[ Updated: April 13, 2007 ]

SPARRING SET 001

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The following set of attacking and counter-attacking sparring techniques will be required testing material for all ranks yellow belt and above. The purpose is to increase student's confidence in sparring by giving them proven scoring techniques that work in a given situation.

There are three scenarios for both offense and defense. Each student will learn 1 correct response for each of the three scenarios making sparring more like a game of rock - paper - scissors. Additional sparring sets and advanced techniques will be added later.

START

FINISH

You initiate Movement

Observe the opponent's reaction

Adjust your distance based on the opponent's reaction

Attack / Score

Get Out of Scoring Range

Start from Open Stance at defensive distance.

You slide both feet forward
to the edge of scoring range then slide back out.

Scenario 1

Opponent Does Not React:

No Action required

Roundhouse to the open side

After scoring place your kicking leg down in front.

Perform a front foot side-step sliding out of scoring range.

The leg that kicked last should now be your rear leg.

Scenario 2

Opponent Retreats:
Slides both feet back

You pursue the opponent with two quick steps forward

Roundhouse to the open side

Scenario 2

Opponent Advances:
slides both feet forward

Stop the opponent's adcance & create space with a front jab & rear punch

Roundhouse to the open side

Start all drills at Defensive Distance

Defensive Distance is the minimum safe distance between you and your opponent that puts you out of reach of the opponent's longest reaching attack. In a Taekwondo match the longest reaching weapon is the rear leg kick. A simple way to remember defensive distance is to stand as far away from your opponent as your opponent is tall.

Plan > Initiate Movement > Act > Disengage

Formulate your plan outside of scoring range.
Perform your checking movement to just barely within the opponent's scoring range.
Act quickly and decisively once you are inside scoring range.
When you are finished delivering techniques immediately disengage and move out of scoring range to prepare for your next exchange.

[Download the PDF version]