kicks to the head can't kill?

this blog coincidentally named after a tkd kick somehow feels inclined to comment on the recent articles(s) that appeared in the Straits Times about a boy who died after being kicked in the neck during a tkd match.

it seems that comments by the Singapore Taekwondo Federation make tkd sound like a sport which is perfectly safe if the proper safety gear are worn and rules are followed. it also adds that only adults aged 17 and above are allowed kicks to the head.

wow. so '17 year olds are immune to death, therefore the permit for kicks to the head' is what the statement implies, when read collectively with the previous statement that the sport is safe.

question! wouldn't 17year olds have more strength and would that not result in more lethal and powerful kicks?

question! so is tkd now a sport like fencing where exponents square off in skill alone with no possible harm to themselves? and does the underlying foundation on which the sport was built on, i.e. to defend yourself i.e. maiming your attacker so u have time to get away, totally and conveniently forgotten when they say it is 'safe' in a bid to attract more bao gui sons and daugthers to train in their superior safer training facility with world class safety practices?

here now, nicky, come here! nicky nicky! where are u? damn i can't recognize me son. they all look alike covered head to toe in full battle order.

help i can't walk! my protective gear is too heavy!

come on! kick me! i can't feel pain cos of my superior kevlar reinforced armour!

come on! stab me! i won't feel any pain cos in training, i dun.