Gyeo-roo-gi (sparring) is the way that Taekwondo students prepare for self-defense.
In Songahm Taekwondo, a student first learns a form of preparatory moves known as 1-step sparring. This exchange of techniques is under strict control, and by memorizing these moves the student needs only practice distance and timing without the fear of responding to spontaneous techniques from an opponent. In this way, the basics of sparring can be safely developed before the student’s reflexes are challenged. 1-steps also help a student acquire the confidence they need for sparring with a real opponent.
Later in their training, a Songahm Taekwondo practitioner begins applying the basics they have learned from 1-steps into true sparring, which can be thought of as reflexive responses against an unplanned attack. Essentially, they learn to move beyond the predetermined series of movements they have relied upon in favor of spontaneous movements designed for true self defense.
Although we learn sparring as a form of self defense, it is also very important in Songahm Taekwondo for other reasons. It helps display proficiency in techniques, and for this reason at the Camo Belt level and beyond sparring is evaluated for purposes of advancing to the next rank. It is also an important part of tournaments, where students can display their abilities in a safe, controlled competitive environment while still showing respect to their opponent.
If the tournaments are about sparring, in class could you work more on sparring, with the proper techniques and blocking?
Ms Santerelli, Thank you for your post. I know a lot of this is new and it is coming at you very fast! The girls will experience their first TKD tournament on Sat Nov 6th and they will have a great time. You will soon see that an ATA tournament is not only about Sparring. You will see that an ATA tournament is very much about meeting new friends from around the country and the commaraderie that develops. For the girls this tournament will not be about “Free Sparring” at all. As a beginner they learn in class, as part of their requirements, what is known as 1-Step Sparring. These are predetermined movements so that the practitioners get use to distance, timing and control of their techniques. Even though they are Sparring now as beginners in Black Belt Club, they are not required to Free Spar for advancement in rank until they are Camo Belts. Likewise, at ATA Tournaments they are not allowed to Free Spar until they have reached the rank of Camo Belt and have gained approx 6mos of experience of classroom sparring. For this tournament they will participate in Forms and 1-Step Sparring Competition and we will review much of this in class as we approach the tournament. They will need to continue practicing the Form they just advanced with and will need to be able to do the form on their own without a helper. Helpers are only used in the Tiny Tiger rings. Please let us know if you have any other questions. Thx, Mr Kikoen
Thank you. It is new to me, I appreciate the explanation. I didn’t know if they would be ready for the November Tournament, but if you feel they are I will ask the girls if they want to give it a try. I believe the sparring they do in class will improve over time. I like this comment page it’s much easier to ask questions this way then to trying to ask questions before or after class.
Thanks again.
They will be fine. The girls are doing great. They will compete with others that are the same age and rank. That’s whats great about ATA Tournaments. Being the largest single martial arts organization in the world, we have closed tournaments and only ATA/STF/WTTU schools participate.
By the way, I video taped the girls when they tested for their orange belts and my husband could not believe how much they have learned in such a short period of time. So, thank you and Ms Hoogheem for doing a great job!
Lynn
They are doing great. I really noticed a difference in their strength and coordination in today’s classes. They are now putting power behind their techniques!