvious they are not in a position to pass the test under the conditions set. 

How can a WTF approved system like LaJust run an official WTF sanctioned tournament (Spanish Open, 

April 25-26 th , 2009) under the personal guidance of you, WTF President Choue, lacking the required 

prerequisites for such an event? No electronic gloves were used to detect the scoring by punch. Judges were 

challenged with subjectively evaluating these points manually, a method the system was in fact explicitely 

to avoid. This represents a total contradiction to the test requirements of the Ad Hoc committee. 

The inequality in treating different companies is not acceptable and does not do justice to the wonderful and 

fascinating sport of Taekwondo which the WTF should act to support in its best manner. 

Numerous open questions still need to be urgently answered: 

• Final Competence of the Ad Hoc Committee (Approval or Recommendation?) 

• Who is responsible for the final decision? 

• In case the test is passed, what is the next process? 

• Does the system have to be presented to KISS? 

• What is the process towards the World Championships? 

We hope that this elaboration of the most apparent deficiencies of the proposed test shed light on adidas’ 

decision to not take part in the presentation in Lausanne. 


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Germany 

T +49 9132 84 4021 

F +49 9132 84 5321 








Glenn Bennett 

Robin Stalker 



91072 



HRB 3868 

UST-IDNR: 

DE 132490588 


BLZ 76320072 / Kto. 4 607 112 


BLZ 76080040 / Kto. 540 690 000 


BLZ 70050000 / Kto. 54 719

page 6 

Our deepest concern is that the current practice of the WTF will not lead to Taekwondo being the high level 

competition sport it aspires to be. By not embracing new technologies to achieve a better and fairer 

objective scoring for all athletes it defeats its own proposed, noble goals. 

As in all other 25 Olympic Sports where adidas is professionally involved by offering top performance 

products we will stay involved in Taekwondo as well, with increased intensity. The sport of Taekwondo 

and its value of being an Olympic sport is too valuable as to not undertake all measures to offer and accept 

support from a trustful global sporting goods player/partner such as adidas. We have been and will continue 

committing substantial investment in research, development and manpower in the sport of Taekwondo. 

Once again, we underline our disposition to offer all our assistance and support in securing this decisive 

milestone for the sport of Taekwondo. 

Kindly let us know in which binding and concrete manner we can attain the short term certification and 

official approval of the adidas Electronic Body Protector by the WTF. It would also be pertinent for us to 

receive a schedule of any corresponding future costs to be incurred by adidas versus the WTF. 

Yours sincerely, 

Frank Maier 

Director Olympic & Regional Sports 

Appendix: 

• Advisory opinion on the Electronic Body Protector (Professor Vieten, University of Konstanz) 

• adidas EBP System Overview 

• Concept & System Description 

• Fight Protocol (Hand & Foot techniques) 

• Key Aspects & Benefits of the adidas EBP 

• Bluetooth advantages 


Postfach 1120 


Germany 

T +49 9132 84 4021 

F +49 9132 84 5321 








Glenn Bennett 

Robin Stalker 



91072 



HRB 3868 

UST-IDNR: 

DE 132490588 


BLZ 76320072 / Kto. 4 607 112 


BLZ 76080040 / Kto. 540 690 000 


BLZ 70050000 / Kto. 54 719

Presentation of the adidas Electronic Body Protector (EBP)

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