taekwondo step sparring - turtle press

Taekwondo StepSparring

Sang H. Kim, Ph.D.

Taekwondo STEP SPARRING

A Turtle Press Book / 2010

Printed in the United States ofAmerica. No part of this book may bereproduced without writtenpermission except in the case of briefquotations embodied in articles orreviews.

For information, address Turtle Press,PO Box 34010, Santa Fe, NM 87594-0410.www.turtlepress.com

Photographer: Marc Regis, Cynthia A.Kim

Photo models: Sang H. Kim, Kyu-hyung Lee, Carlos Sanchez, MarcoCorrea

ISBN 978-1-934903-52-0

Table of Contents

1 Step Sparring Fundamentals

2 Skills Reference

3 Step Sparring for Beginners

4 Intermediate Step Sparring

5 Advanced Step Sparring

STEP SPARRINGFUNDAMENTALS

What is StepSparring?

Step sparring is a form of drilltraining used by Taekwondo studentsto practice and perfect basic stances,blocks, strikes and kicks with apartner. It includes one-step, two-step and three-step sparring, whichare characterized by the number ofsteps forward that the attacker takesat the beginning of the technique.

Because step sparring is a series of

arranged movements, it is a goodway to perfect your technicalexecution of basic movementsthrough repetitious practice with apartner. It helps you developdistance control, timing, accuracy,self-control, respect toward yourpartner and teamwork.

At the advanced level, step sparringsets become longer and morecomplex, helping you developcoordination, speed and fluidity.

You can use sparring or self-defenseskills or a mix of both in stepsparring. Depending on the type ofskills you are practicing, you maybegin from ready stance or fighting

stance. However, step sparringtechniques should not be confusedwith sparring or self-defensetechniques.

Begin from ready stance.

Begin from fighting stance.

Goals of Step Sparring1. Foundation skill development

2. Offensive and defensive skillintegration

3. Technical perfection

4. Distance control

5. Timing and coordination

6. Speed and fluidity

Key Components

Step sparring is an excellent way forbeginning and intermediate studentsto learn the basics of Taekwondo,including fundamental blocks,punches and kicks, used in freesparring and self-defense.

Control

Step sparring helps you learn how tocontrol the distance, speed andpower of your movements bypracticing in a light or non-contactsituation. This sense of control iscritical for safety and technicalperfection in sparring and self-defense practice in the dojang

(school). Drilling in the form of stepsparring is also a good way to reducethe fear of being injured duringpartner practice.

Sense of DistanceAn accurate sense of distance andspatial awareness is essential todeveloping self-defense and sparringskills. By repetitively practicingmovements with a partner, you learnthe exact range and angles of yourkicks, punches and blocks. Thisknowledge can then be applied todeveloping accurate strikingdistances for free sparring.

Timing

Once a step sparring set is learned,you anticipate what attack is comingand can accurately calculate how tocorrectly time your defense. Throughrepetition, you will develop an innatesense of defensive timing.

Speed and FluidityAs step sparring skills progress indifficulty, they become more complexand require you to perform up to ahalf dozen movements in a quickcombination. This develops both thespeed of the individual movementsand the fluidity of the transitionsbetween combination movements.

Training TIPS

Create a smooth transition betweenthe block and punch when you are theattacking partner.

Use light contact when blocking orparrying.

When striking or kicking, come asclose as possible to your partnerwithout hitting him or her.

If a lock is part of the sequence, thepartner on the receiving end of thelocking technique should tap when heor she feels pain.

Perfect technical execution of thetechniques first, then increase speed.

When the attacker punches, thepurpose of the defender’s initial blockis to redirect the line of the punchaway from the center line and create

an opening for the counterattack.

EtiquetteEvery type of Taekwondo practicehas its own rules of etiquette andstep sparring is no exception. Whenpracticing with a partner, followthese etiquette guidelines at thebeginning and end of practice.Etiquette in the dojang is thefoundation for character building.

Beginning Etiquette

1. Face each other in attention(charyut) stance.

2. Bow to each other at theinstructor’s command or when youare ready.

3. Step your left foot to the left intoready (choonbee) stance.

Ending Etiquette

1. Return to ready stance after yourlast technique.

2. Move your left foot into attentionstance.

3. Bow to each other.

Partner PracticeEtiquette

Partners should work at the same

skill and intensity level. Practiceshould be challenging but notexhausting or painful.

Agree on an appropriate level ofcontact prior to beginning.

Spend extra time to work on eachpartner’s weak areas.

React realistically but be cooperative—step sparring is a learningexperience, not a competition.

How to PracticeAlthough step sparring techniquescan vary in complexity from basic toadvanced, all techniques arepracticed in fundamentally the same

way. Step sparring models a typicalsparring or self-defense situation inwhich one person attacks and theother responds with a defense andcounterattack. Two people face eachother at about arms’ distance. Theythen take turns performing the rolesof attacker and defender so that eachcan practice both offensive anddefensive skills. The attacker initiatesthe technique, either on his owninitiation or according to aninstructor’s count. The defenderresponds by blocking, evading orredirecting the attack and thencounterattacks with strikes and/orkicks.

Ready Stance StartTo begin from ready stance, faceyour partner in parallel ready(choonbee) stance. To find thecorrect distance, you and yourpartner should extend your armsstraight out in front of yourselveswith your hands held in fists. Whenthe front of the fists just touch, this isthe correct starting distance.

Once the correct distance has beenestablished, the attacker steps backinto left front stance and executes aleft low block. The defender signalshis readiness with a kihap (shout)and then the attacker steps forwardinto right front stance, executing a

right middle punch. As the attackerpunches, the defendersimultaneously begins his defensiveset of movements.

1. Face each other in ready stance.

2. Attacker (left): Step back with theright leg into left front stance, leftlow block.

Fighting Stance StartTo begin from fighting stance, faceyour partner in fighting stance at aneutral sparring distance. When youare ready or when an instructor givesa signal, the attacker throws apredetermined kick and the defendersimultaneously responds withpredetermined defensivemovements.

1. Face each other in fighting stance.

2. The attacker (left) executes a rightleg kick while the defender beginsthe defensive sequence.

Training TIPS

ETIQUETTE:

When you begin step sparring practicewith a new partner, face each other inattention stance and then bow.

After bowing, assume your ready orfighting stance.

Begin the technique on yourinstructor’s signal or when you areready.

The attacker should only attack afterthe defender signals his readiness witha kihap (shout).

When the technique is complete, bothpartners return to their startingstances.

Progression ofPractice

Step sparring is a form of progressivedrill practice. The way you practice anew step sparring combination whenfirst learning it is different from theway you will practice it after sixmonths or one year of practice. Thisis why you will continue to practicethe same step sparring techniqueswell into the black belt curriculum.Here are some progressive practiceguidelines.

Stage 1: TechnicalAccuracy

When you first begin practicing astep sparring technique, separate themovements of the combination intodiscrete steps as shown in theinstructional photos and practiceeach movement slowly with attentionto stance, hand placement, anddistance control.

Stage 2: One FlowWhen you feel comfortable with thebasic execution of the movements,begin to assemble them into asmooth flowing combination. Feelhow the individual techniques fittogether and try to make yourtransitions between movements aseconomical as possible. Practice with

a focus on total body coordination,weight transfer in your stances andthe flow of power through thecombination.

Stage 3: Speed andPower

At the advanced level, your goal is tocomplete the defense andcounterattack in the same time thatit takes the attacker to complete hispunch. Advanced students canperform as many as a half dozenparries, blocks or counter strikeswithin one second. At this stage,practice with the goal of removingevery millisecond of wasted

movement from your techniques asyou increase your speed, control andpower.

Here is an example of how topractice this intermediate level stepsparring technique progressively:

Stage 1:Begin by practicing the followingsteps separately. Your partnercooperates by keeping his punchingarm extending as shown until youcomplete the series of movements.Completion time: up to 5 seconds.

Stage 2:Begin moving as soon as yourpartner begins stepping toward youand meet his punch by smoothlylinking together the three successivetechniques into a single flowingmovement. Your partner can reactmore realistically by withdrawing hispunching arm if you do not completethe combination in time. Completion

time: up to 2 seconds.

Stage 3:At this stage, you should be able tocomplete all three steps before yourpartner fully extends his punchingarm. Your stances and strikes may beless rigid than depicted in the photos,however you should not sacrificetechnical accuracy to gain speed.Completion time: no more than 1second.

SKILLS REFERENCEStep Sparring SkillsThe step sparring skills in this bookconsist of basic and intermediatelevel Taekwondo skills, which mostTaekwondo students should befamiliar with. However, because skillscan be named or taught differently indifferent schools, this section hasbeen included as a reference to theperformance of each skill as it shouldbe done for step sparring.

Types of Skills

The skills in this reference sectionare grouped by type:

Stances

Blocks

Strikes

Footwork

Other skills

Within each section, individual skillsare presented in the order in whichthey first appear in the step sparringtechniques.

Skill Adaptation

Be Flexible: As you practice, keep inmind that step sparring movements

are less rigid and well defined thanwhen the same movements are usedin poomsae (form) practice.

Adapt: You should adapt thetraditional movement structureaccording to the height and skill levelof your partner as well as the angleand distance of attack.

Apply: As in self-defense and sparringpractice, you will find that you needto vary how you apply eachtechnique according to the partneryou are practicing with. This type ofadaptation practice is goodpreparation for the more fluid andever changing situations that you willface in free sparing and self-defense.

Traditional: Notice how the partnersabove are similar in height and theirstances are moderate in length. Thisis an example of a classical attackand defense posture.

