Sparring (Taeryon/ Matsogi) in Taekwon-Do: An Introduction
“Sparring is the physical application of attack and defence techniques gained from pattern and fundamental exercise against an actual moving opponent or opponents under various situations.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.1. p.161)
Without fundamental movements, perfection in patterns and sparring is difficult, and without patterns and sparring, perfection in fundamental movements is difficult. Thus, fundamental movements, patterns, and sparring are inseparable.
“[Sparring] is, therefore, not only inseparable from pattern and fundamental movements but also indispensable to promote the fighting spirit and courage, to train the eyes, to read the opponent’s tactic and manoeuvers, to forge the attacking and blocking tools, to test his or her own skills and ability and to learn other movements hardly to be gained from pattern or fundamental exercise.” Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5. p.17)
General Information
1. Generally, sparring starts from any stance taken on line AB with the sparring partners facing each other.
2. Generally, blocking starts with the left hand or the left foot, while attacking with the right hand or the right foot. However, students should practise equally with both sides.
3. Generally, the ball of the foot is used for front snap kick, side front snap kick, twisting kick, and turning kick; while the back heel is used for pick shape kick and reverse turning kick.
System of sparring (Taeryon Kusong/ Matsogi Goosong)
Sparring is classified into categories of prearranged sparring, semi-free sparring, free sparring, foot technique sparring, model sparring, and prearranged free sparring, having sub-categories as follows:
—Prearranged sparring (Yakssok Taeryon/ Yaksok Matsogi)
——Three-step sparring (Sambo Taeryon/ Sambo Matsogi)
———one way (Han Chok)
————alone
————with companion
———two way (Yang Chok)
————alone
————with companion
——Two-step sparring (Ibo Taeryon/ Ibo Matsogi)
——One-step sparring (Ilbo Taeryon/ Ilbo Matsogi)
—Semi-free sparring (Panjayu Taeryon/ Ban Jayu Matsogi)
—Free sparring (Chayu Taeryon/ Jay Matsogi)
——1:1 sparring
——1:2 sparring
——2:2 sparring
——other combination sparring
—Foot technique sparring (Chokki Taeryon/ Bal Matsogi)
—Model sparring
—Prearranged free sparring
——1:1
——1:2
——1:3 or more
An overview of the types of sparring
Prearranged sparring (Yakssok Taeryon/ Yaksok Matsogi)
“It is practised as the name denotes under prearranged modes with various assumptions, for example the number of steps to be taken, the target to be attacked and the attacking tool to be used are agreed upon beforehand between the players.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5, p.19)
Three-step sparring (Sambo Taeryon/ Sambo Matsogi)
“This is an exercise for familiarization of correct attack and defense techniques utilizing mainly the hand parts against middle and high, the foot parts against low targets while stepping forward and backward. There are two methods of practice: one way and two way. […] Both of them can be practised either alone or with a companion” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5, p.21)
3-step sparring, One-way (Han Chok) method:
-Attack is performed while stepping forward. Defense is performed while stepping backward.
3-step sparring, Two-way (Yang Chok) method:
-Attack is performed while stepping forward. Defense is performed while stepping backward.
-Attack is performed while stepping backward. Defense is performed while stepping forward.
Two-step sparring (Ibo Taeryon/ Ibo Matsogi)
“The main purpose of this sparring is to acquire a mixed technique of hand and foot parts, the attacker therefore, must use both the hand and the foot alternately. It is, however, entirely optional whether the attacker uses the hand or the foot first. As in the case of three step sparring there are two methods of practise.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5, p.91)
2-step sparring, One-way (Han Chok) method:
-Attack is performed while stepping forward. Defense is performed while stepping backward.
2-step sparring, Two-way (Yang Chok) method:
-Attack is performed while stepping forward. Defense is performed while stepping backward.
-Attack is performed while stepping backward. Defense is performed while stepping forward.
One-step sparring (Ilbo Taeryon/ Ilbo Matsogi)
“Virtually, this sparring is considered the most important one from the point of view that the ultimate goal of Taekwon-Do in real combat is to win the victory with just a single seasoned blow. […] The secret of this sparring is to deliver a completely accurate speedy and decisive blow at the opponent’s vital spot at the right time with the right weapon while defending against the opponent’s attack effectively.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5, p.108)
Semi-free sparring (Panjayu Taeryon/ Ban Jayu Matsogi)
“Semi-free sparring is the last stage before the student enters into a free sparring, though it can be exercised at all levels as well.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5, p.225)
Free sparring (Chayu Taeryon/ Jay Matsogi)
“Free sparring is essentially an open combat with controlled attacking and prohibition of attacking to certain vital spots. In a free sparring there is no prearranged mode between the players, and both participants are completely free to attack and defend with all available means and methods with one exception: The attacker must stop the attacking tool just before reaching the vital spot.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5, p.244)
Foot technique sparring (Chokki Taeryon/ Bal Matsogi)
“This is a symbolized form of sparring developed from the ancient Korean art of “Taek Kyon” and “Soo Bak Gi” which mainly relied on the feet. […] Since both attack and defense are performed with the foot, hand techniques are not allowed to be used in this particular sparring. Both players are completely free to exchange attack and defense motions with no prearranged mode […]” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5, p.259)
Model sparring
This type of sparring is for demonstrative purposes, to exhibit the skill and agility of the performers along with the movement. Techniques are executed with regular speed and then the same movements are repeated in a slow motion.
Prearranged free sparring
This type of sparring is undertaken with techniques that are prearranged. However, students have a chance to demonstrate lesser-known techniques, thereby combining an element of free sparring.
Sparring and grades
This outline is flexible and can be changed, depending upon the progress of the student and the decision of the instructor.
—10th grade
——3-step sparring (alone)
—9th grade
——3=step sparring
—8th grade
——3-step sparring
—7th grade
——3-step sparring
——2-step sparring
—6th grade
——2-step sparring
——1-step sparring
—5th grade
——1-step sparring
——semi-free sparring
—4th grade
——semi-free sparring
——free sparring
—3rd grade
——semi-free sparring
——free sparring
—2nd grade
——free sparring
——self-defence techniques
—1st grade
——free sparring
——self-defence techniques
—Black Belt holders
——free sparring (1:2 or more)
——foot technique sparring
——model sparring
——prearranged free sparring
References:
1. Choi H. H. (1965). “Taekwon-Do:The Art of Self-Defence”, Daeha Publication Company: Seoul, Korea.
2. Gen. Choi, H. H. (1985). “Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do (Vols. 1–15)”, International Taekwon-Do Federation: Vienna.
Also see:
Three-step sparring (Sambo Matsogi)
Two-Step sparring (Ibo Matsogi)
One-step sparring (Ilbo Matsogi)
Semi-Free sparring (Ban Jayu Matsogi)
Free sparring (Chayu Taeryon/ Jayu Matsogi)
Foot sparring (Chokki Taeryon/ Bal Matsogi)
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