Warming Up before you Spar

Different people require different psychological state before they hit the ring. Some people need to feel the pressure in order for them to get motivated and in high spirit. Some need to get calm and in relax state or they can not perform well. So, it is really a unique situation for everyone to know themself and what they are capable of.

Another important factor is to have a good guide to go with you in the ring. This is crucial since the guide will be your big brother and watching the game closely. He will analyse the game and the strategy used by the opponent. It is important to listen to your guide instruction even if you feel that it is not appropriate to execute certain moved. You need to trust the guide and the guide also need to know your capability before telling them what to do.

The Deadliest Weapon

Backthrust or back kick is the most destructive since the movement of the stance make the opponent open to this kind of attack. Let say both are in the close stance,
which make both fighters roundhouse kicks target to the close areas (back). However, when back kick takes effect it will hit the opponent right in the open (front).

Normally, this technique is used as a counter attack measure and rarely use for an attack. Let's look on how we can use this technique as an attacking tool. First, you may use the front leg to trick the opponent. Then bring down your front leg to the ground and launch the back kick. Caution when using this technique, since it will drain lots of your energy unless you are really tip top with your stamina.

Another word of caution is accuracy of this attack. If the back kick is direct hit on target, the opponent will drop half dead and will demoralise the opponent fighting spirit. It will make the opponent think twice towards attacking you. So this is the time when you setup the trap as describe in the previous posting under the title "Does having speed and skill enough to win a sparring?"

Does having speed and skill enough to win a sparring?

Having a good speed and skills are just a micro advantage. However in a ring you require a lot more than that. A macro strategy will determine you of winning or losing a match.

This is because different opponent will have different skills and speed and therefore the overall strategy is required to overcome the speed and skill of the opponent. The most effective strategy is to trap the opponent to attack and get ready for counter attack. This is achieved by taking a few steps back. You may know the opponent is in the attacking mode if he or she is advancing more than one step towards you. This may be applied if you alreading leading the game with extra points ahead. In the same light, you may attack the opponent first when they are in attacking mode. This will leave the opponent offguard and may not ready to launch a counter attack.

Remember, the idea is not to let them know you are coming and therefore attacking an opponent when you are in defensive mode is really a suprise. The trap may not be applicable when you are dealing with an experience opponent. He or she might sense that it is a trap and might be taking serious precautions by not attacking immeadiately. If this is the case you need to be careful as the opponent is also ready to counter you should you launch an attack.

Sometimes, it is not according to your game plan and you now have to rely on you speed and skill. Just remember to always be on a defensive mode even when you are in attacking mode.

Welcome to all Cemerlang brothers

Good luck with the coming InterClub competition in December. Feel free to post comments or announcement on this blog.

Simple Sparring Guidelines

Always be kewl
· Watch your opponent at all times – you can’t block a technique if you can’t see it.
· Use techniques in combination – follow up an attack – don’t use one technique and then stop.
· Breathe! Try to relax. Don’t let your emotions get the better of you as you spar.
· Stay calm and focused mentally and physically.
· Guard your head – keep at least one hand up at all times.
· Minimize the targets you present to your opponent – don’t face them straight on.
· Stay light on your feet and move around on angles, not just backwards and forwards.
· Use high techniques to mask a low attack and vice versa.
· Observe other’s sparring habits to discover what techniques might work against them.
· A good KIA can momentarily distract your opponent and adds confidence and power to your attack.

TKD Quick Tips

It depends on the tournament rules,

IF leg sweeps are allowed this is the perfect one. tkd in sports tournaments in general have a tendancy to kick a lot.

So they are perfect targets for a dragons tail sweep or low spinning leg sweep following by any technique after as a strike to score a point.

IF you cannot leg sweep then CATCH their foot in mid air or PUNCH it hard. you can then trip them off balance by grabbing it and tossing them to the side to score a perfect punch to the back of their head, or punch their kick with a good solid punch and this will hurt their foot so much they will limp on it and you will have the match easily.

Number of rules to remember. Always try to get the first point. Once you have it, dont be a hero and go after more, you are in the lead now, so circle the ring and make him come to you under your terms. he will desperately be trying to chase you to catch up the score. Use many defensice techniques and of course as soon as you see a great opening go for it and score another if you can.

Remember you do not have to win by getting all the points, you just have to have the most at the end. so circling once you are ahead and keeping the crowd, ligths and audience in your opponents eyes over your eyes is good too.

Also make sure that the judges may had a hard time to see if your punch really landed or not and if you ACT the part well enough and look so assure you scored it many times they will give it to you by the roars of the crowd and your attitude and they dont wanna be the one who said they missed it, i know it sounds odd but it is true.

So thats a few tips. remember if he is taller than you then he has a smaller target to hit than you do also!

Taekwondo Championships

The following are the big boys Taekwondo competitive events:
World Championship - normally held every two years
World Cup - normally held every year
Olympic Games - every four years
World Games - held every four years
Regional Games (Pan Am, Asian, All Africa, etc) - held every four years in the year before the Olympic year
CISM Championships - as arranged by CISM
FISU Championships - as arranged by FISU

There are other prestige local championship like US Open, Canadian Open and Korean Open which are held yearly.

TKD Competition Weight Classes

Fin Weight
Men < 50 kg
Women < 43 kg
Fly Weight
Men 50 - 54 kg
Women 43 - 47 kg
Bantam Weight
Men 54 - 58 kg
Women 47 - 51 kg
Feather Weight
Men 58 - 64 kg
Women 51 - 55 kg
Light Weight
Men 64 - 70 kg
Women 55 - 60 kg
Welter Weight
Men 70 - 76 kg
Women 60 - 65 kg
Middle Weight
Men 76 - 83 kg
Women 65 - 70 kg
Heavy Weight
Men > 83 kg
Women > 70 kg

Improving your techniques and skills

Speed, Agility, and Explosiveness:

Take short sprints, changing directions within the sprints.
Practice footwork combinations (i.e.: switch feet, stepping/skipping forward/backward, side stepping, etc). Eventually add kicks into the footwork. Begin slowly with a focus on developing proper form, and then gradually increase speed.
Bunjee cord work. (These cords can be ordered from martial arts catalogs.) Attach one end to your ankle and the other to a stable structure (a piece of heavy furniture, perhaps). There should be slight tension on the cord before you begin your technique. From there, practice your basic kicks with the added resistance from the cord. Do at least 15 repetitions, and then take off the cord and practice the same kicks without it.

Power:

Bunjee cord work on kicking bag, focusing on power.
Weight lifting with a concentration on the legs.
Squats, lunges, leg lifts, abdominal work, etc.
Stair climbing.