Adapted: Here, the attacker is tallerthan the defender, so the defenderhas shortened his stance, while theattacker has lengthened his stance toequalize their height difference. Thistype of short stance can also be used

when your partner punches quickly orsteps too close to you.

StancesReady Stance

From attention stance (feettogether), shift your weight to yourright leg while raising your hands toyour solar plexus and slowly rollingyour fists so the back of the fists face

downward. Next, step your left legone foot to the left so that your feetare parallel and about one foot apartwhile rotating your fists as you lowerthem in front of your abdomen.

When the stance is completed, yourfeet are about one foot apart andparallel to each other, your legs arestraight and your fists are in front ofyour lower abdomen, with the backsof your hands facing forward. Look atyour partner.

Front StanceTo perform left front stance (above),step forward a distance of 1.5 stepswith the left leg. Bend your left kneeso that your left knee is just overyour left toes. Your right heel should

be angled about 30° inward and yourright knee should be straight. Rotateyour shoulders about 30° to the rightand keep your torso upright.

In step sparring, front stance isgenerally used with low block, middlepunch, and high punch. A modifiedform of front stance can be used withknifehand strikes and blocks.

Back StanceTo perform left back stance (above),step backward a distance of 1 stepwith the left leg. Your right knee andtoes face forward and your left kneeand toes face 90° to the left. Bend

your knees as shown above andplace about 2/3 of your weight onyour left leg. Rotate your torso andhips so that they are on the sameplane as your right leg.

In step sparring, back stance isprimarily used by the defender toexecute inside blocks with the fist orknifehand. In most cases, thedefender will step back into backstance while performing the block.Tactically, back stance is atransitional posture forcounterattacking. From back stance,you can kick with the front leg, spinto the rear to kick or strike, or shiftyour weight forward and strike with

the rear hand.

Horseriding StanceFrom ready stance, shift your weightto your right leg and step your leftleg about two feet to the left. Yourfeet should be parallel and yourknees bent so that your knees are

over your toes. Square your hip andshoulders to the front. Stick your hipout slight to the rear so that yourback has a slight arch to promotegood balance. Tense your lowerabdomen to concentrate your power.

In step sparring, horseriding stancecan be used for blocking or striking.In many cases, a modifiedhorseriding stance is formed byshifting your weight more to one sideto facilitate the correct distance andangle of a technique. It may also benecessary to lower your stancefurther by widening the distancebetween your feet.

Fighting StanceFEET: Position your feet about 1 ½steps apart. Turn your front footabout 15° inward and your rear footoutward 45°- 90° depending on whattype of technique you will execute.

HANDS: Hold your fists betweenshoulder and chest height, with yourelbows bent.

POSTURE: Bend your knees slightly,relax your shoulders and angle yourbody to minimize exposure of yourcenterline.

Fighting Stance - ClosedIn closed stance, you and yourpartner are in the same stance,either right fighting stance (left footforward) or left fighting stance (rightfoot forward).

In closed stance, the most effectivekicks are front leg pushing kick, frontleg roundhouse kick, back leg axekick and back leg back kick.

You can change to open stance bystepping backward or switchingstance in place.

Fighting Stance - OpenOpen stance means that you andyour partner are in opposite stances.For example, you are in right fightingstance and your partner is in leftfighting stance.

Open stance is advantageous if youknow how to make the most of it.

Initiative is the key to capitalizing onopen targets.

Your best options include attackingwith back leg roundhouse kick or axekick or front leg side kick.

Defensively, sliding straightbackward or 45° backward orsideways can be used to createspace or evade an attack.

Which Stance?The choice of open or closed stanceis as much a matter of preference asstrategy.

Most people prefer closed stancebecause they feel that their vitaltargets are less exposed than in openstance.

On the other hand, some people useopen stance to lure an opponent intoattacking a seemingly opencenterline targets and thencounterattacking.

BlocksLow Block

Low block is done with the outerforearm using the twisting motion ofthe torso. Begin with your arm andfist chambered in front of youropposite shoulder and snap your armacross your body while turning yourtorso into the block. At completion,your blocking arm is slightly bent to

prevent injuries (avoid locking yourelbow).

In step sparring, low block is one ofthe most basic and commonly usedtechniques. It is used by the attackerto begin techniques from readystance. The defender can also uselow block to defend against mid- orlow-section kicks or hand attacks.Low block is mostly used in frontstance or fighting stance. Forsparring style step sparringtechniques, it is often employedsimultaneously with rear middlesection punching.

Palm Pressing BlockPalm pressing block begins atshoulder height on the same side asthe blocking arm. Keeping yourelbow bent, use the movement ofyour torso to pivot your palm into the

block as you create a pulling force bybringing your other hand to yourwaist. Palm pressing block can bedone horizontally at mid-section ordiagonally downward at waist height.

Palm pressing block is a safe, easyalternative to forearm blocking, so itis frequently used in step sparring toallow for a moderate level of contactwithout pain. It is often used to pressyour partner’s arm away from yourcenterline, creating an opening for acounterattack. It can also be usedoffensively to strike the elbow orknee joint at the advanced level.

Outside Knifehand BlockOutside knifehand block travels in acircular motion across the body,ending on the outside line of yourbody at head height. Use the outerforearm or knife edge of the hand to

block depending on the height of theattacking technique. Turn your body30º to 60º away from the blockingside, to protect your centerline andcreate space for a counterattack.When you transition into this block,be sure to cross your arms over yourcenterline for additional protection.

In step sparring, the outsideknifehand block is very versatile inapplication. It can be used as a frontor rear hand block, while movingforward or backward, and from front,back or horseriding stance. Becausethe hand is fully extended, knifehandblock offers a greater blockingsurface than other techniques,

making it easy to apply.

High BlockHigh block begins from the oppositeside waist and crosses your bodydiagonally upward, ending with yourfist about 1 fist distance above yourhead and your elbow just outsideyour shoulder line. Your palm faces

forward and your forearm is angledto deflect the force of the attacker’sstrike. Your torso is angled about 30ºto the rear.

In step sparring, high block is used todeflect high section attacks like highpunch, knifehand strike to the heador axe kick. Due to the added forceof gravity inherent in downwardstrikes or kicks, the amount of forcethat must be absorbed by high blockis greater than for other horizontal-type blocks. Therefore, at themoment of impact, remember totwist your forearm quickly outwardand to keep your forearm angled todiffuse the force of the blow. Use

caution!

Inside Knifehand BlockInside knifehand block begins withyour blocking hand drawn back atshoulder height on the blocking sideand your elbow bent close to yourbody. Your other arm is extended infront of you (like middle punch

position) to create additional twistingforce. To block, rotate your torso intothe block while twisting yourknifehand 180º into the target andpulling your other fist to your waist.You can use your wrist or mid-forearm to block, depending on theheight and proximity of the attack.

In step sparring, inside knifehandblock is generally used in back stancewhile moving backward to evade theforward movement of your partner.Block beyond the centerline todeflect the incoming attack awayfrom your face and vital targets.

Inside Middle BlockInside middle block is performed in asimilar way to inside knifehand block,except that hand is held in a closedfist. When completed, the blockinghand is just above shoulder heightand the torso is angled about 45º

away from the centerline. Becauseyour fist is clenched, inside middleblock is more forceful than insideknifehand block.

In step sparring, inside middle blockis used as a combinationdefensive/offensive technique bystriking the vital area of theattacker’s arm such as the wrist orsoft part of the forearm, whileblocking. It is generally used in backstance, while moving away from anoncoming attack. Whenever you areexecuting a bone-to-bone block, suchas inside middle block against middlepunch, use control and caution soyou do not injure yourself or your

partner.

StrikesMiddle Punch

The power of middle punch comesfrom torso rotation. To begin, pullyour punching fist to your waist whilerotating your body away from the

centerline. To punch, rotate yourtorso into the punch as your fisttravels on a straight path to thetarget. Just before the moment ofimpact, twist your fist into the targetand load your body weight into thepunch by transferring the weight ofyour body through your arm into yourfist.

Middle punch can be done in-place,moving forward, moving backward,or with a side or diagonal step. Instep sparring, it is generally usedwith horseriding, front, side orfighting stance. Punch to the solarplexus, rib cage or sternum after ablock or parry creates an opening.

Elbow StrikeTo begin the basic horizontal elbowstrike, bend your elbow as tightly aspossible and bring your fist in front ofyour shoulder (same side). Rotateyour body and throw your elbow

strike in an inward arcing motion tothe target. Strike the target with theforearm side of the elbow.

In step sparring, the elbow is used tostrike the rib cage, neck or head as afinishing or transitional technique.Because of its short reach, the elbowis used at very close distances. Inaddition to the basic horizontal elbowstrike, you can use the reverse elbowstrike which travels in the opposite(outward) direction.

Knifehand StrikeKnifehand strike is executed bydrawing your hand back to your sameside shoulder and then rotating yourtorso into the strike as yourknifehand travels on a straight path

to the target. The power of knifehandstrike comes from the snapping twistjust before the moment of impact.Strike the target with the soft part ofthe knife blade area.

In step sparring, the knifehand strikeis used to strike vertically exposedtargets such as the neck (carotidartery), jaw, nose, temple, or ribcage. By striking a vertical target at ahorizontal or diagonal angle, theknifehand strike can penetratenarrow target areas with a focusedimpact.

Backfist StrikeThe backfist starts from under theopposite armpit (with the palm facingdown) and arcs forward into thetarget. Strike with the back side of

the first two knuckles at about a 45ºangle. Avoid overextending theelbow on impact.

In step sparring, backfist is used as asurprise counterattack against anadvancing opponent. At closedistance, it can be used to finish acombination by reaching over theattacking technique (like middlepunch) to strike a vital target on thehead or neck. Generally, the backfistis used against soft targets like thenose, neck or eye.

