The composition of Taekwon-Do

Taekwon-Do training comprises of many different facets. The training methodology and style may vary from school to school but all Taekwon-Do training should comprise of the following basic components;

Fundamental movements

These range from the basic movements up to the advanced drills, normally performed in linework. They comprise of blocking, punching, striking and kicking in various stances and include attacking and defensive techniques. This is the foundation from which the rest of the Taekwon-Do techniques will build upon.

If you look at the basic techniques as the equivalent of the foundations of a house, then a strong foundation will support the house, however, if the foundations are weak then the house will eventually collapse the higher you build it. This is why it is important to learn the basics before progressing to the advanced techniques.

Patterns

The patterns (known as Tul, Hyung or Poomse) in Taekwon-Do range from simple symmetrical training patterns up to the graceful and powerful higher grade forms. A pattern is a set of fundamental movements, most of which represent attacking and defensive techniques, set in a logical sequence. The actual movements represent a kind of martial dance, but looking deeper into the patterns you will find they hold the key to the secrets of Taekwon-Do.

On a superficial level the patterns develop your technique, balance, co-ordination & enhance muscle development, flexibility, agility & breath control. They also enable us to acquire techniques which cannot be obtained from other forms of training.

The patterns were originally formulated to contain various self defence applications including;

The striking of anatomically vulnerable areas, the use of joint locks, throws, dislocation techniques, groundwork, countering, grappling & strangles / chokes.

Each principle was contrived to neutralize an opponent's ability to attack through impeding motor performance, obstructing the air or blood flow & rendering the attacker unconscious or even causing death by attacking the adversary's vital points.

In the ancient Orient, a martial art master was held with great reverence, and in most cases they were also the local doctor or bone-setter. The martial arts were never a commercial interest like today and most masters only had a few or just one apprentice. They patterns were a way to teach the student the various self defence techniques and applications which would have been to much to memorise or write down, so they served as a physical "notebook", to remind the student of the application of the movement as they practiced the patterns. It has been said that it takes three years to learn just the first pattern properly and if you look deep enough into the applications of each movement then it would not be far wrong!

Sparring

There are a number of different sparring types performed in Taekwon-Do.

Three step sparring

is designed for the beginner student to learn the basic techniques. Three step sparring develops or teaches the student many things, such as;

-proper distance
-correct facing/positioning
-forearm conditioning
-correct blocks
-correct stances
-counter attacks
-timing
-control
-co-ordination

Two step sparring

is designed for the intermediate student to learn more advanced techniques, developing the same attributes as for three step, but with more varied attacks, thus allowing the student to develop various combinations.

One step sparring

is the most realistic form of sparring there is, simply because the defender cannot foresee the attack coming. Therefore, the defender must have very fast reflexes in order to defend and defeat the opponent. This form of sparring is completely different to free sparring and other forms of set sparring. Any effective form of counter attack can be utilised (take downs, arm locks, joint breaks, vital area strikes etc.).

Three step semi-free sparring

is designed as a step forward from basic three step sparring. It involves three consecutive attacks, of either hand or foot attacks, with the defender having to block or evade each attack whilst moving backwards, and finally executing a counter-attack.

One for one sparring

is mainly used for stamina training between intermediate and advanced students. Both students start in fighting stance (right leg back) and when the command is given, one student will attack and as soon as his technique has finished the other student attacks immediately, and so on. Because this is a stamina exercise the techniques must be sharp, clear and executed as fast as possible with the students aiming for proper target areas. This exercise will also develop reaction speed which is a necessity for free sparring. This can also be performed as two for two, one for two etc.

Foot sparring

is carried out by just using the feet for both attacking and defensive manoeuvres. This form of sparring is used to promote the kicking techniques that are used in Taekwon-Do. This has its roots in the ancient art of Taek-Kyon.

Model sparring

is a pre-arranged performance of a defensive technique(s) to a pre-arranged attack. This is used to demonstrated the agility and skill of the Taekwon-Do exponent. It is usually performed in a slow motion before performing at normal speed.

Pre-arranged free sparring

is the performance of simulated free sparring. The exponents will perform a pre-arranged scenario of attack and defensive manoeuvres which enables them to demonstrate a wide variety of techniques.

Free sparring

gives the student the opportunity to put into practice everything that they have learnt by using attacking and defensive movements against an opponent with no pre-warning of an attack. It allows complete freedom of expression, the student does not have to stick with a rigid style but can develop them self in a style which suits them. Free sparring requires a high degree of speed, skill, timing, balance and flexibility. Another attribute which must be learnt is the art of strategy.

Free sparring can be practised with no pads and should be strictly no contact. Semi-contact sparring is only allowed with adequate protection (head guards, safety boots, gloves, groin guards, shin guards etc.). This type of sparring should only be carried out under the strict supervision of a qualified instructor.
It is of paramount importance that the student remembers sparring must be seen as the sporting side of the Art, and must not be confused with self defence, it is a completely separate concept and, therefore, it must be approached and studied in a totally different manner.

Self defence

This is self explanatory; this part of the training is where the student will learn how to practically deal with a scenario in order to prevent harm coming to him/herself, or their friends and family.

It will incorporate defences against grabs and holds, and although many traditional Taekwon-Do schools do not incorporate groundwork, locks, strangles and throws within the structure of the syllabus,  it is imperative that these are practiced to make yourself a good all-round fighter. You must be comfortable dealing with a self defence situation whether you are on your feet or on the floor.

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Breaking & conditioning

The art of Taekwon-Do incorporates destruction (or breaking) in the syllabus. This is to test the power in your techniques; it is not just a case of being able to break bricks, boards, or ice to impress an audience, it is to prove that your techniques would be powerful enough & effective against an attacker. It is also a test of character, focus, determination & of strength of mind as well as body.
 

Power is also developed through the use of kicking shields and other equipment types, such as kick-bags, focus-mitts etc.
 

Conditioning is where a striking post, or dallyon joo, is used to toughen the striking areas of the hands and feet in preparation for breaking. Other methods of conditioning, which was very common in the past, included thrusting the hands into a container of heated sand, immersing the hands in hot water, rubbing the hands through containers of small pebbles & applying liniments, such as dit da jow.
 

A large number of practicing martial artists do not use this form of training, due to the possibility of arthritis in later life.

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