Beginning
Three-Step-Sparring
Three-Step Sparring are the initial basic sparring exercises among beginners usually from the 9th Geup thru
6th Geup. These are exercises for familiarization of correct attack and defense techniques utilizing
mainly hands against middle and high targets, and the feet against low targets while stepping forward and backward.
There are two methods of practice; One-Way, and Two-Way. In One-Way Three-Step Sparring, the attack is executed
only while stepping forward, and defense while stepping backward.
Beginning 3-Step Sparring
is the required Step-Sparring format for promotion when testing for 8th Geup, Low Yellow Belt, and is performed
with a partner. All step sparring routines begin with a simple bow to your partner. The
bow should be at 15o, while looking at your partner's eyes. The junior student should come
up from the bow after their senior. All routines are to be performed in a formal manner with a high degree
of discipline. At least one of the Beginning 3-Step Sparring routines performed at this level should
use the same attacks, blocks, and counter-attacks as those used in Basic 3-Step Sparring. When performing
this level of step-sparring the student should keep the following points in mind:
• Distance
and measurement are critical at this level of step sparring.
• Since this is Beginning
3-Step sparring, the student should make every effort to keep the correct distance in order not to hurt each other.
• It is important that the defender use correct stances, and that all blocks
are executed properly and with the appropriate tools.
• The student should not
be in a hurry - step sparring is sloppy when it is carried out in
a fast motion.
• An appropriate block, attack, or counter-attack is a technique that is
taught to the student at their belt level or a technique that is in one of the pattern exercises up through their testing
pattern.
Number and Type of Counter-Attack:
In beginning
3-Step Sparring only one counter attack is to be used. It is to be a front kick or a hand
technique that is taught to the student at their belt level. This is includes a Front Punch from
pattern Cheon-Ji if the student is testing for 8th Geup, Low Yellow Belt.
Distance Measuring:
Both participants must come to attention. The attacker will
step forward with his/her right foot into a right Walking Stance placing his/her right foot just to the outside the defender's
left foot.
Preparatory Move:
The attacker will step back with his/her right
foot while executing a left Walking Stance and a low Block with the left Outer Forearm. The attacker must
ki-ap at the same time as he/she executes the low Block.
Next Move:
At
the same time that the attacker steps back into a left Walking Stance, the defender moves the left foot to the left into
a Parallel Ready Stance. The defender must ki-ap to signal his/her readiness to begin.
First Attack and
Block:
The attacker will step forward into a right Walking Stance placing his/her right foot to the outside
of the defender's left foot while executing a right middle Front Punch. The defender will step back
with the right foot into a left Walking Stance while executing a middle Block with the left Inner Forearm. The
interim hand position for this block is to the right of the body with both palms facing downward, fists closed, and wrists
touching with the left hand on the bottom. At the Interim position, the hands are slightly lower than
shoulder level. The blocking technique should only result in light contact.
Second Attack and Block:
The
attacker will step forward into a left Walking Stance placing his/her left foot to the inside of the defender's right
foot while executing a left middle Front Punch. The defender will step back with the left foot into a
right Walking Stance while executing a middle Block with the right Inner Forearm. The interim hand position
for this block is to the left of the body with both palms facing downward, fists closed, and wrists touching with the right
hand on the bottom. At the Interim position, the hands are slightly lower than shoulder level.
The blocking technique should only result in light contact.
Third Attack and Block:
The attacker will step forward into a right Walking Stance placing
his/her right foot to the outside of the defender's left foot while executing a right middle Front Punch.
The defender will step back with the right foot into a left Walking Stance while executing a middle Block with the
left Inner Forearm. The interim hand position for this block is to the right of the body with both palms
facing downward, fists closed, and wrists touching with the left hand on the bottom. At the Interim position,
the hands are slightly lower than shoulder level. The blocking technique should only result in light
contact.
Counter-Attack:
Without stepping
forward, changing stance, or leaning forward, the defender will execute an appropriate single counter-attack, and ki-ap at
the same. If the counter-attack is a Lead-Leg Front Kick, the defender will then recover back to the original
left Walking Stance. There is no need for the defenders counter-attack to make contact with the attacker.
Return to Ready Position:
Both the attacker and the defender will step into a Parallel Ready Stance, with the attacker stepping
backward (with right foot) and the defender stepping forward (with right foot). The attacker will step
back to the ready position after the defender has initiated a forward movement to the ready position.
Preparation of the Next
Routine:
If the distance between the participants needs to be readjusted, the new attacker comes to attention.
This will signal the defender that measurement is necessary. The defender will then come to attention.
The attacker will step forward with his/her right foot into a right Walking Stance placing his/her right foot just
to the outside the defender's left foot in order to recheck the distance.
Sample Step-Sparing Routines: 
