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What is "One-Step Sparring?"
One step sparring is a prearranged sequence of attacks and defenses that
are practiced with a partner. Besides learning some self defense and a
few basic combinations one step sparring is meant to improve: Focus, Control,
Distance and Timing.
Focus:
The various strikes in Taekwondo are very powerful but when delivered
off target may cause only minimal results. Therefore the Taekwondoist
must learn to deliver each technique to a very specific point on the anatomy.
Pressure points should be learned as well as joint locks and how to break
your opponents balance.
Control:
Control adds to the beauty of Taekwondo as a martial art. In one step
sparring techniques must be delivered full speed and force without damaging
your training partner. The goal is to deliver you most powerful blow as
close to your partner as possible without inflicting injury. The martial
artist that can deliver a blow full force within an inch of the target
has the control necessary to deliver that same technique through the target.
It is not uncommon for master practitioners to deliver techniques full
speed and full force only to strike the uniform or lightly touch the surface
of the skin. If these techniques are delivered an inch off target they
could cause serious injury.
Proper Striking Distance:
One steps help to teach the proper striking distance for the various
techniques. Through these exercises the taekwondoist will learn the difference
between striking and kicking range. Each defense will have its own unique
distance and body placement that will favor certain techniques and targets
over others.
Timing:
A properly executed one step will either intercept or avoid the attacker's
blow entirely. Precise timing and perceptual skills will develop until
the defender can avoid, block and counter the attacks as they are delivered
full speed.
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