Range:

Stretch to increase flexibility.
Adapt techniques for long range (i.e.: drop kick, back kick).
Practice "moving in" footwork with long-range kicking combinations.
Force yourself to throw long-range techniques on the kicking bag by standing far away.

Endurance
(Do one of these activities before or after your normal workout):

Take a slow 30 minute round on the bag, picking up the pace when there are two minutes left, and going all out when there are 30 seconds left.
Jog at least a mile (or as far as you can), then do short sprints with a two-minute walk in between for the next 30 minutes.
Jump rope for 5 minutes, then take a 5-minute round on the bag. Repeat the pattern for 30 minutes (with no rest in between).

Sparring Strategy:

Spar.
Watch other people spar.

Basic Sparring Strategy

There is a strategic science to sparring. From the outside, sparring looks like random kicks and punches thrown mercilessly with the objective being to injure. From the inside, however, a sparring match is like a chess game. For example, one could not win a game of chess by mindlessly moving around the pieces anymore than one could win a sparring match by mindlessly throwing techniques. Strategy is prerequisite to chess as well as to sparring.

What is strategy? Strategy goes beyond "What kick should I throw now?" and it answers the question "How can I manipulate the situation to give me the advantage over my opponent?" This strategy comes in two main forms: Overall strategy (macro strategy) and exchange strategy (micro strategy).

Macro Strategy
Macro strategy encompasses overall and generalized aspects about any sparring match that will make you spar one person one way and another person another way. There are several things that will affect your macro strategy:

The setting or main goal of the match. If you are sparring someone who is taking his or her belt exam or if you are sparring in a tournament, your main purpose and strategy for sparring will be different. So before you spar, ask yourself, "What is my goal? What do I wish to accomplish in this match?"
Your own personal strengths and weaknesses. These are very important to how you spar. For example, if you feel really comfortable with turning back kick, and not with turning hook kick, then you should stick with the turning back kick. You will be more likely to score if you use a technique with which you are very comfortable.
You and your partner's differing physical attributes. These will greatly define the way in which you spar your partner. Here is a table of examples, and (in my opinion) the best strategies to use these differences to your advantage:

The Remedies
You're taller----> Keep a far distance from your partner and jam them with push kick and back kick.
You're shorter---> Get in close enough that you're too far in range for your partner to kick. Get in, stay in, and rack up the points.
You're heavier---> You've got a power advantage, so use it wisely. Think "tank".
You're lighter---> You've got a speed advantage, so use it wisely. Think "butterfly".
You're faster----> Get in range, throw a few techniques, and get out A.S.A.P.
You're slower----> Don't get fancy -- stay simple. Make your partner come to you instead of chasing after him or her.

Micro Strategy
Micro strategy is the strategy that we use for dealing with each of the tiny exchanges that make up a sparring match. The rest of this page deals with micro strategy.

Open Stance and Closed Stance:
When two people spar each other, each person is in a particular sparring stance: either left foot lead or right foot lead. When both competitors have the same lead (i.e.: if they both have their left foot forward), this is known as closed stance. If both competitors have different leads (i.e.: if one has left foot forward and the other has right foot forward), this is known as open stance.

Why does this matter? It determines which techniques that you can use against your partner to get a clear shot. The whole idea of sparring is to strike your partner where he or she is open. For example, if you are in open stance, then you are both open to back leg roundhouse kick -- you can do a back leg roundhouse kick and strike your partner clear in the stomach. If you are in closed stance, however, your partner is not open to back leg roundhouse kick. If you try back leg roundhouse anyway, you will end up kicking your partner's elbow.

When attacking or counter-attacking, you must be aware of the stance in which you are fighting. If you ignore the stance, then your attack or counter-attack will be ineffective. For example, a turning side kick counter-attack to your partner's rear end does you no good.

The Attack
If you have seen or sparred in Olympic-style Tae Kwon Do sparring lately, you will have noticed that the competitors' average sparring distance from each other is well out of range for any technique to successfully land on either partner. The whole idea of attacking is to close the distance between you and your partner so that you can become close enough to land a technique.

The attack is a very important part of the sparring match for two reasons: (1) It closes the distance between the competitors in order for some actual exchanges may occur; and (2) When the score is tied at the end of the match, the referee decides the winner on the basis of aggressiveness and most techniques thrown. If you attacked and threw more techniques than your partner did during the match, then you won -- even though the score was technically tied. So, attacking has its advantages.

Attacking, however, also has its disadvantages. When you attack, you leave yourself open and off balance for your partner's counter-attack -- if you kick your partner they will kick back from a closer and more effective range. But this can be easily overcome by simply countering the counter-attack. Sparring is almost like an argument: Each exchange builds up from the former exchanges, each one better than the last, and the best one wins. There is no reason to be afraid to attack if you know how to counter-attack.

Another way to avoid this entire issue of vulnerability is to refrain from an actual attack and throw what your partner perceives to be an actual attack (i.e.: In other words, to fake, or feint, an attack). He or she will react to this threat by beginning a counter-attack, which will give you time to close the distance and land several techniques.

Effective attacking relies heavily upon footwork and faking (feinting), not mere kicks. Here are a few rules to follow about attacking:

Never throw just one technique. This is a big no-no.
Never just walk (or run, you kids) into the correct distance and kick. Another major no-no.
Never throw a technique when you know that you will not be able to land it.
Always use footwork or faking to bring your partner closer to you.
Always plan on your partner having a counter-attack.
Always plan on countering your partner's counter-attack.

The Counter-Attack
Most of all points scored in Tae Kwon Do competition come from counter-attacks. The idea of the counter-attack is to overshadow your partner's attack. In other words, you want your counter-attack to be superior to and more devastating than your partner's attack. If your partner lands a technique on you, it is imperative that it is immediately counter-attacked with several more devastating techniques. In this way, you will be awarded the point.

Of course, you are in no way limited to the chart below -- you have a multitude of different options. This is just a basic idea of how to get started in a counter-attack. Remember that the most effective counter-attack consists of multiple techniques. Each one of the techniques listed in the chart is just an example of the first technique that can be solidly landed. So, practice these techniques with a partner or on a kicking bag, and remember to follow up with additional techniques.

Attack Counter------------------>Attack
Open Stance: Back leg roundhouse---> Turning back kick
Open Stance: Front leg/skipping roundhouse----> Front leg in-to-out drop kick
Open Stance: Turning back kick---> Side step, then back leg roundhouse
Open Stance: Double roundhouses---> Turning back kick/ push kick
Open Stance: Drop kick---> Side step, then turning back kick
Closed Stance: Back leg roundhouse---> Out-to-in drop kick
Closed Stance: Front leg/skipping roundhouse--_> Turning back kick
Closed Stance: Turning back kick---> Side step, then back leg roundhouse
Closed Stance: Double roundhouses---> Turning back kick/push kick
Closed Stance: Drop kick---> Side step, then turning back kick

Counter Attacking

There are certain types of opponents in sparring who are very difficult to defeat including those who are very aggressive, those who are good at closing the distance quickly and those who hit and run. This article will provide a few simple to use counterattacking solutions for these types of opponents.