Rear Elbow StrikeThe rear elbow strike can be thrownin a single handed (shown above) oraugmented fashion. Begin with thearm outstretched to the front, palm

up. Snap your arm backward fromthe shoulder as you forcefully foldyour elbow (as it passes your torso)in one smooth sequence. Strike thetarget with the tip of your elbow.

In step sparring, the rear elbowstrike is used to strike your partnerwhen he or she is behind you at closedistance. It can also be used as aspinning strike. The primary targetsare the rib cage, solar plexus orkidneys.

AugmentationAn augmented strike is one that usesthe non-striking hand to buttress thestriking arm. Generally, you use yourpalm to reinforce the fist of the

striking arm, creating additionalpower by using two arms instead ofjust one.

The purpose of augmenting a strikeis to create stability and precisionwhile penetrating more deeply intothe target.

By adding the augmenting arm, youcreate a force framework that rotatesaround your central axis, making itdifficult for an opponent to disrupt.

Augmented strikes work well in closequarters because they are powerfullycompact.

Side Elbow Strike

The side elbow strike can be throwna single handed or augmented(shown above) fashion. To begin,chamber your arm across youropposite shoulder then quickly thrustyour elbow, across your body, intothe target. For a high section strike,turn your fist with the palmdownward. For a middle sectionstrike, turn your fist with your palmupward.

The augmented side elbow strike isthe most powerful elbow strike. Instep sparring, depending on how youorientate yourself to your partner’sposition, you can use the side elbowstrike against targets on the side or

rear of your partner.

Ridge Knifehand StrikeTo begin the ridge knifehand strike,chamber your hand with the palm up,at your waist. As you rotate yourbody into the strike, your ridge hand

travels up in a circular motion as yourpalm turns over. For targets that arefurther away, you can rotate yourbody more and turn your shoulderover slightly to gain distance. Strikewith the upper thumb knuckle area.

Ridge knifehand strike is rarely usedbecause the striking surface isvulnerable to injury, unless youcondition your hands properly. Instep sparring, it is mostly used as asurprise attack that approaches thetarget from an unexpected angle orblind spot. It also has greater reachthan a traditional knifehand strike.

Palm StrikePalm strike is a compact strike that ischambered at the same side shoulderwith the elbow bent. Snap the palmforward into the target whilesimultaneously rotating your torso.

Strike with the palm heel of yourhand, while holding your fingerstightly together. Avoid slapping thetarget; instead transfer the rotationalacceleration force of your entire bodyinto the target.

In step sparring, the target for thepalm strike is usually the elbow orinner forearm of the punching arm.The difference between palm strikeand knifehand strike is that palmstrike impacts a broader areaallowing you to attack bony targetswithout injuring yourself.

KicksFront Kick

Chamber the front kick with yourankle next to your standing knee andyour kicking knee pointed at the

target.

Strike with the ball of the foot forpower. For speed or kicking softtargets such as the groin, strike withthe instep. After kicking, immediatelywithdraw your leg.

In step sparring, front kick isgenerally used as a follow uptechnique to blocking. It can bethrown straight ahead (groin, solarplexus, neck) or from an angle aftera side step (rib cage, thigh, knee).To increase the impact of your kick

and control the opponent, you cangrab his wrist or sleeve and pull hisarm toward you while kicking the ribcage from the side.

Roundhouse KickThe roundhouse kick is chamberedlike front kick, however when youbegin to extend your leg, pivot onyour standing foot as your hip andkicking leg turn over to 30º to 90ºdepending on the target.

Strike with the ball or instep of thefoot. After kicking, withdraw your legon the same path.

Roundhouse kick is the mostdiversely applicable kick in stepsparring. It can be thrown to low,middle or high section targets withthe front or back leg from any stanceor angle. It is most effective whenused in combinations or as a quick

counterattack. High sectionroundhouse kick is often used as afinishing technique and low sectionroundhouse kick can be used as asweep or takedown.

Side KickChamber the side kick with your footnext to your standing knee and yourbody turned perpendicular to thetarget.

Strike with the bottom of the foot orthe blade of the foot. After kicking,immediately withdraw your leg to thechambered position or the startingposition, depending on your follow-uptechnique.

The side kick is a power kick. It canbe used as a pushing kick to createdistance or stop an incomingopponent, or it can be used as apenetrating strike. Because you turnyour body to the side and create a lotof distance between your vitaltargets and the opponent, it is a

relatively safe kick. The primarytargets are the knee, thigh, rib cageand solar plexus. If you are flexible,you can also use the side kick onhigh section targets.

Front Push KickThe front push kick is chamberedhigher than regular front kick. Slightlybend your standing knee whileraising your kicking knee to waistheight and pulling your toes back toexpose the sole of your foot. Keepyour upper body slightly forward andtuck your chin to collect your balanceand force. To kick, push the bottomof your foot into the target,extending your leg and hips into the

In step sparring, front pushing kick isused to break the structure of yourpartner’s body, prevent acounterattack or expose a target toyour follow-up technique. When youkick, follow the path of the kick withyour whole body to create maximumpower and effect, then immediately

follow up with another technique.

Outside Crescent KickOutside crescent kick is chamberedat an inward angle, with the toespointed downward and your thighparallel to the floor.

As you raise your leg, it travelsupward and outward across the

target. At the height of the kick, snapit straight down or outward,depending on the target’s positionand angle.

Drop your leg into fighting stanceafter kicking. Strike with the ball orheel of the foot.

In step sparring, outside crescentkick is used to stop an incomingopponent or strike a lateral targetsuch as the face or head. It is a goodcounterattack to a low or middlesection strike, because you can useyour leg to sweep away the strikingarm or block the completion of the

technique. Your leg is like a shieldand your foot is like a sword in thiskick.

Inside Crescent KickFor the inside crescent kick, chamberthe leg with your knee at waistheight and your foot relaxed.

Sweep the leg upward and inward

across your body in an arcing motion,striking with the bottom of the footor the heel. You can strike straightdownward (like axe kick) or acrossthe target. After kicking, drop yourleg into fighting stance.

In step sparring, inside crescent kickis usually used after side stepping.Move off your partner’s centerlineand then attack inward from anoutside position. It can also be usedto block a linear strike to yourcenterline, like a middle punch or

knifehand thrust.

Axe KickAxe kick is chambered like front kick,with the ankle next to the standingknee and the kicking knee pointing atthe target, however, the chamber inaxe kick is very transitional.

To kick, bring your foot as high aspossible over your head and thendrop it onto the target while pullingyour upper body slightly backwardaway from the kick. Strike with theball, bottom or heel of the foot. Dropyour leg into fighting stance afterkicking.

In step sparring, axe kick is usedwhen your partner is moving towardyou. It has to be delivered quicklyand you need to be quite flexible toraise your leg in the space availableas your opponent approaches. It canalso be used to threaten an opponent

and create distance for acombination.

Whip KickFor whip kick, chamber the leg withyour knee at waist height and yourleg nearly perpendicular to the floor.

Bring your foot across your body andthen snap it back across to your rearend. Strike with the bottom of the

foot or heel. After kicking, brieflyrechamber the leg before returningto fighting stance.

In step sparring, whip kick is used forcounterattacking against a lungingpartner or to reach over yourpartner’s middle section strike andcounter strike his head. Whip kickshould be fast but light and youshould use absolute control to

maintain your balance and avoidinjuring your partner.

Jumping DoubleRoundhouse Kick

Jumping double roundhouse kick is acombination of two roundhouse kicksin quick succession. First, throw ashort front leg roundhouse kick (kick#1) then before your kicking foottouches the ground, throw a secondroundhouse kick (kick #2) with fullcommitment. The first kick is toestablish your balance in the air andclose the distance with your partner.The second kick should deliver yourfull body weight and power to the

target. The first kick is low- to mid-section and the second is mid- tohigh-section.

In step sparring, jumping doubleroundhouse kick is used to takeadvantage of an overcommittedpartner who has thrown a techniquewith too much power or to chase aretreating partner.

Back KickFirst, turn your body and spot thetarget over your shoulder, thenchamber your leg with your kneefacing away from the target and yourfoot facing the target. Your legsshould be close together whilechambering.

To kick, stretch your leg to the rear

with your toes lower than your heel.Avoid exposing the front of your torsoto your opponent. Strike with thebottom or blade of the foot. You canreturn on the same path or drop yourfoot in front of you and follow withanother kick.

In step sparring, back kick is mostcommonly used as a counterattack toroundhouse kick. It can also be usedas a surprise attack from closedstance to a middle section target.

Spinning Whip Kick

For spinning whip kick, pivot yourbody to the rear and spot the targetover your shoulder, then chamber theleg with your knee at waist heightand your leg nearly perpendicular tothe floor.

Using your spinning momentum,release your leg across your bodyand snap it to your rear end. Strikewith the bottom of the foot or heel.Control your upper body so that yourstanding leg becomes the axis ofyour turn while your upper body andkicking leg rotate around it. Afterkicking, return your foot to fightingstance, completing a 360º turn.

Spinning whip kick is a knockouttechnique, but it requires great skilland a superior sense of timing tomake it work. For maximumeffectiveness, make this a compactkick with a stable axis.

Jumping Back Kick

This version of jumping back kickrequires you to jump with both feetat the same time. You can jump inplace or slightly forward, but in eithercase, chamber both kneessimultaneously while turning yourbody in the air. Align the side of yourtorso, the side of your legs, and theblade of your kicking foot with thetarget on impact. Keep your other legtucked in close to your kicking kneefor balance and power. Your armsshould be close to your torso at alltimes. Land in fighting stance.

