Kyorugi Basics

Taekwondo kyurogi (겨루기), or sparring is considered a national sport in Korea. This sport is also recognized across the world as it is has been an olympic sport since 2000.

As with any sport, there is a level of physical prowess and also strategy.

Strategy and the physical techniques that enable you to execute it can be divided into 6 categories:

1. Attacking

2. Stepping

3. Counter-Attacking

4. Blocking

5. Feinting/Faking

6. Combinations

Attacking

When we wish to engage the opponent and attempt to score points, we can begin an attack!

Attacks can include the punches to the body, kicks with the front leg, the back leg, spinning or head kicks. The kicks that may yield points include:

⁃ Front Turning Kick (roundhouse)

⁃ Fast Kick

⁃ 180 Kick

⁃ Back Kick

⁃ Hook Kick (head only)

⁃ Back Turning Kick (Spinning back hook kick)(head only)

⁃ Axe Kick (head only)

⁃ Inward Kick (head only)

⁃ Outward Kick (head only)

An attack needs to make a solid connection, needs to be seen by the referee, and if there is electronic gear the metal leads must make contact.

Stepping

When we begin a sparring match, the first thing we will analyze is our opponent’s stepping. Do they look well practiced and confident? It is easy to spot a novice and also a master.

Basic stepping techniques include:

⁃ Single Step

⁃ Slide

⁃ ‘Run’ (two or more steps in rapid succession, while keeping your guard)

⁃ Switching

⁃ How we move while in a relaxed stance

Counter-Attacking

When we are receiving an attack or a charge from our opponent, we need not only avoid and block! We can also use this as an opportunity to score points and attack our opponent.

Basic Counter-Attacking techniques include:

⁃ Cutting (lifting our front leg up and executing a side kick to interrupt their attack)

⁃ Front leg counter (faster)

⁃ Back leg counter (stronger)

⁃ Back kick counter

⁃ Punch counter

Blocking

Another way to receive an opponents attack is to block! Blocking for colour belts will include only the body. Once we reach black belt and also at least 12 years of age (counted according to the year you were born, ignoring the actual date) then head kicks are allowed!

Basic Blocking techniques include:

⁃ Blocking the body with a lower block

⁃ Blocking the head with an arm up

⁃ Blocking both the head and body at the same time

⁃ Blocking and punching

⁃ Clinching (pressing your body against your opponents)

Feinting/Faking

While sparring, as with any sport; we are attempting to learn our opponent’s sparring style and weaknesses to exploit them. When we fake we can learn valuable information about our opponent. Is my opponent aggressive? Defensive? Passive? Do they like to initiate or counter? Do they favour one leg?

Faking can also cause your opponent to lose balance or make a move when the timing is not in their favour, giving you the advantage!

Basic Feinting/Faking techniques include

⁃ Front leg feint (bringing your knee up)

⁃ Shoulder feint (turning your body as if you will kick)

⁃ Stepping feint (step forward with your front leg as if you will begin a charge)

Combinations

While on the attack, or the counter-attack.. we should always attempt to complete more than one kick. Imagine the investment of energy in closing the gap between your opponent and engaging them and only striking once! Most of the time this would be inefficient.

Basic combinations:

⁃ Fast kick and front turning kick

⁃ Front turning kick and 180 kick

⁃ Front turning kick and back kick

⁃ Body kick and head kick

⁃ Block, punch and kick

By training for our stamina, strength and flexibility, along with these techniques… we will be able to enjoy kyorugi and maybe kick some butt too. 😉