Against an Opponent who is Good at Closing the Distance

Technique #39 is slide back round house kick (dwiro pajo momtong dollyo chagi: dwiro pajo means sliding back step and dollyo chagi is roundhouse kick) against the opponent who is good at closing the distance by footwork or pushing kick.

When you are frustrated, always stick to fundamental techniques that you are very familiar with. The first step is to retreat to avoid the attack. The second step is to do your roundhouse kick as soon as his attacking kick begins to fall.

Be careful not to back up too far when you retreat. If you do you will lose your distance to counterattack or you will give the distance for your opponent to come in and attack again.

Against a Hit and Run Opponent

Technique #40 is sliding back and double kick against a hit and run opponent who comes in, kicks and quickly backs away. Against any opponent who comes in quick and goes out quick, you need to chase him down. For this type of opponent, you can use moolo doobal dangsang chagi. Moolo is back step, doobal dangsang chagi is double kick.

The first step is to read your opponent's initiative and move your entire body backward just enough to avoid the blow. The second step is to hit him with double kick before he runs away.

In competition, don't back up too far. Since quick kicks are mostly short in nature, you need to move back 2/3 of usual sliding back distance. Then you can hit your opponent right on target.


Against an Aggressive Opponent

Technique #41 is a back kick counterattack against an aggressive opponent. When your opponent attacks you aggressively, you have two choices: Either move away or stop the attack. For slipping away, you need excellent footwork. To stop it, you need good dwi chagi(back kick).

The first step is to catch the moment of your opponent's initiation for launching an attack. Usually, his shoulders turn more than usual or he sinks deeper into his stance just before an aggressive attack. The second step is to adjust your distance according to his intensity so your kick lands on target. If you do not adjust the distance well, you will be too close or to far away to counter. The third step is to make a short counter back kick. Don't step back too far and don't kick too high. Relax and stay within your range not his range.


Against a Clinching Opponent

Technique #46 is sliding back and double kick (moolo doobal dangsang chagi: moolo is back step, doobal dangsang chagi is double kick) at open stance against an opponent who abruptly comes into your zone or tries to clinch.

The first step is to read your opponent's initiative and move your entire body backward. The second step is to stop his movement by kicking with your rear foot and then finish with the other leg with power. Use your front leg to cut off his kick and use your hands to maintain the appropriate kicking distance against the opponent.

Tips on Defense

When on the defensive there are some key elements and concepts to keep in mind to be successful in your counter-attacks and evasion skills. Although these are not rules chiselled in stone and never to be broken, they are fairly accurate for most situations and have been helpful in my own training as well as people I have trained.

A direct counter-attack is usually the most devastating type of counter-attack because it is designed to stop the opponent dead in their tracks before they can execute their technique.
The best time to counter an opponent’s attack is on their approach footwork. An example would be an opponent crosses their rear-foot behind their front foot to execute a sidekick. So therefore hit them while they are crossing behind.
Always keep your elbows positioned so that your rib-cage is protected at all times.
On a regular basis practice counter-attacks that can be used in almost all situations. For example the defensive sidekick can be used in just about any situation at medium to far range. Don’t think you have to memorize every way to counter an opponent, rather just concentrate on 4 to 6 techniques that are once again useful in almost all situations.
Use the K.I.S.S. rule. KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID! When an opponent throws a punch at your head a part of their body becomes open. When an opponent throws a punch at your body a part of their head becomes open.
When countering a charging kicker another great time to hit them is when they are on one foot because their balance will be much poorer. Also it is harder to avoid the counter-attack because you can’t run away when you are on one foot. If you don’t have time to counter with a kick or a punch and your opponent’s attack is coming in really fast, the next best thing to do is either step into the attack, thus jamming/or smothering it rendering it harmless. Another option you have for the situation described is to quickly sidestep and execute a circular footwork technique destroying any chance of your opponent being able to implement a combination attack.
When on the defensive backing up in a straight line should always be your last option. Countering with a punch or kick, stepping forward jamming the opponent’s technique, or sidestepping is best from a tactical point of view. If you back up in straight-line to avoid an opponent’s technique you risk having them set you up with combination attack.
It is more important to keep the rear hand (guard) up than the front hand because if you get hit on your open side you can’t bend over to roll out of the technique. When someone takes a shot at your head on the blindside you can lean your head out of the way to avoid the blow or pull your lead shoulder in to your jaw to protect. When taking heavy unavoidable shots pulling your shoulder into your chin will prevent you from getting knocked out.
Never stand flat-footed with your knees straight. Always keep your knees slightly bent coiled like springs so that you can move in any direction easily.
On a regular basis practice evasion, blocking and covering-up drills. When sidestepping an opponent you must wait until the last split second to move. If you move too soon they will be able to follow you. If you move too late you’ll be hit.
Never take your eyes off your opponent. Use your peripheral vision when fighting to enable you to see the opponent’s whole body. In order to read your opponent’s intentions one must be able to see the opponent’s hips, knees, shoulders and head. In a lot of cases opponent’s give away their intentions of attacking through their facial expressions. Some styles of martial arts say that you should always maintain eye contact with your opponent and that the eyes are the gateway to the soul. Realistically you can not rely on this method because this type of telegraphing is more commonly seen in beginners or inexperienced fighters. An experienced intelligent fighter usually has developed what some call a “poker face”. The best fighters can fight without emotion which puts them tactically in a better predicament because you never really know what theyre up to until the last split second.
Never show fear. This only builds your opponent’s confidence if they know you’re uncomfortable. Always try to look relaxed and confident. This has a way of putting your opponent on edge and nervous. When an offensive opponent is nervous or scared they have a tendency to be less aggressive or less committed to their attack which in turn decreases their fighting ability.
Remember that humans are extremely visually orientated creatures and are easily lead into certain types of reactions by what they see. Combat is based mostly on sight alone so one must learn to utilize every possible element to bring about success.
COMBINATION ATTACKING

The science of combination attacking is not as difficult to understand as some may think. However to accurately land combination attacks on your opponent is another story. Strong mental and physical skills for this art are quite demanding. Practice on a daily basis is necessary from the competitor to move quickly and fluently without hesitation. Hesitation is probably the biggest reason why combination attacks usually fail. Although there are many other variables that can ruin an attack sequence.Your first initial movement is extremely important during an attack sequence because of many reasons. Your first initial movement can be used to:

Set your opponent up for your second move. Cover distance between you and your opponent. Check your opponent’s reaction time. Check your opponent’s response to that technique to see where a possible weakness or opening may lie. Draw your opponent to counter-attack or engage.
Raise or lower your opponent’s guards.
2-KICK-COMBINATIONS

Two kick combinations are very simple and to the point. The initial kick is used to set up for the second kick. So in other words your first move can also be considered as a fake. Keep in mind your fake must seem real enough to your opponent so that they will react properly to your set-up. Your first move doesn’t necessarily need to connect it just has to look like it has the potential of connecting. In the following you will see how to scientifically score on your opponent with two-kick-combination attacks.