In step sparring, the targets forjumping back kick are the solarplexus, chest, neck or head.Precision, timing and balance are thekeys to hitting the targetsuccessfully. Depending on thedistance between you and yourpartner, you can use a short kick or afully extended kick.

FootworkStep Back

From fighting stance, begin to rotateyour hip and torso to the rear as youpivot on your rear foot and slide yourfront foot toward your rear foot. Your

front foot passes close by your rearfoot, taking a full step backward. Asyou step back, coordinate your totalbody movement with your footmovement. Try to maintain the sameheight as you step, rather thanbobbing up and down. Keeping yourknees bent will make this easier.After stepping back, you will be inthe opposite stance as the one youbegan in.

In step sparring, stepping back isused to neutralize your partner’sattack by controlling the distance,creating space, or evading histechnique. While you are moving,you can throw a front hand strike tothe face or a front leg kick to amiddle or low section target. You canalso throw a rear hand punch or rearleg kick immediately after steppingback. If you plan to use a rear side

technique, step back quickly andlightly without over committing. Todo this, leave your weight more onyour pivoting leg throughout themovement.

Slide BackFrom fighting stance, draw your hipbackward and let your feet naturallyfollow in a sliding motion. Try tomove your whole body as a singleunit. As you slide, your feet shouldbarely leave the floor and the heightof your head shouldn’t change. Keepyour knees bent and stay light onyour feet. After sliding back, you willbe in the same stance as the one youbegan in.

Sliding back is the most instinctiveresponse to a lunging or steppingopponent. Do not overreact; insteaduse multiple short slides if necessary

to fine-tune the optimal distance foryour counterattack. Generally it’sbetter to leave your weight on yourfront leg so your rear leg free tocounter forcefully or to pivot andchange direction quickly. Forexample, if your partner attacks andlands in closed stance, you can use aback kick counter after sliding back.If he lands in open stance, you caneasily throw a rear leg roundhousekick instead. Sliding back can becombined with other types offootwork (i.e. slide back and sidestep), to create the angle you arelooking for.

Slide Back and Evade

From fighting stance, draw your hipbackward and let your feet naturallyfollow in a sliding motion. As youslide, your feet should barely leavethe floor. As you reach your newposition, bend your legs and loweryour body slightly, while leaning yourupper body and head away from yourpartner’s striking weapon. Aftersliding back, you will be in the samestance as the one you began in.

In step sparring, sliding back andevading is used when sliding backalone does not create enoughdistance between you and yourpartner’s strike or kick. In this case,you have to shift your bodyweight toyour rear foot almost entirely, ratherthan leaving your weight forward tocounterattack immediately. With yourweight on your back leg, you can stilluse a kicking counterattack,however, you may have to slide your

front foot back while kicking withyour rear leg. This type of counter ismost

effective if you can throw it beforeyour partner sets his kicking legdown. When leaning back to evade,be careful not to lean so far that youlose your balance and fall or stumblebackward.

°From fighting stance, first move yourrear foot to a 45º angle to the side ordiagonally to the rear. Your front footshould follow the rear foot until youachieve a normal fighting stance. Asyou slide, your feet should barely

leave the floor and the height of yourhead shouldn’t change. Wherever youslide to, you should still be facingyour opponent. After sliding 45º, youwill be in the same stance as the oneyou began in.

In step sparring, sliding 45º is usedto create an angle from which youcan strike your partner’s flank. It isespecially useful against a tallerpartner who has a longer reach andtries to back you up. Instead ofmoving backward, move to the sideand let him pass you, thencounterattack using thisadvantageous new position that youhave created. This is anunconventional tactic and requires

practice, because the instinctiveresponse to an attack is to movestraight backward.

Other SkillsArm Bar

To apply an arm bar, grab yourpartner’s wrist and raise it over yourshoulder with his palm facing upwardwhile rotating your body against his.Lower your body by bending yourknees as you step under his arm.Position your hip on his thigh andpress your back against his flank.Place his elbow or triceps area onyour shoulder and pull downward

with both hands as you stand upagainst his arm. Keep your partner’sarm straight throughout thetechnique.

In step sparring, the arm bar is usedas a transitional or finishingtechnique. It is more effective if youare taller than your partner. If youare shorter than your partner, youcan create the same effect by pullingdown on the arm and then pulling itacross your body, using your neck aswell as your shoulder to bar theelbow.

CAUTION: Use control whenpracticing this technique, because itis easy to hyperextend the elbowjoint or injure the shoulder whenapplying an arm bar.

Sweep TakedownTo sweep your partner, grab twohigh section anchor points, such asthe shoulder and wrist or neck andupper arm. Once you have anchors,unbalance him by sweeping your calfbehind his knee. Take him down byrotating him slightly around yourbody, pulling with your hands whilesweeping with your leg in theopposite direction.

In step sparring, a sweep takedownis used to change the level of combatfrom standing to ground. Taking yourpartner down gives you a significantpositional advantage and createsopenings for a new set of possiblecounterattacks.

CAUTION: Practice takedowns onlywith partners who are skilled infalling and support your partner onthe way down to prevent head, wrist

and back injuries.

Wrist LockTo perform a basic wrist lock, graspyour partner’s wrist with both hands.His arm should be rotated inwarduntil the palm faces upward and hiselbow is toward the ceiling. Grabwith your fingers wrapped around hiswrist and your thumbs (facingupward) pressing the back of hishand. Once you have your gripestablished, move backward anddraw him toward you, using the wristlock to force his body downward.

By applying downward pressure withyour thumbs while squeezing your

fingers toward you, you can controlthe amount of pressure and paincaused by the lock. It is important tokeep his hand close to you andmaintain the outstretched arm so hecannot approach you tocounterattack.

In step sparring, the wrist lock is atransition technique that allows youto gather yourself and control yourpartner in preparation for a kick ortakedown. Be alert to the possibilitythat your partner may be able to kickyou with his front leg or try to spinout of the lock.

Vertical Punch

When your partner is on the groundafter a throw or takedown, controlhis body with your knee whiledelivering a vertical punch. Chamberthe punch near your shoulder andthen drop your body weight with thepunch.

CAUTION: Never strike a partner whois on the ground because the addedresistance of the ground can make astrike like this potentially fatal. Usegood control in practice and performonly simulated strikes withoutmaking contact.

In step sparring, the vertical punch isa finishing technique, which follows atakedown or sweep. The targetsinclude the temple, mandibular joint,neck, or rib cage. For demonstrationeffect or to simulate added power,

you can jump with both feet anddeliver the punch as you land.

Vertical Roundhouse KickCAUTION: Never strike a partner whois on the ground because the addedresistance of the ground can makethe vertical roundhouse kickpotentially fatal. Use good control inpractice and perform only simulatedkicks without making contact.

When your partner is on the groundafter a throw or takedown, drop toone knee and place both hands onthe ground for support as you throwa roundhouse kick in a downwarddirection. Chamber your knee high by

opening your hip.

The vertical roundhouse kick is anadvanced technique which requiresprecision and absolute control.Before you practice with a partner,

practice with a heavy bag or softtarget to learn how to accuratelystop your kick prior to impact. Also,be alert to the possibility of yourpartner moving, which couldinadvertently result in your kickinghim or kicking the floor, resulting in aserious injury.

Ground Back KickLower your body and then drop toone knee while you spin. Place bothhands on the floor for balance andkick upward into the largest availabletarget (lower stomach, solar plexus,groin).

Align your body with your leg andkeep your head as far from yourpartner as possible. Strike with theblade of your foot.

The ground back kick is used againsta rushing opponent or when youhave been knocked to the ground. Itis a defensive movement that ispsychologically intimidating to anopponent and can help you recoverfrom a bad situation. This kick needsto be done quickly and decisively, sothat it is a single action—drop, spinand kick simultaneously. If you missthe target, roll forward and stand up

as quickly as possible.

STEP SPARRING forBeginners

Inside Block &Middle Punch

2. Attacker: Step back with the rightleg into left front stance, left low

block.

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, step 45° to the leftwith the left leg into horseridingstance, left inside palm pressingblock to the attacker’s forearm.

Reverse view

4. Defender: Pivot on the left leg,shifting your weight to the left legwhile executing a right middle punchto the rib cage.

Reverse view

Correct Distance

If you and your partner began at thecorrect starting distance, when theattacker steps forward to punch, hispunch should land within a fewinches of the defender’s chest (right),if the defender does not move fromready stance. If the attacker’s punchlands too close to or too far from thedefender’s chest, adjust your startingdistance and try again.

Outside Block &Middle Punch

2. Attacker: Step back with the rightleg into left front stance, left lowblock.

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, step 45° to theright with the right leg into modifiedfront stance, left outside knifehandblock to the attacker’s forearm. Yourweight should be mostly in the rightleg and the upper body should beinclined away from the punch asshown in the reverse view.

Reverse view

4. Defender: Shift your weight to theleft into horseriding stance while

executing a right middle punch to thesolar plexus.

Reverse view

VariationInstead of pulling your left fist toyour waist in the traditional manner,you can maintain the left knifehandblock while punching with the righthand.

Inside Block & HighPunch

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch.

Defender: As the attacker punches,step 45° to the left with the left leginto horseriding stance, left insidepalm pressing block to the attacker’sforearm, directing the punch awayfrom your centerline.

Reverse view

4. Defender: Pivot on the left leg,shifting your weight to the left leginto left front stance while executinga right high punch to the jaw.

Reverse view

Shifting your Weight

Shifting your weight between theblocking and counterattacking phaseof the technique creates more powerin your punch.

Shift your weight smoothly bypivoting in place and moving yourtorso and hips as one unit.

