Types of Tae Kwon Do Sparring

Tae Kwon Do, which means “the art of hand and foot”, is by far the most popular form of martial arts known to man. It is the national sport of Korea and is now considered as an Olympic sporting event that thousands of people throughout the world practice Tae Kwon Do for trainings and tournaments.

In Tae Kwon Do, the art of sparring is very important. In fact, every person who wants to learn the art needs to learn and understand sparring first. This is where the term “Tae Kwon Do sparring comes in”.

The Tae Kwon Do sparring is generally divided into two forms: the one-step sparring and the free sparring. Both of these forms of Tae Kwon Do sparring, however, is identified by the majority of the attacks executed, which are kicking techniques. This art is known in Korea as Kyorugi.

One-Step Tae Kwon Do Sparring

The one-step sparring techniques involved in Tae Kwon Do are generally identified as prearranged and defensive movements. These movements are usually performed by two participants, in concert. Since it’s about pairing, the students of Tae Kwon Do sparring then need to pair off. One of the parties involved must use various combinations of blocking as well as counterattacking techniques against the other. It is usual in this form of martial arts though that the other party attacked employs punching and kicking techniques. This is what makes the one-step Tae Kwon Do sparring exciting.

But what really makes the one-step sparring important in Tae Kwon Do?

The one-step sparring techniques are generally considered in every martial arts form like Tae Kwon Do as this is one of the best methods of familiarizing the students with the fundamentals of kicking, punching, and blocking movements. With these techniques, the students will learn to develop and manage their reaction time, and later on builds their aptitude for accurate counterattacks by way of targeting the vital spots of the opponents. It is this reason actually that makes one-step sparring essential in the preparation for the free Tae Kwon Do sparring.

Free Tae Kwon Do Sparring

On the most basic, the free sparring in Tae Kwon Do is a practical application of self defense techniques. The points of contact here includes the camo belt and above. However, it is very necessary to note that before you do free sparring on your Tae Kwon Do sessions, you need first to know and understand the rules of sparring. Usually, the students of free sparring are subject to certain rules of conduct when considering the art at tests and in classrooms. This is basically considered for the sake of safety and courtesy.

Speaking of safety, it is typical in free Tae Kwon Do sparring that full contact is not permitted for safety. Aside from this, the students are only allowed to strike specific target areas. The hand techniques, for example, may only be used on the front and side of the body from the belt to the shoulder. This also means that no hand technique may be delivered to the face or head.

In terms of foot technique, the free Tae Kwon Do sparring rules maintain that the foot technique may only be executed on the front and sides of the body from the belt to the head. Intentional kicks to the back and back of the head are strongly illegal. Also, there should be no throwing, knee attacks, head butts, or elbows are allowed. These rules are generally maintained by the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).