OPEN-STANCE

REAR-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), REAR-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a rear-leg roundhouse kick to the opponent’s mid- section to draw their guards down low. Then quickly execute another rear-leg roundhouse kick (with the opposite foot) to the opponent’s head.
REAR-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), TURN-BACK KICK (LOW)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a rear-leg roundhouse kick to the opponent’s mid-section to draw their guards down low. Then quickly execute turn-back kick to the opponent’s mid-section.
REAR-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), REAR-LEG AXE-KICK (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a rear-leg roundhouse kick to the opponent’s mid-section to draw their guards down low. Then quickly execute a rear-leg axe-kick high to the opponent’s head.
REAR-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), SPINNING HOOK-KICK (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a rear-leg roundhouse kick to the opponent’s mid-section to draw their guards down low. Then quickly execute a spinning hook-kick high to the opponent’s head.
REAR-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE KICK (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a rear-leg roundhouse kick to the opponent’s mid-section to draw their guards down low. Then quickly execute a spinning roundhouse kick to the opponent’s head.
CLOSED-STANCE

LEAD-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), BACK-LEG ROUNDHOUSE (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg front kick to the opponent’s mid-section to draw their guards down low. Then quickly execute a back-leg roundhouse kick the opponent’s head.
LEAD-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), TURN-BACK KICK (LOW)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg front kick to the opponent’s mid-section to draw their guards down low. Then quickly execute a turn-back kick to the opponent’s mid-section.
LEAD-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), SPINNING HOOK-KICK (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg front kick to the opponent’s mid-section to draw their guards down low. Then quickly execute a spinning hook-kick high to the opponent’s head.
SIDEKICK (LOW), TURN-BACK KICK (LOW)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg sidekick to the opponent’s mid-section to draw their guards down low. Then quickly execute a turn-back kick to the opponent’s mid-section.
LEAD-LEG AXE KICK, SPINNING HOOK-KICK (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg axe-kick towards the opponent’s blindside to draw their guards to the blindside of the their head. Then quickly execute a spinning hook-kick high to the opponent’s head.
LEAD-LEG AXE KICK, TURN-BACK KICK (LOW)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg axe-kick towards the opponent’s blindside to draw their guards to the blindside of the their head. Then quickly execute a turn-back kick to the opponent’s mid-section.
LEAD-LEG AXE KICK, LEAD-LEG ROUNDHOUSE (LOW)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg axe-kick towards the opponent’s blindside to draw their guards to the blindside of the their head. Then quickly execute a lead-leg roundhouse kick to the opponent’s mid-section.
TURN-BACK KICK (LOW), TURN BACK KICK (LOW)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a penetrating turn-back kick to the opponent’s mid-section to drive them backward. Then quickly execute another turn-back kick to the opponent’s mid-section or rib-cage.
BACK-LEG AXE KICK (OUTSIDE-INSIDE), SPINNING HOOK-KICK (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute an outside-inside back-leg axe kick to the blindside of the opponent’s head. Then quickly execute a spinning hook-kick high to the opponent’s head.
BACK-LEG AXE KICK (OUTSIDE-INSIDE), BACK-LEG ROUNDHOUSE (LOW)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute an outside-inside back-leg axe kick to the blindside of the opponent’s head. The quickly execute a back-leg roundhouse kick low to the opponent’s mid-section.
REAR-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), TURN BACK KICK (LOW)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a rear-leg front kick to the opponent’s mid-section to push them backwards. Then quickly execute a turn-back kick to the opponent’s mid-section or rib-cage.
REAR-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), SPINNING HOOK-KICK (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a rear-leg front kick to the opponent’s mid-section to push them backwards. Then quickly execute a spinning hook-kick high to the opponent’s head.
3-KICK-COMBINATIONS

CLOSED-STANCE

LEAD-LEG AXE KICK, BACK-LEG AXE KICK, SPINNING HOOK-KICK

From a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg axe kick toward the blindside of the opponent’s head to draw your guards up high. Then quickly execute a turn-back kick to your opponent’s mid-section to draw your opponent’s guards down low. Then to finish off execute a spinning hook-kick high to your opponent’s head.
BACK-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), BACK-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), BACK-LEG AXE KICK

From a solid fighting stance execute a back-leg roundhouse kick mid-section level to draw the opponent’s guards/defenses low to the opponent’s blindside. Then execute another rear-leg roundhouse kick to the opponent’s open-side to draw their guards/defenses low to the opponent’s low to the opponent’s open-side. Then to finish off execute a back-leg axe kick to the opponent’s head from their blindside.
LEAD-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), BACK-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), TURN-BACK KICK (LOW)

From a solid fighting stance execute a lead-led front kick low to push the opponent backwards. Then execute a back-leg front kick low to push the opponent backwards again. Then to finish off execute a turn-back kick to the opponent’s mid-section.
OPEN-STANCE

BACK-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), LEAD-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (HIGH), TURN-BACK KICK (LOW)

From a solid fighting stance execute a back-leg roundhouse kick mid-section level to draw the opponent’s guards/defenses low to their open-side. Then execute a lead-leg roundhouse kick head-level to draw their guards/defenses up high. Then to finish off execute a turn-back kick to the opponent’s mid-section.
REAR-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), SPINNING ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), SPINNING HOOK-KICK (HIGH)

From a solid fighting stance execute a rear-leg front kick mid-section level to push the opponent backwards. Then execute a spinning roundhouse kick mid-section level to draw the opponent’s guards down low to their open-side. Then to finish off execute a spinning hook-kick high to the opponent’s head.
LEAD-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), REAR-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), SPINNING HOOK-KICK (HIGH)

From a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg front kick mid-section level to push the opponent backwards. Then execute a rear-leg roundhouse kick mid-section level on the opponent’s open-side. Then to finish off execute a spinning hook-kick high to the opponent’s head.
LEAD-LEG AXE KICK (HIGH), REAR-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), TURN-BACK KICK (LOW)

