Foot Technique Sparring

Foot Technique Step Sparring

Foot Technique Step-Sparring is a unique form of sparring developed from the ancient Korean art of “Tae-Kyeon” which mainly relied on the feet. The significance of this sparring format is to symbolize these ancient Korean martial arts, and promote the kicking techniques required in Taekwon-Do. The ancient Koreans believed that the hands were used for artistic purposes only, so fighting skills involved only kicking and defending with feet only. Since both attack and defense are performed with the feet, hand techniques are not allowed in this particular sparring format. Both partners are completely free to exchange attack and defense motions with no prearranged mode except for the initial movement of the attacker. Dodging may be used no more that once in each routine.

Foot Technique Sparring is the required step-sparring format when testing for 2nd Dan, Black Belt. Foot technique sparring is performed with one partner. It should begin with a simple bow to your partner. The bow should be at 15^o, while looking at your partners 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 kept the following points in mind

• Distance is still very important, however measurement is not allowed for Foot Technique 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.

• 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 taught is in one of the patterns up through their testing patterns.

Number and Type of Attacks and Counter-Attacks:

In Foot Technique Sparring counter-attacks may only consist of foot 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 the participants, with the original defender winning.

Explanation of Step-Sparring Format:

Both the attacker and the defender will step into a Parallel Ready Stance, with the attacker stepping with the right foot and the defender stepping to with the left foot. 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 any single, combination or consecutive kick.

Distance Measurement:

Distance measurement is not allowed for Foot Technique Step-Sparring, 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 attacker is to attack with a kick, and he/she will step back with his/her foot into the appropriate L-Stance while executing 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:

At the same time that the attacker steps back into his/her appropriate stance, the defender moves into his/her preferred L-Stance. The Defender must then ki-ap to signal his/her readiness to begin the routine.

First Foot Attack and Foot Defense:

The original attacker will execute an appropriate foot attack.

The original defender will execute an appropriate defensive foot technique.

Note: The first attack and first defense are performed simultaneously.

Second Foot Attack and Foot Defense:

The original attacker will execute an appropriate foot attack.

The original defender will execute an appropriate defensive foot technique.

Note: The second attack and second defense are performed simultaneously.

Third Foot Attack and Foot Defense:

The original attacker will execute an appropriate foot attack.

The original defender will execute an appropriate defensive foot technique.

Note: The third attack and third defense are performed simultaneously.

Subsequent Foot Attacks and Foot Defenses (repeated if needed):

The original attacker will execute an appropriate foot attack.

The original defender will execute an appropriate defensive foot technique.

Note: The subsequent attacks and subsequent defenses are performed simultaneously.

Defender’s Final Foot Counter-Attack:

The defender will execute the final foot counter-attack(s). After the last counter-attack, 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. There is no need for the defender to attempt to have their counter-attacks make more than firm contact with the attacker.

Return to Ready Position:

Both attacker and 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.

Next Routine:

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

Go to 2nd Dan Testing Requirements

Go to 2nd Dan Nomenclature Requirements

Go to 2nd Dan Breaking Requirements

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