• Distance is still very important; however measurement should no longer be necessary.  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.  Now is the time for the student to show case his/her advanced self defense skills. 

• It is important that the student demonstrate General Choi's idea that any of the techniques used are capable of ending a conflict with "one kick or one punch".

• Students 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:        

     Semi-Free 1-Step Sparring, single or multiple counter-attacks can be used.  These counter-attacks may consist of combination and consecutive techniques with hands and/or feet, but the number of counter-attacks should not be excessive.  The counter-attack(s) should focus on the student showing his/her advanced self defense skills.  The counter-attack(s) 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 Hwa-Rang if the student is testing for 1st Geup, High Red 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 not tell the attacker what stance to start the attack from nor 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 may start from either a parallel Ready Stance an L-Stance.  In this case of a parallel Ready Stance the attacker must ki-ap, to signal his/her readiness to begin.  In the case of an L-Stance, he/she will step back into the appropriate L-Stance and executes a middle Guarding Block with the Outer Forearm and ki-ap to signal his/her readiness to begin. 

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 either a hand or a foot attack and the defender executes an appropriate level defensive technique.  Blocking techniques should only result in light contact.

Counter-Attack:  

     The defender executes appropriate counter-attacks.  The defender may move into another appropriate stance prior to, during, or at the end of the counter-attacking motion.  After the last counter-attack, the defender will step back with his/her front foot into an L-Stance, execute a middle Guarding Block, and will simultaneously ki-ap.  However, if the last counter-attack is a kick, the defender will first step down with the kicking leg into an appropriate stance, then move his/her front foot back into an L-Stance, execute a middle Guarding Block, and will simultaneously 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.