From a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg axe kick coming up on your opponent’s open-side. Then execute a rear-leg front kick mid-section level to push them backward. Then to finish off execute a turn-back kick to the opponent’s mid-section.
DRAWING COMBINATION ATTACKS

OPEN-STANCE

SIDEKICK (LOW), TURN-BACK KICK (LOW)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg sidekick towards the opponent’s mid-section. The opponent skips backwards to avoid being hit and then attempts to counter-attack with a rear-leg roundhouse kick, but before you they can finish you execute a turn-back kick to their mid-section.
LEAD LEG AXE-KICK, SPINNING HOOK-KICK (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg axe kick towards the open side of your opponent’s head. The opponent skips backwards to avoid being hit and then attempts to counter-attack with a rear-leg roundhouse kick, but before you they can finish you quickly execute a spinning hook-kick high to the head.
LEAD-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), TURN-BACK KICK (LOW)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg front kick mid-section level to push your opponent backward. The opponent skips backwards to avoid being hit and then attempts to counter-attack with a rear-leg roundhouse kick, but before they can finish you quickly execute a turn-back kick to the mid-section.REAR-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), TURN-BACK KICK (LOW)
Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a rear-leg front kick mid-section level to push your opponent backward. The opponent skips backwards to avoid being hit and then attempts to counter-attack with a spinning hook-kick, but before they can finish you quickly execute a turn-back kick to the mid-section.
CLOSED-STANCE

BACK-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), SPINNING HOOK-KICK (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a back-leg roundhouse kick mid-section level towards your opponent’s blind-side. The opponent skips backwards to avoid being hit and then attempts to counter-attack with a rear-leg roundhouse kick, but before they can finish you quickly execute a spinning hook-kick high to the head.
BACK-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), INSIDE-OUTSIDE AXE KICK (HIGH)

Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a back-leg front kick mid-section level to push your opponent backward. The opponent skips backwards to avoid being hit and then attempts to counter-attack with a rear-leg roundhouse kick, but before they can finish you quickly execute an inside-outside axe kick to the open-side of your opponent’s face.LEAD-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), BACK-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW)
Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg front kick mid-section level to push your opponent backward. The opponent skips backwards to avoid being hit and then attempts to counter-attack with a turn-back kick, but before they can finish you quickly execute a back-leg front kick to the opponent’s hip area knocking them off balance short circuiting their movement.LEAD-LEG ROUNDHOUSE KICK (LOW), TURN-BACK KICK (LOW)
Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a lead-leg roundhouse kick mid-section level towards your opponent’s open-side. The opponent steps backwards switching sides to avoid being hit and then attempts to counter-attack with a rear-leg roundhouse kick, but before they can finish you quickly execute a turn-back kick to the opponent’s mid-section.REAR-LEG FRONT KICK (LOW), REVERSE PUNCH (LOW)
Starting from a solid fighting stance execute a rear-leg front kick mid-section level to push the opponent backward. The opponent skips backwards to avoid being hit and then attempts to counter-attack with a rear-leg roundhouse kick, but before they can finish you quickly execute a reverse punch to the mid-section.
OTHER TIPS

Single attacks are used most frequently in Tae Kwon Do competition.

Counter attacks : These have the highest succes rate in terms of scoring a point when compared to all other attack styles.

In descending order, the Attacks used most frequently in taekwondo competition are : roundhouse kick to the body, backkick to the body, axe kick to the face, roundhouse kick to the face, pushing kick to the body, punching to the body, hook kick to the head, front kick to the body, and spinning wheel kick to the head.

In descending order,Techniques That Score The Most Points are:
roundhouse to the body, backkick to the body, roundhouse to the face, axe kick to the face, axe kick to the body, spinning wheel kick to the face.

In descending order, The Most Successful Attacks are:
backkick to the body, roundhouse to the face, roundhouse to the body, axe kick to the face, spinning wheel kick to the face, pushing kick to the body.

Tips On Kicking

Always keep the kicking leg’s knee as high as possible when chambering for a kick.This allows for

Greater power: A kick the travels parallel to the ground will have the greatest impact.
More targets to chose from: From a high position it is possible to redirect the kick to nearly any target, this is much harder to do when the knee is chambered low.
Lengthens the opponents reaction time: Since a kick can be delivered either high or low the opponent does not know where the target will be.
Multiple kicks: With the knee kept high after a kick the leg is rechambered and ready to strike. If the knee is dropped while recoiling it must first be raised again in order to deliver a second or third technique, resulting in a slower kick. This is the key to delivering multiple kicks effectively.
Five Steps To Accelerate the Learning Process

Watch the technique being demonstrated and examine it closely. Now close your eyes and see the entire technique being executed in your minds eye, just as it was demonstrated. If any portion is unclear go back and watch it being demonstrated until you can perfect the movement in your mind’s eye.
This time imagine , or see, in your mind’s eye, yourself performing the technique. See yourself performing the technique in slow motion first. Then speed up the imagery a little faster, until you can see yourself performing the technique perfectly at full speed.
The next step is to see yourself performing the technique through your own eyes. Instead of seeing the technique from the outside, imagine it with you as the fighter. Imagine what you would see from your own eyes. Consider what you would hear, and what you would feel through your hands, knees, and elbows.
The next step is to physically practice the technique with a partner. As you do this, make small adjustments in the areas where your imagery may have not been completely accurate. Refine steps 2 and 3 now that you have the physical experience of performing the fighting technique.
The last step is a continuous one. Once you’ve got a clear and precise image of the technique, and you’re physically trained to execute the technique, then you should begin to imagine different fighting scenarios. As you’re walking, sitting,standing, or whatever, imagine ( you don’t have to close your eyes) being attacked from various directions and see your response. Evaluate your response.
This five step process may seem strange at first. However this is the same mental process that highly skilled athletes use in the pursuit of mastering their particular skills. This process has been proven to accelerate the learning curve of any physical skill.

To learn more, click here to get some books on TKD strategies.

Competition Tips

10 Do’s for successful sparring ring management

Be in proper shape, so you are not concerned about losing your wind. If you do start to get tired, then move around your opponent without attacking until your wind is back.
Have a proper stance: 50/50 or weight slightly forward. A rear weighted stance implies defensive and defeated posture. Be on the balls of your feet and be prepared to move in any direction.
Be the first to score. If you are not first, then do whatever is necessary to get on top. Once you are ahead, then you can work on your counterattack game.
Defeat a charging opponent with circular movement, defeat a circular moving opponent by cutting off the ring.
Use body and movement faking to test how your opponent reacts. When you attack, do it directly and as fast as possible. Be random in your movements so you will not be timed.
Use faking and footwork to score first from a far range. Close the distance with techniques instead of charging in.
Always finish with the last technique (kick out) in any close quarters fighting, only move away upon an effective score, or break by the referee.
Have a positive and confident attitude. Project this attitude through your body language and eyes.
Kiap when you score, as this can effect the judges opinion. If you get scored upon do not react, as this will ensure judges scoring against you.
Use simple techniques first, then move on to more complex techniques as the fight progresses. For example, strike to the body first with fast quick kicks, later go to the head with jumping or spinning techniques.