Inside Block, ElbowStrike & Front Kick

Defender: As the attacker punches,step back with the left leg into leftback stance, right inside middle blockto the attacker’s forearm.

4. Defender: Quickly grasp theattacker’s right wrist with your lefthand while shifting your weight

forward and executing a right elbowstrike to the jaw. As you shiftforward, slide your left foot forwardand push your hips into the strike tocreate more power.

5. Defender: As you withdraw yourright arm from the elbow strike, grabthe attacker’s wrist with your righthand and turn it clockwise whilesliding your left hand to the

underside of the wrist.

6. Defender: When your grip isestablished, step back with your rightfoot into walking stance, extendingthe attacker’s arm to lock the wrist.

See the close-up for a better view ofthe grip.

7. Defender: Maintaining the wristlock and arm extension, execute aright front kick to the face or chest.See the reverse view at right for a

better view of the foot placement ofthe kick.

Reverse view

Steps 3 through 7 should be

executed as smoothly and quickly aspossible.

Outside Block,Roundhouse Kick &

High Punch1. Face each other in ready stance.

2. Attacker: Step back with the right

leg into left front stance, left lowblock.

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, step forward 45°with the left leg into left front stance,right outside knifehand middle blockto the attacker’s forearm. As youblock, rotate your torso away from

the line of the punch and place mostof your weight in your left leg.

As you block, prepare to grab theforearm with your right hand in step4.

4. Defender: Quickly grasp theattacker’s right wrist with your righthand while simultaneously executinga right roundhouse kick to theattacker’s midsection. Lean yourbody away from the attacker as youkick.

Reverse view

5. Defender: Immediately followingyour kick, set your right foot down infront stance and execute a left highpunch to the head, using yourmomentum to create power in thepunch.

Reverse view

MomentumThe order of movements in manystep sparring techniques can helpyou learn how to create momentumin your combinations and how to usethat momentum to increase thepower of your techniques.

Inside Block,

Knifehand Strike &Side Kick

This technique is one of the mosttraditional step-sparring techniquesin this book. Once you master theangles of the techniques, you canmodify the footwork to a less formaland more practical arrangement.

Defender: As the attacker punches,step back with the left leg into leftback stance, right inside middleknifehand block to the attacker’s

forearm.

4. Defender: Immediately bring yourleft leg to meet your right leg andgrab the attacker’s right wrist withyour left hand while executing a rightknifehand strike to the temple.

5-6-7. Defender: Slide back with yourleft leg to chamber your right leg (5),then execute a right leg side kick tothe rib cage (6) and set your rightfoot down (7), preparing to pivot onyour right foot for step 8. This is atraditional Taekwondo side kickchamber. You can substitute a faster,less formal kick once you havemastered the traditional style.

8. Defender: Step your left foot 45°to the left into horseriding stance,executing the first (left hand) punchof a double punch.

9. Defender: In horseriding stance,

execute the second (right) punch. Asyou punch, rotate your hipscounterclockwise into the punch.

Parry, Backfist,Elbow, Backfist,

Spin & Elbow Strike1. Face each other in ready stance.

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, step forward withyour right leg into right front stanceand execute a right knifehand striketo the temple while parrying theattacker’s punch with left knifehandblock.

4. Defender: Pivot counterclockwise

on both feet and grab the attacker’swrist or sleeve to raise his arm,exposing the rib cage.Simultaneously execute a right sideelbow strike.

5. Defender: Maintaining your grip onthe attacker’s wrist, quickly execute aright backfist strike to the nose.

6. Defender: Press the attacker’s armdownward and then upward to spinunder his arm as you pivot clockwiseon your left foot until you are back toback with the attacker. Keep his armupraised. (reverse view)

7. Defender: Pull the attacker’s rightarm over your shoulder in an armbar, while chambering your right armfor a rear elbow strike. Use your hipsto help hold the attacker in place.

8. Defender: Execute a right rearelbow strike to the attacker’s kidneywhile continuing to pull downward onhis arm.

9. Defender: Release the attacker’sarm while simultaneously hookingyour right leg backward across theattacker’s rear knee to take himdown.

Inside Block &Triple Punches

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, step to the leftwith the left leg into horseridingstance, and execute a left insidepressing block.

4. Defender: Pivot on the left footinto left front stance, right middlepunch to the attacker’s rib cage.

Rotate your torso and hips into thepunch to create power for both thispunch and the second punch.

5. Defender: Pivot to the right,shifting your weight to your right leg,while executing a left middle punchto the same place on the attacker’srib cage.

6. Defender: Pivot back to your left,shifting your weight back to your leftleg, while executing a right highpunch to the attacker’s temple.

Multiple punchesFor maximum impact, rotate yourtorso and hips into the each punchwhile shifting your weight to the legopposite of your punching hand.

A skilled Taekwondo student shouldbe able to complete two or threesuccessive punches in one second.

Horseriding stanceHorseriding stance has traditionallybeen used in step sparringtechniques and training drills becauseit is a powerful, neutral stance thatdevelops balance and leg strength.

However, in sparring or self-defensesituations, horseriding stance isneither practical nor safe.

Outside Block, FrontKick & Knifehand

Strike1. Face each other in ready stance.

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, step forward 45°with the left leg into left front stance,right outside knifehand middle blockto the attacker’s forearm. As youblock, rotate your torso away fromthe line of the punch and shift yourweight to your left leg.

4. Defender: Immediately grab the

attacker’s arm and chamber a rightfront kick. You can grab high on theattacker’s biceps and pull him towardthe kick as shown above or grab theforearm and kick as in step 5.

5. Defender: As you execute a rightfront pushing kick to the floating rib,keep hold of the attacker’s arm toexpose his ribs and prevent him fromevading your kick.

6. Defender: Set your right foot downinside the attacker’s right foot andexecute a left downward knifehandstrike to the neck or jaw whilekeeping hold of the attacker’s arm.

Reverse view

Hold and KickHolding the attacker’s arm while you

kick prevents the attacker fromevading your kick.

This is a skill that you can easilytransfer to a self-defense

situation. If possible, use anassailant’s limbs, head or clothing as“handles” to secure his position whileyou counterattack.

In a Taekwondo sparring match,however, holding your opponent isagainst the rules and can result in apenalty.

Knifehand Block &High Punch

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, righthigh punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, chamber bothhands on the right side of your chest.Note: This step is shown only forillustration purposes. Steps 3 and 4should be completed as the attackerpunches.

4. Defender: Step to the right with

your right foot into horseriding stancewhile simultaneously executing a leftknifehand block and a right highpunch to the chin.

VariationsHere are three examples ofvariations on one technique. As youcan see, it is easy to create manyvariations on a technique based on

your skill level, body type and areasof interest.

Once you learn a step sparringtechnique, experiment with your ownvariations.

VARIATION #1:Defender: Step to the right with yourright foot into horseriding stance andthen pivot to your left whilesimultaneously executing a leftknifehand block and a right ridgeknifehand strike to the back of theneck.

VARIATION #2:Defender: Step to the right with yourright foot into horseriding stance,evading the punch whilesimultaneously executing a rightbackfist strike to the nose.

VARIATION #3:Defender: Step to the right with yourright foot into horseriding stancewhile simultaneously executing a leftknifehand block and a right knifehandstrike to the neck.

Fighting Stance &Single Kick

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, righthigh punch. Defender: Step back withyour right foot into right fightingstance.

4. Defender: Chamber your rightfront kick.

5. Defender: Execute a right highsection front kick.

VARIATION #1:Defender: From right fighting stance,execute a right high sectionroundhouse kick.

VARIATION #2:Defender: From right fighting stance,execute a right high section side kick.

Distance controlDepending on how long your kick is,you may need to step back fartherthan shown in step 3. If you can kickat the height of your partner’s head,simply stepping back into fighting

stance will work. If you want to kickthe chest or torso, step back andthen slide back before kicking tocreate more distance.

INTERMEDIATESTEP SPARRING

Simultaneous Parry& Punch, Backfist &

Elbow Strike1. Face each other in ready stance.

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: Stepforward 45° to the left with your leftfoot into left front stance whilesimultaneously parrying theattacker’s punch with your left palm

and throwing a right middle punch tothe attacker’s rib cage. As youcounterattack, lean your head to theleft to evade the attacker’s punch.

Reverse view

4. Defender: Draw your right leg in

slightly to close the distance with theattacker and immediately execute aright backfist to the temple, usingyour shoulder and upper arm todeflect the attacker’s arm. Keep yourleft hand raised and in position forstep 5.

Reverse view

5. Defender: Stand up and shift yourweight to your right leg as youexecute a left elbow strike to thetemple. Use your right hand to hookand control the attacker’s arm.

Reverse view

TimingAlthough the counterattackingmovements in each technique arepictured individually, they should beperformed as one smoothcombination. For example, advancedstudents should complete the parry,punch, backfist and elbow strike inthis technique as a single flowingmovement within 1 or 2 seconds.

Inside Block, RidgeKnifehand Strike,

Elbow Strike &Elbow Strike

block.

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, step to the leftwith the left leg into horseridingstance, left inside palm pressingblock.

4. Defender: Pivot on the left footinto left front stance, right ridgeknifehand strike to the solar plexus.

Reverse view

5. Defender: Keep your left handraised to guard your face while youretract your right hand to prepare forthe elbow strike in step 6. As youretract your hand, raise your centerof gravity to create more power inthe elbow strike.

6. Defender: Dropping your weightdown and into the attacker, prepareto execute an augmented elbowstrike by placing your left palm onyour right fist. Augmenting the elbowstrike with a push can make yourstrike more powerful.

