Three-Step Sparring

Sparring is a form of training common to many combat sports. Although the precise form varies, it is essentially relatively 'free-form' fighting, with enough rules, customs, or agreements to make injuries unlikely.

Three-Step Sparring is performed with a partner in which predefined movements are practiced. One student is the attacker while the other student responds with defenses, counterattacks, and/or other actions, based on part of the predefined movements.

With 3-step sparring, the taekwondo student will step backwards twice in a Back Stance ( 뒷굽이 dwi-kubi ) defending two times most commonly with the Single Knife Hand Outward Block ( 한손날 바깥막기 hansonnal-bakkat-makgi ) and then on the third movement counterattacking the opponent hence 3-step sparring.

The third movement can include side stepping and potentially striking with the Middle Punch ( 몸통 지르기 momtong-jireugi ), Palm Heel Forward Strike ( 바탕손 앞치기 batangson-ap-chigi ), Knife Hand Inward Strike ( 손날 안치기 sonnal-an-chigi ) and/or Front Kick ( 앞차기 ap-chagi ). Other possibilities include elbow strikes, throws, and trips.

On the other end, the student attacking will strike three times with the Front Hand Middle Punch ( 몸통 반대 지르기 momtong-bandae-jireugi ).

This allows the student to understand what the movements are meant to accomplish in sparring or self-defense ( 호신술 hosinsool ) applications. It may also illustrate how to improve technique by adjusting distances, time moves properly, and adapt a technique depending on the size of an opponent.

Through analysis of the movement in variant scenarios, the student will unlock new techniques and expand their understanding of known ones. Some taekwondo schools require students to perform 3-step sparring for promotion to the next belt level.

Strikers may combine techniques in a series to ensure one or more strikes impact their opponents. These attacks are thrown at various targets on the body, with the greatest force typically thrown with a particular technique in the sequence.

* Please see a certified Master Instructor ( 사범님 sabeomnim ) for training. Proper guidance and instructions are needed to ensure safe training.

Three-Step Sparring

Promotion Tests Requirement

Students often undergo periodic testing and grading by their own Master Instructor ( 사범님 sabeomnim ) in order to advance to a higher level of recognized achievement such as a different belt color. They need to demonstrate their proficiency in the various aspects of the art such as the execution of patterns ( 품새 poomse ), which combine various techniques in specific sequences. Starting with coloured belts taekwondo students must learn one-step sparring. For more information on Promotion Tests »

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Use in Demonstrations

To promote taekwondo for its emphasis on high kicking and fast hand techniques, taekwondo schools perform at tournaments, community events, shopping malls, parks, and tv shows. Demonstrations vary from school to school, but may include such elements as the execution of poomse ( 품새 poomse ), which combine various techniques in specific sequences; the breaking of boards to demonstrate the ability to use techniques with both power and control; sparring ( 겨루기 gyeorugi ) and self-defense ( 호신술 hosinsool ) to demonstrate the practical application and control of techniques; physical fitness usually with push-ups and sit-ups. For more information on Demonstrations »

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Quiz

Question. What is the korean terminology for Front Stance?

Front Stance is a precursor of the fighting stance ( 겨루기준비 gyeorugi-junbi ) according to some authors. Body should be relaxed in this stance ( 서기 sogi ). From the attention stance ( 차렷 charyeot ) with feet together, one foot is placed straight ahead of the other. Depending on the martial art and style, some instructors teach to step sideways slightly when moving forward.

Question. What is the name of Taegeuk #2 in Korean?

Taegeuk 태극 (in World Taekwondo (WT)) refers to a set of poomse 품새 used to create a foundation for the teaching of taekwondo. A poomse or form is a detailed pattern of defense-and-attack motions and techniques used in traditional martial arts. Each taegeuk form symbolizes a specific state thought to be indicative of the belt the student currently holds, and is represented in World Taekwondo (WT) by trigrams similar to those found in the four corners of the South Korean flag.

Question. What is the korean terminology for Ready Stance?

Ready Stance refers to the most common ready position used in taekwondo training. The stance ( 서기 sogi ) is performed by standing with the feet one foot-length from origin apart, measured from the inside edge or namely the Reverse Foot Blade ( 발날등 balnaldeung ) of the feet. The arms are slightly bent and the fists held tightly about one fist size apart just below the belly button and the fists should be a fist size away from the body.