Intermediate 3-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.

Intermediate 3-Step Sparring is the required Step-Sparring format for promotion when testing for 7th Geup, High Yellow Belt.  It should begin with a simple bow to your partner.  The bow should be at 15^o, 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.  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.

• It is important that the defender use correct stances, and that all blocks are executed properly and with the appropriate tools.

• It is important that the student ensure that all attacks and counter-attacks use appropriate tools and are directed at suitable vital spots. 

• If the attacker uses Walking Stances, and the defender uses Walking Stances: the attacker's foot positions are first to the outside of the defender's foot, then inside, and finally outside.

• If the attacker uses Walking Stances, and defender uses L-Stances: all of the attacker's foot positions are to the outside of the defender's feet. 

• If attacker uses L-Stances, and the defender uses L-Stances: the attacker's foot positions are first to the inside of the defender's foot, then outside, and finally inside.

• If attacker uses L-Stances, and the defender uses Walking Stances: all of the attacker's foot positions will be inside of defender's feet. 

• The attacker must step to the same spot from which they measured for their first attack.

• 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 patterns up through their testing pattern. 

Number and Type of Counter-Attacks:

    Intermediate 3-Step Sparring should include up to two counter-attacks.  These are to be a combination of either foot-hand or hand-foot techniques.  They may only consist of techniques that are taught to the student at their belt level, to include required kicks, as well as all techniques used in patterns up through their testing pattern.  This is pattern Dan-Gun if the student is testing for 7th Geup, High Yellow Belt.

Distance Measuring:

    If the attacker is to start from a Walking Stance - both students 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.

     If the attacker is to start from an L-Stance - both students must come to attention.  The attacker will step forward into left L-Stance placing his/her right foot between the defender's feet. 

Preparatory Move:

    Both the attacker and the defender will step into a Parallel Ready Stance, with the attacker stepping to the right and the defender stepping to the left.  The defender will tell the attacker which techniques to perform, as well as which Stance to start from.

    If the attacker is to start from a Walking Stance – 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.

    If the attacker is to start from an L-Stance – The attacker will step back with his/her right foot into a right L-Stance while executing 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 his/her preparatory stance, the defender moves the left foot to the left into a Parallel Ready Stance.  The defender must then ki-ap to signal his/her readiness to begin.

First Attack and Block:

    The attacker will step forward into the appropriate stance, placing their front foot on the correct side of the defender's foot, and will execute the appropriate hand attack.  Defender steps back with his/her right foot into an appropriate stance and will execute an appropriate block.  The blocking technique should only result in light contact.

Second Attack and Block:       

   The attacker will step forward with his/her rear leg into the appropriate stance, placing their front foot on the correct side of the defender's foot, and again executes the appropriate hand attack used in the first attack.  Defender steps back into the same appropriate stance used in the first defense, but using the opposite leg, and executes the same appropriate block used in the first attack.  The blocking technique should only result in light contact.

Third Attack and Block:

    The attacker will step forward with his/her rear leg into the appropriate stance, placing their front foot on the correct side of the defender's foot, and executes the appropriate hand attack used in the first attack.  Defender steps back into the same appropriate stance used in the first defense, but using the opposite leg, and executes the same appropriate block used in the first attack.  The blocking technique should only result in light contact.

Counter-Attack:

    The defender will execute up to two appropriate counter-attacks and ki-ap at the same time as his/her last punch or kick.  The defender may move into another appropriate stance prior to, during, or at the end of the counter-attacking motion.  If the counter-attack is a kick, the defender will step down with the kicking leg into an appropriate stance.  There is no need for the defender to attempt to have their counter-attacks make more than light 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 and the defender stepping forward.  The attacker returns to a ready position after the defender has initiated a movement to return to the A-B line into a ready position.

    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 then step forward to recheck the distance as it was done in the beginning of this Step-Sparring routine.

 Sample Step-Sparring Routines: