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Although Taekwondo is a defensive art, training by
the practical application of techniques against a
real adversary, or several, is very important.
Sparring tests the skills acquired and helps to teach the student to learn to recognize and, with practice, anticipate an opponent's tactics.
Sparring builds self-control, self-confidence, and courage.
There are two types of sparring: step sparring and free sparring.
Sparring tests the skills acquired and helps to teach the student to learn to recognize and, with practice, anticipate an opponent's tactics.
Sparring builds self-control, self-confidence, and courage.
There are two types of sparring: step sparring and free sparring.
Step (or prearranged) sparring is planned by the
players. They agree on the rules, such as the
number of steps to be taken, the target to be
attacked, the tool to be used, etc. There is no
contact; the purpose is to develop control by
stopping just short of the target.
There are three levels of step sparring: 3-step for beginners, 2-step or intermediate, and 1-step or advanced. The goal is to help the student understand the purpose of the movements, to master interaction with the opponent regarding stances and distances, to develop faster reflexes and instantaneous response in self-defence.
There are three levels of step sparring: 3-step for beginners, 2-step or intermediate, and 1-step or advanced. The goal is to help the student understand the purpose of the movements, to master interaction with the opponent regarding stances and distances, to develop faster reflexes and instantaneous response in self-defence.
Step (or prearranged) sparring is planned by
the players. They agree on the rules, such as
the number of steps to be taken, the target
to be attacked, the tool to be used, etc.
There is no contact; the purpose is to develop
control by stopping just short of the target.
Points are awarded for the correct execution and landing (touch-contact) of techniques to valid areas of the body. The evaluation of free sparring is based on accuracy, speed, timing, distance, and quality of technique executed. Balance, blocking and dodging skills, and attitude are also very important.
Because each of the participants is free to move and attack, free sparring encourages the development of strategies for attack and defence, while improving speed and timing. Since free sparring is practised as a non-stop fight that may consist of one, two or three rounds, good physical fitness is very important.
There are distinct rules and a system for free sparring in tournaments. Both hand and foot techniques are allowed, and good fighters use combination and flying, jumping and spinning techniques. These fights can be really spectacular.
Points are awarded for the correct execution and landing (touch-contact) of techniques to valid areas of the body. The evaluation of free sparring is based on accuracy, speed, timing, distance, and quality of technique executed. Balance, blocking and dodging skills, and attitude are also very important.
Because each of the participants is free to move and attack, free sparring encourages the development of strategies for attack and defence, while improving speed and timing. Since free sparring is practised as a non-stop fight that may consist of one, two or three rounds, good physical fitness is very important.
There are distinct rules and a system for free sparring in tournaments. Both hand and foot techniques are allowed, and good fighters use combination and flying, jumping and spinning techniques. These fights can be really spectacular.