Current Olympic Rules / Competition Rules

Competitors may register and compete in one rank category only. Players must supply their own suitable equipment, in good condition chest protector, head gear, groin guard, mouth guard, shin & instep. Forearm guards are also recommended. A proper martial arts uniform is required, ideally a white Taekwondo v-neck.

It may be arranged that an inspection table be setup. This is best, but the referee may still reject equipment or it's adjustments if he/she feels the competitor(s) is at risk.

Contest Area
The contest is conducted on an ten meter by ten meter square, called the contest area. Twelve-meter surrounds this area by twelve-meter square called the competition area. The inside line is the ALERT LINE. The outside line is the BOUNDARY LINE. There are judges at ring edge and one center referee. The judge's job is to register the valid point when they see it. Penalties are indicated on the scoreboard as the center referee declares them. The referee's job is to open and close the match, declare penalties, declare the match results and in case of a tie score, declare the winner. The center referee also must ensure safety of the competitors, ensure a fair game and promote ideal technique by managing the match through application of the rules.
There are six ways to win
Taekwondo contests (this is a contest, not a fight:) have very specific and complex rules and regulations designed to ensure the safety of the competitors, to create a fair environment in which to compete and to promote ideal and appropriate technique. The object of the contest is to demonstrate technical superiority over ones opponent.
1. Win by K.O.
2. Win by Referee Stop Contest (RSC)
3. Win by score or superiority
4. Win by withdrawal
5. Win by disqualification
6. Win by Referee’s punitive declaration

Scoring, Permitted area & technique
The corner judges are looking for power, accuracy and permitted technique applied to the legal scoring area when determining the valid point.
The part of the body from the top of the hips to the collarbone that is covered by the chest protector is permitted are for hand (fore fist only) and foot (below the ankle) technique. The colored portions are the scoring areas. The head and face (including the throat) form approximately the ears forward and the top of the forehead down is a legal scoring area for foot technique only.

Hand signals are used as a universal way to indicate warnings and penalties to the competitors and judges. Solely the center referee performs these. The corner judges award points. At the ring head is a table where a score keeper records points and a timekeeper records and indicates round & break ends. (Time is shouted and in the case of a round end, a wrapped belt is tossed into the ring to attract the referee's attention)

Prohibited Acts
There are two kinds of prohibited acts, Kyong-Go (Warning) and Gam-Jeom (Deduction point). Two warnings equals one full minus point. If the competitor accumulates a total of three minus points he/she shall be disqualified. Prohibited acts are defined as follows: Please view the PFD document above or attend the WTF site for current details.
Kyong-Go
Gam-jeom





