ONE STEP SPARRING (IlBO MATSOGI)

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 a victory with just a single blow. This is a form of sparring that must be performed with realism. One step sparring is designed to develop the defender's techniques. It is important to execute attacking techniques with speed and accuracy to test the defender's effectiveness. The defender must also use effective counter attacks, with the correct attacking tool, to an appropriate vital spot.

The following principles should be observed:

1. Both partners stand at a sufficient distance apart for the demonstration phase to allow all techniques to be completed fully without meeting. Once the techniques have been pre-arranged, the partners position themselves at an appropriate distance for the chosen techniques and stances to be used.

2. Bow to each other only at the start and end of the one step sparring session.

3. Look at the opponent's eyes at all times.

4. Attack and defence are conducted alternately by each partner.

5. A dodge may be made to an appropriate distance to allow the counter attack to be executed correctly.

6. Counter attack should be executed immediately after the defence.

7. Counter attack should be limited to only one.

8. Apply only those techniques learned from either patterns or fundamental exercises.

9. One step sparring is mirrored using both the right and the left sides to develop skills equally.

10. The attacker must move the right foot first, and the left when mirrored. The defender can move either foot, depending on the technique chosen.

Correct PROCEDURE for TWO step sparring

'A' = Attacker 'D' = Defender

1. 'A' and 'D' adopt attention stance, facing each other, exchanging bows.

2. Start position: 'A' and 'D' then stand at least three walking stances away from each other, adopting an attention stance.

3. Ready position: 'A' moves the right foot to form a parallel ready stance, then shouts "ki" as a ready signal.

4. Ready position: 'D' moves the left foot to form a parallel ready stance, then returns a "ki" as a ready signal.

5. 'A' demonstrates the intended attacking technique in normal motion.

6. 'D' then demonstrates the associated defence technique and a counter attack in normal motion.

FINISH:

'A' and 'D' both generally move the right foot to form a parallel ready stance. However, in some circumstances where this is not practical, 'A' and/or 'D' may move the left foot.

Once the chosen attack and defence have been pre-arranged at a distance, 'A' and 'D' come together and begin the above steps again from number 2, selecting an appropriate distance relating to the stances and/or techniques to be used.

The attacker and defender must mirror what has been practiced on the right on the left. However, the demonstration phase is not repeated.

The attacker and defender now switch roles and repeat the exercise.

NOTE:

The defender does not have to perform a blocking technique. A shifting, sliding, dodging etc. movement prior to counter is acceptable, where appropriate.