7. Defender: Continue dropping andshifting your weight as you executean augmented elbow strike to the ribcage. This elbow strike has a hooking

path that is enhanced by themovement of your hips and torso.

8. Defender: Pivot and shift yourweight to the right, left elbow striketo the mandibular joint.

Reverse view

Inside Block,Spinning Elbow

Strike, Spin Back &Roundhouse Kick

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: Step backwith your right foot into right backstance, left inside block to yourattacker’s forearm.

4. Defender: Pivoting on you the leftfoot, move your right leg, spin 180°clockwise into horseriding stance andexecute an augmented right rear

elbow strike.

Option:In steps 5 and 6, the attacker canmove into fighting stance. In thiscase, the defender will need toadjust the distance for his kickaccording to whether the attackermoves forward or backward intofighting stance.

5. Defender: Pivot your left foot,move your right leg, and spin back180° counterclockwise into fightingstance with your hands in guardposition. The spin in this stepsimulates escaping from acounterattack. For example, theattacker can improvise a grab in step4 and you can spin away from him instep 5.

6. Defender: Execute a rightroundhouse kick to the attacker’smidsection.

Reverse view

Augmented strikeIf you practice Taekwondo poomsae,you are familiar with augmentedstrikes. An augmented strike takes

advantage of the free hand to addpower to the striking arm. Forexample, when performing anaugmented elbow strike in step 4,using your free hand to push the fistof your striking arm not only adds thepower of the push, but it alsoenhances the torque of your upperbody by unifying the movement ofyour torso toward a single target.

Outside Block, Front

Kick, Backfist, &Knifehand Strike

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, step forward 45°with the left leg into left front stance,right outside knifehand middle blockto the attacker’s forearm. As youblock, rotate your torso away fromthe line of the punch and your weightto your left leg.

4. Defender: With your right hand,grab the attacker’s wrist whilethrowing a right front kick to theattacker’s floating rib.

5-6-7. Defender: In one smoothmovement, after kicking, bring yourleft palm to the attacker’s elbow (5),pressing it downward in an armbar(6) and then delivering a left backfistto the face (7).

Reverse view

8. Defender: Step forward with yourleft foot and press his elbow withyour left hand. Quickly turn 180ºcounterclockwise, pivoting on yourleft foot, and grab his wrist with yourleft hand. Press his elbow firmly onyour left thigh.

9. Defender: Stand up (or jump up)and raise your right hand to preparefor the knifehand strike in step 10.Continue to maintain control of theattacker’s arm.

Reverse view

10. Defender: Drop to your rightknee to deliver the power of yourbodyweight in a right knifehandstrike to the attacker’s triceps.

Inside Block,Turning Elbow

Break, & KnifehandStrike

block.

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, step back with theright leg into right back stance, leftinside knifehand middle block to theattacker’s forearm.

4. Defender: Grab the attacker’s wristwith both hands as shown and spinclockwise under the attacker’s arm,pulling the elbow down on yourshoulder.

5. Defender: Continue pulling theattacker’s arm downward as youstand up slightly and push your hipsbackward into the attacker’s thigh.Use caution in this movement so youdon’t injure your partner’s arm.

6. Defender: Resume spinningclockwise under the attacker’s arm,stepping with your right foot into leftwalking stance. Crank the opponent’swrist outward with your left hand,keeping his hand as close to yourbelt area as possible for control. Notehow the outward angle of the arm isalready forcing the attacker to fall

backward.

7. Defender: As you complete yourspin, execute a right knifehand striketo the temple while continuingcranking the attacker’s arm outward

to take him down.

Key Point:Establish your left hand grip on theattacker’s wrist between step 3 andstep 4 and don’t let go until thetechnique is completed. The closeryou can keep the attacker’s hand andwrist to your body, the better controlyou will have during the transitions.

Slide Back, Front

Kick, Palm Strike,Punch, Take Down

& Punch1. Face each other in ready stance.

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: Slide yourleft foot back into right fightingstance.

4. Defender: Execute a right frontkick to the attacker’s floating rib.

5. Defender: Set your left foot down

in a modified horseriding stance, leftpalm strike to the attacker’s rightelbow.

6. Defender: Shift your weightforward to left front stance, right highpunch to the jaw.

7. Defender: Immediately swing yourright leg forward and hook it behindthe attacker’s right knee whilegrabbing the attacker’s right shoulderwith your right hand.

8. Defender: Continue sweeping yourright leg behind the attacker’s rightknee to take him down. For safety,you can support your partner’s backas he falls.

9. Defender: When the attackerlands, lower your stance and prepareto punch.

10. Defender: Continue lowering yourstance as you execute a right verticalpunch to the jaw. Use good controland never strike the head or face of atraining partner who is on theground.

Outside & InsideCrescent Kick

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: In place,execute a left outside crescent kickto the punching hand, knocking itaway. After kicking, drop your leftfoot in right fighting stance.

4. Defender: Immediately execute aright inside crescent kick to the face.

5. Defender: Follow through withyour kick, sweeping it across theattacker’s centerline.

6. Defender: Step down into leftfighting stance and slide back awayfrom the attacker.

The defenderAs you become more advanced inyour practice, the partner who isplaying the defender’s role can reactmore realistically as the defender inthis sequence does. Always use carewhen reacting realistically so thatneither partner is injured.

Inside Block,Spinning Elbow

Strike, Spin & Takedown

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: Step backwith your left foot into left backstance, right inside middle block tothe attacker’s forearm.

4. Defender: Pivoting on your rightfoot, spin counterclockwise toexecute a left rear augmented elbowstrike to the attacker’s solar plexus.

Reverse view

5. Defender: Pivoting on your leftfoot, spin clockwise, staying insidethe attacker’s arm. As you spin, grab

the attacker’s wrist and shoulder andsweep the attacker’s right leg withyour right leg.

6. Defender: Sweep through behindthe attacker’s knee as you take himdown. You can support your partnerby holding on to his shoulder andwrist as he falls.

7. Defender: As the attacker falls,throw a right vertical punch to thejaw. Use caution when striking at afalling partner, since he may bedisoriented and unable to react.

8. Defender: Begin rotating theattacker’s arm to roll him. Dependingon how he lands, you may need tostep or slide to turn him over. Keepthe attacker’s arm outstretched andhis hand close to your body.

9. Defender: Once the attacker is onhis stomach, straighten his arm andhug it to your chest while applyinglight pressure to his head with yourleft knee and to his back with your

right knee.

10. Defender: Use your right hand topull down on the attacker’s fingers,locking his wrist as you hold his armstraight.

Inside Block &Middle Punch

1. Attacker (right): Begin in readystance. Defender (left): Begin inready stance, natural stance or rightfighting stance.

2. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into left fighting stance,right high punch. Defender: Step 45°

to the right with the right foot intoright back stance, left insideknifehand block to the attacker’sforearm.

3. Defender: Slide your left foot intoleft front stance as you lift theattacker’s arm out of the way andsimultaneously throw a right highpunch to the attacker’s chin.

4. Defender: Bring your right hand upbehind the attacker’s forearm androtate his arm clockwise downward,grabbing his forearm with both handsand pulling him toward you.

5. Defender: From the grip youestablished in step 4, execute a rightroundhouse kick to the stomach. Bypulling the attacker’s arm close toyour midsection, you expose avulnerable target while increasingthe power of your kick.

Stance

As you master the concept ofdistance in step sparring, you canvary your stance from the traditionalfront, horseriding and back stances.

Experiment with the width and heightof your stance as well as your footplacement to find the stances thatwork best for you in each technique.

Ideally, you should only set in yourstance at the moment of impact ofeach strike. As you transitionbetween strikes, your stance shouldbe fluid.

Knifehand Block,Roundhouse Kick, &

Axe Kick1. Face each other in fighting stance.

2. Attacker: Pivoting on the left foot,move the right foot and spin 180°clockwise, throwing a right spinningknifehand strike.

Defender: Step 45° to the left withthe left foot into left front stance,right outside knifehand block to theattacker’s forearm.

3. Defender: Grab the attacker’s rightwrist with your right hand and pulldownward and toward you as youexecute a right roundhouse kick tothe abdomen.

4. Defender: Keep a grip on theattacker’s wrist while setting yourfoot down outside of the attacker’sright foot in left front stance. Note

the angle and position of thedefender’s right foot in preparationfor the axe kick in step 5.

5. Defender: Maintaining your holdon the attacker’s wrist, execute aright leg axe kick to the back of theattacker’s head. Caution: In practice,never strike a partner in the back ofthe head. Instead, pass your kickabove his head (to your right side).

Multiple kicksIn a technique with a same legmultiple kick combination, you shouldset your kicking foot down only aslong as it takes to secure yourbalance and then immediatelyexecute the second kick.

In step 4, at left, the front stanceshown is for learning purposes. Once

you can perform both kicks in asmooth sequence, you can simply setthe ball of your foot down brieflybetween kicks.

Outside CrescentKick & Front Kick

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, righthigh punch. Defender: Execute a leftoutside crescent kick to the attacker’swrist.

4. Defender: Set your left foot downand immediately execute a rightfront kick to the face.

VariationsAfter deflecting the attacker’s armwith an outside crescent kick, youcan use any kick as a follow-up,including the roundhouse kick, whipkick or side kick shown in thevariations at right.

Alternate which kick you use as thesecond in the combination to practicetransitioning between kicks inpreparation for free sparring.

Variation: roundhouse kick

Variation: whip kick

Variation: side kick

Inside CrescentKick & Side Kick

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, righthigh punch. Defender: Execute aright inside crescent kick to theattacker’s forearm to knock it off thecenterline.

