Pre-Arranged Free Sparring

Pre-Arranged Step Sparring

Pre-Arranged Step-Sparring is a controlled, simulated format of Free-Sparring. That is, the participants follow a prepared scenario in which each partner skillfully exhibits a wide variety of techniques without fear or injury. Pre-Arranged Step Sparring is visually impressive and useful for introducing the Taekwon-Do style of fighting to an audience. Making Pre-Arranged the perfect step-sparring format for demonstrations. It is practiced as the name denotes, under prearranged agreements. For example, the number of steps to be taken, the targets to be attacked, and the attacking tools to be used are pre-arranged between the partners.

Pre-Arranged Step-Sparring is the required Step-Sparring format for promotion when test for 1st Dan, Black Belt. It should begin with a simple bow to your partner. The bow should be 15^o, while looking at your partners eyes. The junior should come up from the bow after the senior. All routines are to be performed in a formal matter with a high degree of discipline. When performing this level of step-sparring you should keep the following points in mind.

• Distance is still very important, however measurement is not allowed for Pre-Arranged Step-Sparring. At this level of step-sparring the student should already have a good understanding of the concept of distance. Also, both partners should make sure to use proper stances and correct distance so that they do not injure each other.

• Pre-Arranged Step-Sparring is designed for the student to show attacks and blocks used in a formal manner and techniques that are not widely used in free sparring. Although the pace is fast, it should not resemble free sparring.

• The students have a chance to be original and to show proper applications of some of the lesser used techniques.

• 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 students should not rush or be in a hurry to complete their routines.

• 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 patterns.

Number and Type of Attacks and Counter-Attacks:

Pre-Arranged Step Sparring is similar in format to Advanced Semi-Free Step Sparring in that singular attacks and defensive techniques are executed sequentially by each participant, alternating back and forth. These techniques are pre-arranged and should therefore flow smoother and faster than Semi-Free Step Sparring. The attacks and counter-attacks may only consist of techniques that are taught to the student at their belt level.

Routines:

Students should have at least five routines prepared for demonstration. Each routine should consist of three to five attacking/blocking/counter-attacking interactions executed by both participants, with the original defender winning.

Explanation of Step-Sparring Format:

The attacker and defender will step into an Attention Stance and bow to each other. 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 attack is to be executed by the attacker. This attack will consist of either a single foot or a single hand attack.

Distance Measuring:

Distance measurement is not allowed for Pre-Arranged Step Sparring, since student at this level should already have a good understanding of the concept of distance.

Preparatory Move:

The attacker and defender will step into their Junbi positions simultaneously. The attacker will step backward into an L-Stance executing a middle Guarding Block with the Outer Forearm and ki-ap to signal that they are ready to begin attacking. The defender will step backward into an L-Stance executing a middle Guarding Block with the Outer Forearm. (The defender does not ki-ap.)

Attacks and Blocks:

The attacker executes the prearranged attack and the defender executes an appropriate level defensive technique. Blocking techniques should make firm contact with the correct part of the attacker's attacking hand or foot.

Counter Attacks:

As the winner, the defender can execute either multiple appropriate counter-attacks or one decisive counter-attack. The defender may move into another appropriate stance prior to, during, or at the end of the counter-attacking motions. There is no need for the defender to attempt to have their counter-attacks make more than firm contact with the attacker.

Next Move:

After the last counter-attack, the defender will step back with his/her front foot into an L-Stance, executes 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 simultaneously ki-ap.

Return to Ready Position:

Both attacker and defender 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.

Remaining Routines:

The remaining routines will begin from Parallel Ready Stances, and continue in the format previously detailed until the student has finished his/her demonstration.

Back to Step-Sparring Requirements

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