• Distance is still very important at this level of step sparring, however it should no longer be necessary to measure every time.  At this level of step-sparring the student should have a good understanding of the concept of distance.

• One-Step Sparring is not intended for the attacker to show off.  The emphasis should be on the defender's performance. 

• It is important that the student demonstrates General Choi's idea of ending a conflict with "one kick or one punch".

• Student should be familiar with all terminology to ensure that the Step-Sparring routines proceed smoothly and there are no delays.

• Instructions given to sparring partners should be simple, clear, easily understood, and technically correct.

• 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. 

• 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:        

      In beginning 1-Step Sparring only one counter-attack is to be used, and it may be either a hand or a foot technique, but the student must use the other technique in the next routine.  (double and triple kicking techniques and 2- or 3-kick consecutive techniques will count as a single counter-attack.) This counter-attack 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 Jung-Geun if the student is testing for 3rd Geup, High Blue Belt. 

Explanation of Step-Sparring Format:                                 

      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 what stance to start the attack from and what attacks are to be executed by the attacker.  These attacks will consist of either a single foot or a single hand attack. 

Distance Measuring:     

      Distance measurement should no longer be necessary at this level, since student at this level should already have a good understanding of the concept of distance. 

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 attack with a hand technique first, then he/she will start from a Parallel Ready Stance.  In this case the attacker must ki-ap to signal his/her readiness to begin. 

      If the attacker is to attack with a kick first, then he/she will steps back with his/her foot into the appropriate L-Stance and execute a middle Guarding Block with the Outer Forearm.  The attacker must ki-ap at the same time as he/she executes the Guarding Block.

Next Move:                       

      The defender has the choice to start from either a Parallel Ready Stance, or an L-Stance.  At the same time that the attacker steps back into his/her preparatory stance, the defender moves into his/her chosen beginning stance.  The defender must then ki-ap to signal his/her readiness to begin.

Attack and Block:                                  

      The attacker executes the prearranged attack and the defender executes an appropriate level defensive technique.  The blocking technique should only result in light contact.

Counter-Attack:  

      The defender executes a single appropriate counter-attack.  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 hand technique, the defender must ki-ap at the same time as he/she executes the technique.  However, if the counter-attack is a kick, the defender will first step down with the kicking leg into an appropriate stance and executes a middle Guarding Block, and ki-ap.  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. 

SAMPLE STEP-SPARRING ROUTINES:

                                             Example One

                                             Example Two