Sparring Questions

[15 Aug 2003]

Hi, I have a question about gup step sparring. The ITFNZ required techniques for green and red belts include reverse hooking kicks- does this mean bandae dollyo gorochagi? And the hooking kick required of blue stripes is a golcho chagi? Thanks again,

Brendan Doogan
papatoetoe

That is correct.

[9 Oct 2002]

Dear Sir,

For the one step sparring in the 6th to 5th kup grading, one of the prepared techniques I wish to do with my friend is a outer forearm inward block, followed by a reverse turning kick. Would you prefer that the kick was done with full power and was stopped at the last minute beside the head of whom you are kicking (as close as possible) or would you prefer the kick to go right through in front of the persons face ie finishing basically in the same position as your started.. ?

Thank you
Jonathon
6th gup, ITFNZ Otago University

Either way is fine. Stopping the kick is impressive if you can do it well - otherwise it may be best to go for your second option.

Paul M

[14 June 2002]

Please can you tell me the dimensions of a sparring area?

Thank you very much

Darren
ITF Leeds UK

9 x 9 m

Sometimes at local tournaments it will be reduced to 8 x 8 m if space is limited.

Paul M

[1 November 1997]
Are you allowed to use your legs for defence in three step sparring? and if so... When doing three step sparring, if the defender is using their legs to defend, should they step back into a guarding block, similar to one step?

Thanks
Andrew Niven

Don't see why not...the defender would just step straight back and perform the kick without doing a guarding block first. This is probably a bit tricky for a yellow belt or green stripe, but worth playing with.

Paul M

[1 September 1997]
Dear Sabom!

Though my question is not about prearranged sparring I ask it here.
My question is: Is head guard used during free sparring in ITF TKD now? On one of TKD Websites I read that.

Thanx!
Yours in TKD
Volodia Krushinskiy
Lviv, Ukraine

We use head gear here in New Zealand but it is not used
at the World Champs.

[30 October 1996]

I was wondering if a 7th Gup (Green Tip )could do a flying technique
after they had done a required technique Eg A Downward kick followed by a flying turning kick dodging to the side?

Thanks
Andrew Niven
Mt Albert, Baradene, St Cuthberts, Diocesan

Mr Niven

I am happy for any grade to perform techniques considered more advanced than their own level, as long as it is done well and they have also included the basic required techniques in their routine. Having said that, we need to see the yellow belts do hand techniques for example, so they shouldn't be kicking instead. So within limits, ie, a green stripe doing a flying kick, would be okay. We need to have scope to cater for talented students - those that are keen and really want to work hard. As instructors we have to be able to recognise them and set them higher goals.

[19 September 1996]
Dear Sir

In 2 step sparring the attacks are set. Should the student work with their partner and work out their own set of attacks and defences ?

Taekwon
Andrew Niven
Mt Albert

The attacks are meant to stay the same - as outlined in the syllabus. This is so if the red belt's partner is sick or injured on the grading night, someone else could fill in easily. It also makes it interesting to see the many variations people come up with to defend against the same set attacks.

Thanks for your question.

Paul M

[3 August 1996]
In three step sparring does the puncher ever start from a parallel ready stance? I ask this be cause in the Bible it shows an attacker stepping forward into an L Stance punch from a parallel ready stance

Andrew Niven
Mr Niven

No. 3 Step sparring always starts by the attacker performing a forearm low block on left walking stance.

Paul M

[5 July 96]

Mr McPhail

When blocking in 3 step sparring, is it permissable to step back with the left foot first rather than the right? I want to do an L-stance knifehand guarding block to the outside to the attacker's wrist.

I look forward to your reply

Clive Mathews
Papatoetoe TKD

Mr Matthews

Yes, right or left foot back first is okay. The block you discribe on the OUTSIDE of the attacker's wrist is called an OUTSIDE block - which is
very effective. Outside blocks are better than inside blocks from the point of view that the opponent is less able to attack you from that angle.

Thanks for your question.

Paul M