4. Defender: Immediately execute aright leg side kick to the face. At first,set the right foot down betweenkicks. At the advanced level, throwboth kicks without setting the rightfoot down. Simply chamber the kneebetween kicks.

Single leg kicksWhen performing multiple kicks withthe same leg, you can experimentwith executing both kicks beforesetting your leg down. To do this,execute the first kick, retract yourfoot, chamber your knee for thesecond kick and then perform thesecond kick. While this is anadvanced method of improving body

control and balance, it is not practicalfor real-life applications.

Inside CrescentKick & Hopping

Roundhouse Kick1. Face each other in ready stance.

block.

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, righthigh punch. Defender: Execute aright inside crescent kick to theattacker’s forearm to knock it off thecenterline.

4. Defender: Before setting your rightleg down, immediately raise your leftleg to begin a hopping rightroundhouse kick.

5. Defender: Complete the hoppingright roundhouse kick to theabdomen as or before your left footlands.

Hop kicksWhen a high section kick isimmediately followed by a jumpingor hopping kick, avoid putting toomuch power into the high kick. Ifyour high kick is too powerful, youwill lose your balance, making thesecond kick hard to execute correctly.

Stay light on your feet and use themomentum of the first kick to initiatethe jump or hop for the second kick.

Step Back, BackKick, Backfist &

Punch1. Face each other in ready stance.

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, rightmiddle punch. Defender: Step backwith the right foot into right fightingstance.

4. Defender: Begin the back kick bypivoting on your left foot and lookingover your right shoulder. (This stepshown for illustration only.)

5. Defender: Execute a right leg back

kick to the solar plexus or neck.Note: Steps 3, 4 and 5 should becompleted in one smooth movement.

6. Defender: Step down intohorseriding stance and execute aright backfist to the face, shiftingyour weight toward your right leg toput more power into the strike.

7. Defender: Pivot into right frontstance, executing a left middle punchto the rib cage.

Inside Block, Throw& High Punch

1. Attacker: Begin in right fightingstance. Defender: Begin in leftfighting stance.

2. Attacker: Slide forward, rightmiddle section side kick. Defender:Hook your right hand under theattacker’s kicking leg while

simultaneously pressing his right armwith your left palm.

3. Defender: Raise the attacker’skicking leg with your right forearmwhile pushing his upper body forwardand away from you with your lefthand. Note the position of thedefender’s left foot, right behind theattacker’s left foot.

4. Defender: Continue raising theattacker’s kicking leg while pushinghis upper body downward with yourleft hand. As the attacker falls awayfrom you, continue to shift yourweight toward the attacker.

5. Defender: Complete the throw.Ideally the attacker should land facedown as shown, however, due to thefluid nature of this technique, he mayland on his side or back.

6. Defender: Once the attacker isdown, step over him into left frontstance while executing a rightvertical punch to his torso. Caution:Never strike a downed partner inpractice.

Defender: Rather than throwing theattacker down flat on his body, youmay roll him over. If the attacker istaller than you are, it will be easierto throw him flat. If he is shorter, itwill be easier to roll him over.

Be adaptableAlthough step sparring is an arrangedpractice activity, as you advance inskill, your partner should react morenaturally. This may sometimes resultin unexpected outcomes, such as thevariation shown at left. Be ready toadapt your response to your partner’sreaction and improvise whennecessary.

Step sparring is arranged practice,but it doesn’t have to be rigid.

Two-step sparringTwo-step sparring is a moreadvanced type of step sparring. In atraditional two-step sparringtechnique, the attacker movesforward two steps as shown here,executing one punch with each step.

Two Step Sparring#1

2. Attacker: Step back with the leftleg into right front stance, right lowblock.

3. Attacker: Step forward with the

left leg into left front stance, left highpunch. Defender: As the attackerpunches, step backward with the leftleg into right front stance, rightoutside knifehand block to theattacker’s left forearm.

4. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, righthigh punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, step backwardwith the right leg into right back

stance, right inside palm pressingblock to the attacker’s right forearm.

5. Defender: Shift your weight intoleft front stance and execute a rightmiddle punch to the attacker’s solarplexus.

Two Step Sparring#2

2. Attacker: Step back with the leftleg into right front stance, right lowblock.

3. Attacker: Step forward with the

left leg into left front stance, left highpunch. Defender: As the attackerpunches, step backward with the leftleg into right front stance, rightoutside knifehand block to theattacker’s left forearm.

4. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, righthigh punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, pivot into modifiedhorseriding stance with your weight

shifted to the left. Parry theattacker’s punch with your left handwhile chambering your right arm forthe elbow strike.

5. Defender: Grasp the attacker’sright wrist with your left hand whileexecuting an elbow strike to the solarplexus.

6. Defender: Shift your weight intohorseriding stance and execute aright backfist to the nose.

7. Defender: Immediately follow yourbackfist with a left middle punch tothe solar plexus.

AnglesIn a two-step sparring technique, thedefender can either step backward ormove to the side to maintain theproper distance while blocking andstriking.

Technique #1 (pages 120-121) uses2 backward steps to control thedistance between partners while thistechnique launches the defense fromthe attacker’s side.

Three Step Sparring#1

3. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, righthigh punch. Defender: As theattacker punches, step backwardwith the right leg into right backstance, left outside knifehand blockto the right forearm.

4. Attacker: Step forward with theleft leg into left front stance, left highpunch. Defender: As the attackerpunches, step backward with the leftleg into left back stance, rightoutside knifehand block to the leftforearm.

5. Attacker: Step forward with theright leg into right front stance, righthigh punch.

Defender: As the attacker punches,step backward with your right footand execute a left side kick to themidsection.

6. Defender: Before setting your leftfoot down, execute a right jumpingback kick to the chest. The side kickin step 5 is used to set-up the 360°back kick that is completed here.

360° Back kickThe 360° back kick is a combinationof a short quick side kick followedimmediately by a jumping back kickthat is executed before the sidekicking foot returns to the ground.

The side kick should be short andquick, using minimal power. The realimpact of the technique is delivered

by the back kick.

Force controlAs you progress in your step sparringpractice, you will understand moreabout how to vary the amount offorce in your techniques and howthat changes your performancecapacity. Use a short light kickfollowed by a long powerful kick or along light kick followed by a shortpowerful kick, depending on thedistance between you and yourpartner at the time.

ADVANCED STEPSPARRINGSlide Back,

Roundhouse Kick &Back Kick

1. Begin in fighting stance.

2. Attacker: Right leg roundhouse

kick. Defender: Slide 45° backwardand either sweep the kick away witha left low block (above) or simplyslide back and evade the kick (below,reverse view) depending on howclose and how tall the attacker is.

Reverse view

3. Defender: As soon as the attackersets his kicking foot down, execute aright leg roundhouse kick to theabdomen.

Reverse view

4. Defender: Immediately execute aleft leg back kick to the abdomen.

Reverse view

Fighting stance

When you begin from fighting stance,the way you execute each techniquecan vary depending on how tall yourtraining partner is, how he or sheexecutes the initial attack and howhe or she reacts to your kicks.

Practice with a variety of partners togain an understanding of howdistance, footwork, and angles canchange the way you need to executeeach step in the technique.

Back Kick,Roundhouse Kick &

2. Attacker: Slide in, left legroundhouse kick. Defender: Slide 45°backward to evade the kick.

3. Defender: Immediately execute aright back kick to the belt area. Thiscan be done simultaneous to theattacker’s roundhouse kick or afterthe attacker drops his kicking foot.

Reverse view

4. Defender: Immediately follow theback kick with a left roundhouse kickto the abdomen if the attackerremains upright or to the chest if heis bending over in reaction to yourback kick.

5. Defender: Finish with a right highpunch to the temple.

PunchingIn a step-sparring technique thatsimulates a sparring exchange suchas this one, you can adapt the skillsaccording to the rules of the sparringstyle you practice.

If your style prohibits punching to the

face, you can modify step 5 (farright) to a punch to the chest orflank.

Block, RoundhouseKick & Double Kicks1. Begin in fighting stance.

2. Attacker: Right leg roundhousekick. Defender: In-place left lowblock to the attacker’s right shin.

3. Defender: Immediately execute aright roundhouse kick to theabdomen.

Reverse view

4. Defender: Follow-up immediatelywith a left roundhouse kick to theattacker’s right rear thigh. This kick isjust a light touch, thrown to set-upthe second roundhouse kick of thedouble kicks.

Reverse view

5. Defender: As soon as your left legtouches the attacker’s thigh, jump upand throw a right roundhouse kick tothe abdomen. The second kick should

land before or as your left foot lands.Steps 3, 4 and 5 should be done inquick succession.

Reverse view

Slide Back, StepBack, Back Kick,

Roundhouse Kick &Axe Kick

2. Attacker: Slide in, left roundhousekick. Defender: Slide backward.

3. Attacker: Right roundhouse kick.Defender: Step back with your leftfoot into left fighting stance.

4. Defender: Immediately throw aleft leg back kick to the attacker’slower abdomen to push himbackward as he completes his kick.

5. Defender: As the attacker movesbackward, execute a right legroundhouse kick to the attacker’sabdomen.

6. Defender: Switch stance or setyour right foot down in the rear(transition photo, left), then throw aright axe kick to the head.

Reverse view

Step Back, Block-Punch, Switch

Stance, & GroundBack Kick

2. Defender: Step backward with theleft foot into left fighting stance.

3. Attacker: Right axe kick. Defender:Simultaneously execute a rightmiddle punch to the solar plexus and

a left high block.

