Knowledge Base

SELF-DEFENCE TECHNIQUES (Hosin Sul): An Introduction Self-Defence techniques are advanced techniques and meant for practical self-defense. “Certainly, these self-defense techniques can only be effective if the student takes the time to constantly train with them under realistic conditions.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5. p.278) “These techniques are the logical application of various motions acquired…

FOOT SPARRING (Chokki Taeryon/ Bal Matsogi) As the name signifies, in foot sparring only the feet are used, to execute all types of kicks for attacking and defensive purposes. “The significance of this sparring is to promote the kicking techniques required in Taekwon-Do.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5, p.259) Foot sparring is a “symbolized…

FREE SPARRING (Chayu Taeryon/ Jayu 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…

SEMI-FREE SPARRING (Panjayu Taeryon/ Ban Jayu Matsogi) Usually, after three-step, two-step, and one-step sparring, a practitioner proceeds to semi-free sparring (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) Pacific…

ONE-STEP SPARRING (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…

Two-Step Sparring (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.” – Gen. Choi Hong Hi (Vol.5, p.91)…

THREE-STEP SPARRING (Sambo Matsogi) Three-step sparring is the initial basic sparring exercise for beginners generally from the ninth grade to the sixth grade. “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.”…

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,…

Student/Instructor Relationship (Sajeji Do) in Taekwon-Do There is a unique, mutually respectful student/instructor relationship (Sajeji Do) in Taekwon-Do. A practitioner of Taekwon-Do should respect the King, teacher and father equally. “An old Korean proverb states, ‘father and mother are the parents who bring me up while a teacher is the parent who educates me.’ This…