Tae kwon do history can be traced back to 50 B.C., according to “Modern Taekwondo.” This Korean martial art emphasizes the use of kicking techniques. These kicks have been refined for thousands of years. Practitioners use a variety of dynamic kicks when they compete in sparring matches. Tae kwon do sparring is both physically and mentally challenging. To be a successful tae kwon do competitor, you need to know the right steps to take during a match.
Step 1
Put on a headgear, chest protector, shin guards, forearm guards and a mouthpiece before sparring. Remember to also wear a groin protector if you are a male competitor. Make sure your gear is not too tight or too loose. Don’t let the wrong-sized equipment impair your ability to fight.
Step 2
Bow to your opponent to show respect. Put one foot behind you to step back into a fighting stance. Be prepared for an opponent who may rush at you as soon as the match begins. Look at the center of your opponent’s chest protector throughout the match. Do not focus on a single kick or punch because you may not see other techniques coming at you.
Step 3
Step, shuffle or slide with your feet during the fight. Use quick, balanced footwork when advancing, retreating or moving sideways during the match. Do not let yourself become a stationary target.
Step 4
Move your front foot and front shoulder slightly and observe his reaction. Look for any scoring opportunities that a feint might create. Quickly switch your legs to make your opponent believe that you are going to deliver a rear-leg kick.
Step 5
Kick to your opponent’s head and chest protector. Punch only to the chest protector because punches to the face are illegal in official matches, according to the Tulsa Tae Kwon Do Academy. Keep in mind that a punch or kick to the midsection is worth one point and a kick to the head is worth two points. Control your power because you will be disqualified if your high kick causes your opponent’s inability to continue.
Step 6
Attack your opponent using a variety of kicks. Horizontally kick at your opponent with the top of your foot to perform the roundhouse kick. Deliver roundhouse kicks with both your front leg and rear leg. Use front-leg kicks to set your opponent up for stronger rear-leg kicks.
Step 7
Lift your back knee and point it backward deliver a spinning back kick. Quickly thrust the bottom of your foot back at your opponent and hit him in the midsection. Perform spinning back kicks to abruptly stop and surprise your opponent when he advances toward you.
Step 8
Fight with speed, agility and enthusiasm. Do not get discouraged during the match and do not run away from your opponent.
Step 9
Bow to your opponent when the sparring match is finished. Display good sportsmanship no matter who wins the match.
Things You'll Need
- Headgear
- Chest protector
- Shin guards
- Forearm guards
- Mouthpiece
- Groin protector for males
References
- Tulsa Tae Kwon Do Academy: General Rules and Regulations for Tae Kwon Do Olympic Style Sparring
- "Modern Taekwondo"; Soon Man Lee, Gaetane Rickie; 1999
- "Advancing in Tae Kwon Do"; Richard Chun; 1983
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