Sparring is the term used when two (or more) Taekwon-Do students engage in the defensive and offensive application of techniques with each other. Some sparring hardly involves touching the other student; other sparring is light contact. In ITF Taekwon-Do, colour belt sparring is broken into six types:
Step sparring and foot sparring enable the student to practise a range of techniques, balance, control, timing, precision, distance, flexibility and stability, all essential elements of Taekwon-Do. 3-step semi-free sparring is a precursor to free sparring, and when a good level of this has been achieved, the skills obtained can be used in free sparring, where there is no set routine and the aim is to score points against your opponent. Free sparring therefore requires a completely different skillset to that of step sparring.
Foot sparring
Foot sparring is practised using the feet only, developing kicking technique, balance, distance and timing.
Black belts only. Foot sparring is practised by black belt students. A step-by-step description can be obtained from your instructor.
3-step semi-free sparring
3-step semi-free sparring is a precursor to free sparring, bridging the gap between the set routines of step sparring and the freedom of free sparring.
Each person throws three attacks at a time while the other defends, and then they switch. This continues for the duration of the bout.
All free sparring in class is light contact, with students wearing regulation safety equipment, under the supervision of instructors. See the grading syllabus for the sparring required at each grade.