A Guide to Sparring for Taekwondo Students

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art made up of equal parts hand and foot techniques. It is widely studied in Korea and throughout the United States. While studying taekwondo, students learn numerous techniques, such as kicks punches, and blocks. Eventually these techniques are put together into a series of different forms, increasing in difficulty as the student advances belt ranks. Students will also learn board breaking techniques and a variety of weapons. At some point all students will have to learn sparring. At the level when students begin sparring many of them become unsure of what to expect and, unfortunately, some of them will quit their training all together. Sparring is not something to be feared. The fear students experience usually comes from a lack of knowledge. Students think that they might get hurt or that they will not be able to spar properly. In most cases this is not true. This is what sparring is all about.

It is important to know that when students begin to spar they do not get to jump right in and start fighting. They will usually start off with some form of one step sparring. There are a couple of different ways this is done. One form has students memorize a small sequence of events. The student will be paired with a partner and they will each perform their sequence of events at the designated time. In most cases no contact will ever be exchanged between the students. This gives students the chance to see what it is like to be paired up with a partner and an opportunity to pair blocks with kicks and strikes.

Another form of one step sparring resembles actual sparring a bit closer. Students will usually put on the same sparring gear that is used when actually sparring. This gear is very efficient and, when used properly, should keep students from injuring each other. Sparring gear includes gear for the head, hands, feet, shins, mouth, and sometimes the torso. Men also have their own protective gear. Once geared up, students will be paired up. They will then get to do a series of techniques of their choice, one at a time. Once the first student has executed their techniques, usually three, the other student will have their opportunity. Again, no contact will ever be made.

Students will usually do this type of sparring for a significant amount of time. Once the student is ready for contact sparring, the student will be paired up with another student of equal ability. A beginner student will not be paired up with a black belt or other high rank. Instructors will also continuously monitor the students and give them advice, as well as be on hand to stop them if it becomes too hard.

At some point every student will get hit by his or her partner. If safety equipment is used, this usually does not hurt, although it will seem strange the first time. After a few sparring rounds students should get used to it and begin to enjoy it. If a student is having a problem with sparring or feels uncomfortable, they should not hesitate to speak with their instructor. The instructor will find some way to help the student and keep them on track towards their goal of earning a black belt.