FMAC, the First in the Middle East to Adopt Virtual Reality Taekwondo
Nader Abu Shawish, the Executive Director of Fujairah Martial Arts Club, announced the adoption of virtual reality technology in Taekwondo for the first time in the Middle East. The technology was introduced at the 11th Fujairah International Open Championship held in Fujairah last February, marking its official debut in the region.
Abu Shawish explained that the adoption of this new electronic sport aligns with two main objectives. The first is to follow the directives of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Sharqi, the Crown Prince of Fujairah and the club’s president, aimed at propelling players to victory podiums. Given that virtual Taekwondo was recently recognized as an Olympic sport, the club is keen to be among the first worldwide to acquire the necessary equipment from a company approved by the World Taekwondo Federation.
The second objective is to realize the club’s vision of embracing modern technologies and sports. Virtual Taekwondo offers a level playing field regardless of gender, age, ability, or physical differences. It also enhances new skills for players by integrating technology with physical effort, improving performance, and boosting concentration. Abu Shawish noted that club members have already begun training on the device, allowing coaches to select the best for participation in the world’s first official Virtual Taekwondo Championship, scheduled for November. This championship has been officially announced by the international federation as a precursor to including the sport in the Olympics.
Virtual Taekwondo was recognized as an Olympic sport at the 2023 Electronic Games Olympics in Singapore. It simulates Taekwondo matches using virtual reality technology, including attacks, defenses, and competitions. It involves full body motion tracking through electronic sensors and a virtual reality headset, focusing on striking and blocking the opponent to deplete their health bar, with the capability to immobilize the opponent for four seconds.