Article 14. Prohibited Acts WTF Competition Rules & Interpretation 2002

1. Penalties on any prohibited acts shall be declared by the Referee.
2. In the case of multiple penalties being committed simultaneously, the heavier penalty shall be declared.
3. Penalties are divided into "Kyong-go" (warning penalty) and "Gam-jeom" (deduction penalty).
4. Two "Kyong-gos" shall be counted as deduction of one (1) point. However, the odd "Kyong-go" shall not be counted in the
grand total.
5. A "Gam-jeom" shall be counted as minus one (-1) point.
6. Prohibited acts: "Kyong-go" penalty
1) Interference with the progress of the match
a. Crossing the Boundary Line
b. Falling down
c. Evading by turning the back to the opponent
2) Undesirable acts
a. Grabbing the opponent
b. Holding the opponent
c. Touching the opponent with the hand or the trunk
d. Pretending injury
e. Butting or attacking with knee
f. Attacking the groin
g. Stamping or kicking any part of the leg or foot
h. Hitting the opponent’s face with hands or fist
i. Interrupting the progress of the match on the part of contestant or the coach
j. Avoiding the match
7. Prohibited acts: "Gam-jeom" penalty
1) Interference with the progress of the match
a. Throwing down the opponent by grappling the opponent’s attacking foot inthe air with the arm or by pushing the opponent
with the hand
b. Intentionally attacking the fallen opponent after declaration of "Kal-yeo"
c. Intentionally attacking the opponent’s face with fist
2) Undesirable acts
a. Temporary suspension of the match due to violent remarks or behaviors on the part of the contestant or the coach
8. When a contestant intentionally refuses to comply with the Competition Rules or the Referee’s order, the Referee may
declare the contestant loser by penalty after 1 (one) minute.
9. When the contestant receives minus three (-3) points, the Referee shall declare him/her loser by penalties.
10. "Kyong-go" and "Gam-jeom" shall be counted in the total score of the three rounds.
(Interpretation)
Objectives in establishing the prohibited acts:
1. To protect the competitor
2. To ensure fair competition management
3. To encourage appropriate or ideal techniques
(Explanation #1) Multiple penalties being committed simultaneously:
In this instance, only the severer penalty may be assessed. For instance, if a "Kyong-go" penalty and a "Gam-jeom"
occur simultaneously, the "Gam-jeom" must be assessed. If both violations are of equal severity, the Referee will use
his/her own discretion in choosing which penalty to declare.
(Explanation #2) Two "Kyong-gos" shall be counted as a deduction of one (1) point:
However, the final odd "Kyong-go" shall have no value in the total score. Every two "Kyong-gos" shall count as minus
one point regardless of whether the committed violations are the same or different acts, and regardless of the round in
which they occur.
(Explanation #3) Prohibited acts: Kyong-go
1. Interference with the progress of the match
1) Crossing the Boundary Line
When both feet of a contestant move out of the Boundary Line, the Referee shall give a "Kyung-go" penalty
immediately.
2) Falling down
In case a contestant falls down due to the opponent’s prohibited acts, "Kyong-go" penalty shall not be given to the
contestant, and penalty shall be given to the opponent. Although a contestant falls down while performing a
technique or attacking, "Kyong-go" shall be given. In case both contestants fall down, the one who falls
down intentionally or falls down first will be given the penalty.
3) Evading by turning the back to the opponent
This act involves turning the back to avoid the opponent’s attack and this act should be punished as it expresses
the lack of fair play spirit and may cause a serious injury. Same penalty should also be given to evading the
opponent’s attacks by bending down the waist level or crouching.
2. Undesirable acts
1) Grabbing the opponent
This includes grabbing any part of the opponent’s body, uniform or protective equipment with the hands. Also
included is the act of grabbing the foot or leg or hooking either one on top of the forearm.
2) Holding the opponent with the hand or arm
Pressing the opponent’s shoulder with the hand or arm, hooking the opponent’s body with the arm with the
intention of hindering the opponent’s motion. If during the competition the arm passes beyond the opponent’s
shoulder or armpit for the abovementioned purpose, a penalty must be declared.
3) Touching the opponent with the hand or the trunk
Pushing the opponent with the hand, or stretches the arms and takes down.
4) Pretending injury
Punishing the absence of the spirit of fair play is the intention of this sub-article. This means exaggerating injury
or indicating pain in a body part not subjected to a blow for the purpose of demonstrating the opponent’s action
as a violation, and also exaggerating pain for the purpose of elapsing the game time. In this case, the Referee
shall give the indication to continue the match to the contestant two times with five (5) seconds interval, and then
shall give "Kyong-go" penalty unless the contestant follows the instruction of the Referee.
5) Butting or attacking with the knee or forehead
This article refers to an intentional butting or attacking with the knee when in close proximity to the opponent,
However, actions of attacking with the knee that happen in the following situations cannot be punished by this
article:
a. When the opponent rushes in abruptly at the moment of performing foot techniques.
b. Inadvertently, or as the result of a discrepancy in distance in attacking.
6) Attacking the groin
This article applies to an intentional attack to the groin. When a blow to the groin is caused by the recipient of the
blow or occurs in the course of an exchange of techniques, no penalty is given.
7) Stamping or kicking any part of the leg or foot
This article applies to strong kicking or stamping actions to any part of the thigh, knee or shin for the purpose of
interfering with the opponent’s technique. No penalty will be given to those actions that occur through inadvertent
contacts or normal technical exchanges.
8) Hitting the opponent’s face with the hands or fist
This article includes hitting the opponent’s face with the hand (fist), wrist, arm, or elbow. However, unavoidable
actions due to the opponent’s carelessness such as excessively lowering the head or carelessly turning the body
cannot be punished by this article.
9) Interrupting the progress of the match on the part of the contestant or the coach
This includes:
- When a coach leaves the designated Coach’s Mark during the match creating a disturbance or intentionally
leaving the Competition Area.
- When a coach goes around the Competition Area with a purpose of interfering with the progress of the match or
making a protest against the Referee’s decision.
- When a coach or contestant gestures to indicate scoring or deduction of points.
10) Avoiding the match
- In case a contestant avoids the fighting with no intention to attack. The penalty shall be given to the one more
defensive and steps back more frequently.
(Explanation #4) When both contestants get too close, it is permitted to push the opponent with the fist.
However, the use of the hands on the purpose to fall the opponent down is prohibited and penalty shall be
declared.
(Explanation #5) The Referee may use his/her own discretion to give "Joo-eui" (Caution) before giving "Kyong-go"
penalty to a contestant for his/her undesirable acts. However, the use of "Jooeui" shall be permitted twice at the
maximum, and "Kyong-go" penalty shall be declared for the third commitment. If the act is considered
intentional, "Kyong-go" shall be declared without prior "Joo-eui". "Joo-eui" shall not be used for the act of
"Interference with the progress of the match."
(Explanation #6) Prohibited acts: "Gam-jeom" penalty
1. Interference with the progress of the match
a) Intentionally throwing down the opponent by grappling the opponent’s attacking foot in the air with the arm
or pushing the opponent with the hand.Action to interfere with the opponent’s attack by grappling the
opponent’s foot in the air or pushing with the hand.
b) Attacking the fallen opponent after "Kal-yeo" This action is extremely dangerous due to the high probability
of injury to the opponent. The danger arises from:
- The fallen opponent might be in a state of unprotectedness in that moment.
- The impact of any technique which strikes a fallen contestant will be greater due to the contestant’s
position. These types of aggressive actions toward a fallen opponent are not in accordance with the spirit
of Taekwondo and so are not appropriate to Taekwondo competition. With this regard, penalties should
be given on attacking the fallen opponent intentional or unintentional. "Gam-jeom" penalty should be
given in case a contestant attacks or pretends to attack the fallen opponent intentionally.
c) Intentionally attacking the opponent’s face with fist. A "Gam-jeom" penalty shall be given to the one who
has committed any of the following by the Referee’s own decision:
- When the starting point of the fist attack was over the shoulder.
- When the fist attack was made upward.
- When the attack was made in a close distance for the purpose of causing an injury, not as a part of
technical exchanges.
2. Undesirable acts
a) A temporary suspension of the match due to violent remarks or behaviors on the part of the contestant or
the coach. In this instance, the undesirable behaviors include shouting, threatening the Referee, protesting
against the Referee’s decision in an illegal way. When misconduct is committed by a contestant or coach
during the rest period, the Referee can immediately declare the penalty and that penalty shall be recorded
on the next round’s results.
(Explanation #7) The Referee may declare the competitor the loser by penalty:
The Referee can declare a competitor loser without the accumulation of minus 3 (-3) penalty points when
the competitor or coach ignores or violates the basic principles of conduct or fundamental principles of the
Competition Rules or Referee’s directives. Particularly, if the competitor shows the intention to injure or
commit a flagrant violation in spite of the Referee’s cautionary directives, such a competitor must
immediately be declared loser by penalties.
(Explanation #8) When the contestant receives (-3) points the Referee shall declare him/her loser by
penalties: Minus three points means a total accumulation of -3 points, without regard to classification as
to "Kyong-go" or "Gam-jeom." When a contestant accumulates -3 points, that contestant is automatically
the loser. In this instance, the Referee must declare the other contestant winner unconditionally.

Tae Kwon Do Sparring

Tae Kwon Do is perhaps the most commonly practiced martial art in the world today. Developed in Korea, it is a combination of combat technique, self defense, exercise, sport, entertainment and philosophy. It is the national sport of Korea and an Olympic sporting event.

Tae Kwon Do sparring is generally divided into two forms: one-step sparring and free sparring.

One-step Tae Kwon Do sparring involves prearranged movements performed by two participants in concert. One of the participants employs punching and kicking techniques while the other uses various combinations of blocking and counterattacking techniques.

One-step sparring helps familiarize the students with the fundamentals of kicking, punching, and blocking movements. The students will learn to develop and manage their reaction time for accurate counterattacks. One-step sparring is essential in preparation for free Tae Kwon Do sparring.

Free sparring in Tae Kwon Do is the practical application of self defense techniques. The points of contact include the belt and above.