Reverse view

4. Defender: As the attackercompletes his kick, switch stance andquickly duck down away from him.

5. Defender: Turn and execute aback kick to the abdomen from theground as the attacker moves towardyou.

Back Kick on the GroundKicking from the ground can be apowerful way to recover from a fall ortakedown. By using the ground forsupport, you create two points ofcontact and balance, making yourkick stronger. Additionally, by leaningyour body away from the attacker,you simultaneously protect your vitaltargets and repel the attacker.

Block, Parry, &Whip kick-

Roundhouse Kick1. Begin in fighting stance.

2. Attacker: Left roundhouse kick.

Defender: Right low block to the leftshin. Caution: Parry when you blockrather than meeting force with forceso you do not injure your forearm.

3. Attacker: Right lunging middlepunch. Defender: Right hand parry tothe attacker’s right forearm.

4. Defender: Grab the attacker’spunching arm and throw a right legwhip kick over it.

Reverse view

5. Defender: While keeping a hold onthe attacker’s wrist, retract andchamber your right leg for step 6.

Reverse view

6. Defender: Immediately throw aright leg roundhouse kick to theattacker’s jaw.

Reverse view

Practice ProgressivelyInitially, practice this kickingcombination slowly while holding astretching bar or other support todevelop the large muscles groupsnecessary to sustain your balance formultiple single leg kicks.

High Skill - High RiskStep sparring techniques such as theone shown here are high risk andrequire a high level of skill to execute

them successfully. Practice slowlyand with caution until you master thefundamental movements that makeup the technique.

Step Back,Roundhouse Kick &

Spin Whip Kick1. Begin in fighting stance.

2. Attacker: Right whip kick to thehead. Defender: Evade the kick.

3. Defender: Immediately step backas the kick passes your centerline.

4. Defender: Execute a leftroundhouse kick to the midsection.After the kick, drop your left foot nextto the attacker’s left foot (transitionphoto, right) to begin the spinningkick.

5. Defender: Execute a right legspinning whip kick to the head. Notethe position of the defender’s body inboth photos. Above, the defender’spivot foot is about 18 inches from theattacker’s left foot because theattacker is leaning forward. At right,the defender’s pivot foot is right nextto the attacker’s left foot because theattacker is leaning away.

Reverse view

Step Back, Back

Kick & JumpingBack Kick

2. Attacker: Right roundhouse kick tothe body. Defender: Step back.

3. Defender: Throw a left back kickto the abdomen.

Reverse view

4. Attacker: Throw a left roundhousekick to the body as soon as thedefender sets his kicking foot down.

5. Defender: Before the attackerfinishes his left roundhouse kick,rapidly execute a right jumping back

kick to the attacker’s chest.

Reverse view

Change of flowMost kicking combinations takeadvantage of the flow of momentumfrom one kick to another.

This combination, however, reversesthe momentum between the first andsecond back kick. The combinationbegins with a counterclockwise bodyrotation and then switches to aclockwise body rotation.

To accomplish this successfully,maintain your balance and controlyour body rotation speed.

Block, Ground Whip

Kick & VerticalGround

Roundhouse KickCaution

This technique contains a number ofpotentially dangerous elements:

1. When taking a partner down witha sweep or kick, always be sure yourpartner is skilled at falling.

2. Never strike a fallen trainingpartner.

2. Attacker: Right roundhouse kick tothe body. Defender: Left low block tothe attacker’s right shin.

3. Defender: Drop to your left kneeas you execute a right whip kick fromthe ground, hooking the attacker’s

rear knee to take him down.

Reverse view

4. Defender: Follow through after thewhip kick to chamber your right leg

for a vertical downward roundhousekick.

5. Defender: Complete the rightroundhouse kick. Caution: Do notstrike your training partner.

Spin Whip Kick,Low Kick-Takedown

& Punch1. Begin in fighting stance.

2. Attacker: Right whip kick to thehead. Defender: Evade the kick byleaning back.

3. Defender: Execute a right spinningwhip kick to the attacker’s head as

soon as he sets his kicking footdown.

Reverse view

4. Defender: After returning to right

fighting stance (transition photo,left), throw a low kick to the rear ofthe attacker’s left knee to take himdown.

Reverse view

5. Defender: When the attacker isdown, slide to position yourself nearhis head in fighting stance.

6. Defender: Drop to your right kneeas you execute a right vertical punch.Be careful not to strike your training

partner.

Create Your OwnStep Sparring

Now that you have learned basic,intermediate and advanced level stepsparring techniques, you can createyour own step sparring techniquesthat fit your interests and needs.Creating your own step sparring

techniques is a good way to enhanceyour Taekwondo skills.

PrinciplesHere are some principles to help youget started:

Begin from ready stance or fightingstance. Use ready stance for classicalhand techniques. Use fighting stancefor kicking techniques and fluidmovements.

For simple technical exchanges, useone-step sparring, and for continuousmovements, use two-step or three-step sparring.

The final movement should always

be a counterattacking technique (i.e.back kick, roundhouse kick, orpunch), while the movements thatprecede it should generally bedefensive skills (i.e. block, parry, orfootwork).

Vary the level of defensive andoffensive skills in each combination.For example, after a low block use amiddle punch, or after an outsideknifehand middle block use a highsection knifehand strike.

Vary the directions of defensive andoffensive skills. Combine an inwardblock with an outward strike or anoutward block with an inward strike.For example, follow an inside block

with a reverse (outward) knifehandstrike, or follow an outside crescentkick with an inside crescent kick.

Use footwork to control the distancebetween the partners. In classicaltechniques, use backward steps tocontrol the distance. Against kickingattacks, use or side stepping toadjust the distance in increments.

Control the angle of attack anddefensive movements usingfootwork. For example, use sidestepping to remove the defenderfrom the attacker’s central line ofattack and position the defender atan optimal striking angle on theflank.

Use footwork to change betweenopen and closed stance situations. Byswitching stance, you can create theopposite situation of the one thedefender was originally in. Thissimple change opens up additionaladvantageous opportunities.

TIPS HOW TOTEACH:

Emphasize that step sparring beginswith and ends with etiquette.

Teach progressively and in smallincrements.

Provide logical explanations so

students can remember eachtechnique easily.

Emphasize technical perfection andcontrol.

Safety first.

Rotate partners so students practicewith a variety of sizes and skill levels.

Give time goals for each techniquedepending on rank.

Practice slowly to enhanceunderstanding.

Allow time for individual practice andpractice in front of a mirror.

Tradition Continues

“In the late 1970s, I often practicedversions of many of the step sparringtechniques that I’ve shared with youin this book. Perhaps thirty yearsfrom now, your students and theirstudents will still be practicing thestep sparring techniques that youcreate today.” ~ Sang H. Kim

About the AuthorSang H. Kim is an internationallyrespected author of 18 martial artsbooks, including the best sellers VitalPoint Strikes, Ultimate Flexibility,Ultimate Fitness through Martial Arts,and Teaching Martial Arts, and star ofover 100 martial arts instructional

DVDs and video downloads programsincluding Ultimate Fitness, Self-defense Encyclopedia, Knife-defense,Power Breathing, Junsado TrainingSeries, and Complete TaekwondoSeries.

He won the 1976 Korean NationalChampionship and was namedInstructor of the Year by the Koreangovernment in 1983. As a specialagent during his military service, hedeveloped tactical combat methodsfor hand-to-hand and hand-to-weapon combat for covertoperatives.

To advance his education, he studiedabroad in US in 1985 and has since

traveled to Europe, North and SouthAmerica and Asia to presentseminars on martial arts andmotivational skills. He earned a BSdegree in English Literature, an MSdegree in Sports Science and a Ph.D.in Sports Media Studies.

He taught Taekwondo at TrinityCollege from 1987 to 1998 and was atechnical advisor for WesleyanUniversity and the University ofConnecticut. He has spoken onSports Philosophy, Fighting Strategyand Motivation at Yale University,Gordonstoun School in Scotland,Brunell University in London, andprivate and public organizations in

Bermuda, Ireland, Korea, Spain,Germany, Austria and the UnitedKingdom.

He has been featured in magazinesand newspapers including Black Belt,Taekwondo times, TaekwondoPeople, WTF Magazine, Combat,Fighter’s Magazine-UK, CumbernauldGazette-Scotland, Delta Sky, Vitality,Bottom Line Business, Korea Herald,Donga Newspaper-Seoul, ChosunDaily-Seoul, and Choongang CentralDaily-New York. His books or filmshave been reviewed in the DallasObserver, Hartford Current,Worcester Telegram, El Nacional(Oklahoma), the Herald News, Inner-

self Magazine, Memphis BusinessJournal, The Observer, San FranciscoSun Reporter, The New York Times,The Star Gazette, The Times, and 90more publications.

His books include Ultimate Flexibility,Vital Point Strikes, Taekwondo Self-defense, Ultimate Fitness ThroughMartial Arts, Teaching: the Way ofThe Master, Taekwondo Kyorugi,Instructor’s Desk Reference, MartialArts After 40, the Art of Harmony,Combat Strategy, Muye Dobo Tongji,and 1,001 Ways To Motivate Yourselfand Others (translated in 22languages). His DVDs includeUltimate Fitness, Ultimate Flexibility,

Self-defense Encyclopedia, PowerBreathing, Beginner’s Taekwondo,Martial Arts of Korea, CompleteTaekwondo Series and JunsadoCombat Training Series.

He developed Law EnforcementSafety & Survival programs for local,state and federal law enforcementagencies, and VIP Security programsfor international agencies in the US,UK, and Canada.

He has also produced over a dozendocumentaries on the internationalsubjects including The Real RoyalTrip, Ki: the Science of Energy, Zenfor Martial Arts, 100 Years ofTradition for Connecticut State

Police, and Dong Ahn Geo: ZenBuddhism (English Edition).

Visit his website athttp://www.sanghwankim.com.

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