Typically, full contact is not permitted in free Tae Kwon Do sparring for safety reasons. Students are only allowed to strike specific target areas. Hand techniques, for example, may only be used on the front and side of the body from the belt to the shoulder. This also means that no hand technique may be delivered to the face or head.

Foot techniques may only be executed on the front and sides of the body from the belt to the head. Intentional kicks to the back and back of the head are strongly illegal. Also, there should be no throwing, knee attacks, head butts, or elbows are allowed. These rules are generally maintained by the World Tae Kwon Do Federation (WTF).

Taekwondo sparring tournaments consist of three rounds, each of which is three minutes, with a one minute rest period between rounds. In competition, matches are held in an 8×8 meter contest area in the center of a 12×12 meter competition area. A referee controls the match and enforces compliance with the rules. The event is judged by four corner judges who award the scores.

To learn more about sparring equipment click here.

The Amazing World of Tae Kwon Do

Tae kwon do is one of the most popular martial arts in the world. The word “Tae kwon do” means the way of the foot and fist. Like many other martial arts, Tae kwon do is practiced for self-defense, as a sport and exercise.

Tae kwon do is famed for its use of kicking techniques, which distinguish is from many other popular martial arts like “Karate” and “Kung-fu”. After years of constant practice and effort, students develop strength, flexibility, speed, balance and self-confidence, skills that will help them maintain a healthy life style.

Some common kicks used in Tae kwon do are the front kick, side kick, double side kick, turning kick, back kick, spin kick, jump kick, etc. In a sparring, the objective is to score points by kicking a special region of the opponent’s body; the head is two points, and the stomach area 1 point.

In order to score points and win the match, the fighter must combine different kicks and techniques to hit his objective or by K.O. .The fighter who has more points at the end of the third round wins the match.

Tae kwon do is a great sport that can change a person positively. The feeling of winning 1st place in a National or International tournament is incredible, especially after months of preparation, all that hard effort is worth it. What is more important, practicing this martial art will teach you about friendship, about how to keep fighting no matter the obstacle in your life. Taekwon do is not a hobby, it is more a life style.

What Are The Benefits Of Learning Tae Kwon Do Self Defense?

Koreans developed the martial art of tae kwon do nearly 2000 years ago, to aid in defence of their land and property.

Tae kwon do self defence is now one of the world’s most popular martial arts; and is an excellent way to learn to protect yourself.

Sadly, there are some people out there who want to attack you and take your property or threaten your life. Tae kwon do self defence can help with that; because this style of defence focuses less on attacking, and more on stopping attacks.

Tae kwon do self defence is a technique which teaches you how to use your own body coupled with speed, control and flexibility in order to be safe from potential attackers, as well as to help nab them.

Tae kwon do self defence consists of many techniques, but there are two predominant ones. Which are straight and hard, or circular and soft.

While using the hard technique, you will learn to block an attack with your arms and legs through your strength. Using the soft technique requires little power, as it is about turning the attacker’s strength and speed against them. Both of these techniques are potent when used properly.

Tae Kwon Do’s mental training can allow you to kick higher than you ever dreamed and also allow you to smash through wooden blocks or bricks.

Respect is one benefit from tae kwon do self defence training, as it builds self esteem, self belief, and confidence, which all who learn this discipline gain–young, old, and children.

Tae kwon do its self has only become globally popular since the 1950’s, during that time, it has become one of the world’s most frequently used and effective martial arts in a self defence situation.

Tae kwon do self defence is now an Olympic sport; its popularity is great enough that it will be around for centuries to come.

A Few Benefits of Tae Kwon Do Training

Tae Kwon Do is a true martial art, originating over 2000 years ago, with its roots in ancient Korea. Today, it is the world’s most widely practice martial art. As the name implies, Tae Kwon Do is more than a sport, it is a way of life. Tae Kwon Do is a modern martial art, characterized by its fast, high and spinning kicks. Tae Kwon Do is now of course, an official Olympic sport.

A cornerstone of Tae Kwon Do is the forms that are used to practice elements of fighting.

Tae Kwon Do is not just kicking (like many people believe). Yes, Tae Kwon Do does mostly involve kicks but one must also learn some things with fists and also how to block.

Tae kwon do is an incredible mixture of stretching muscles to their limits while stressing them to their limits anaerobically. However, the tremendous physical training is only part of the ultimate goal of Tae Kwon Do training. Training in Tae Kwon-do involves both individual and group activities which also help develop communication skills.

Tae Kwon Do is an excellent means of fitness training. Whether you’re looking to improve your confidence, improve your fitness, meet new people, or just to take up a new past-time, Tae Kwon Do is for everyone. Of course, you will also have a lot of fun as you improve your fitness, gain self-defense skills and learn the exciting Korean martial art of Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do training provides students with a positive way of life.

Tae Kwon Do is indeed an art form. The literal translation of Tae Kwon Do is “The Way of Kicking and Punching. While Tae Kwon Do is a fighting art, it does not encourage violent living. Tae Kwon Do, a highly disciplined activity, is used both as a form of self-defense and exercise. It is an effective and great way to unify the mind and body. Tae Kwon Do is a traditional Korean martial art designed to provide the ultimate in unarmed self-defense.

Tae Kwon Do Basic Information

What do you know about this Korean form of martial art? In Korea, it is practiced as the national sport, but it provides more than entertainment for those who learn it.

Tae Kwon Do is used as a form of self-defense and exercise. Competitors come together in matches, somewhat like boxing, to fight, or spar, with one another. Much training and practice takes place before official sparring matches are held, as the technique is complicated, and competitors must be aware of what types of hits (strikes) are legal and illegal, and how points are awarded.

Tae Kwon Do competitors are required to wear the proper protective gear , and to abide by the rules of the referee who is present during the sparring. There are three rounds in a match. The rounds last for three minutes, and there is a one-minute break between rounds. If, during a round, a competitor is knocked down and is unable to rise before the referee counts to eight, the competitor loses that round, as it counts as a knock-out.

In order to score a point, a competitor must strike his opponent with enough force to abruptly move either his head or his body from where it was before the strike. There are some areas which are considered out of bounds for hits. These include any area below the waistline, and the back of the head and body. The front of the head, the torso and chest are all legal strike zones, and protective gear is worn in these areas to protect the competitors from serious injury. Strikes are delivered both as punches and kicks, with the goal being to knock the opponent out of place or to the ground. Both power and control are essential to Tae Kwon Do sparring, due to the force required to move an opponent, as well as the specific areas allowed for striking.

The competitor must be able to deliver his strike as powerfully and accurately as possible. Much training must take place before the Tae Kwon Do competitor is able to spar with strength and accuracy, and to defend himself from the blows of his opponent.