Step-Sparring and Self Defense

[bushido_man96]

This post was originally published as an article in a dedicated KarateForums.com Articles section, which is no longer online. After the section was closed, this article was most to the most appropriate forum in our community.

Step-sparring is a popular training tool in various Japanese and Korean martial arts styles. Step-sparring can range from five-step, three-step, two-step, and one-step variations. Three-step and one-step sparring tend to be the most oft used methods in training, with attacks usually being face level punches, stepping forward, with the defender stepping backward while blocking. The attacker typically begins the step-sparring exercise by stepping back with the right foot to a front stance, performing a left down block, and yelling to signal the defender that he awaits the prompt to attack. The defender, standing in a natural ready stance, will then signal his partner to commence the attack sequence by yelling. Yet, these are not hard and fast rules, and there is room for variations. Some styles do one type, some styles do all types, and some styles focus on pre-arranged one-steps as opposed to random defenses. In this article I plan to approach step-sparring as the tool it is intended to be, which is as a step in the direction of effective self-defense.

Types

Three-step/five-step sparring tends to be the first level of step-sparring usually taught. In Grandmaster Hee Il Cho’s book, The Complete One and Three Step Sparring, three-step sparring is defined as a means of familiarizing students with sparring practice, using control and forethought to facilitate learning without the fear of being hurt (Cho, pg. 81). The student also learns distance, movement, and some timing. General Choi, Hong Hi thought highly enough of the skills acquired in three-step sparring that he recommended the exercise be utilized from 9th grade to 6th grade belt ranks (Choi, v. 5; pp13).

One-step sparring, according to Cho, is a good method for preparing a student for self-defense through the development of powerful, single techniques (Cho, pg. 81). According to Grandmaster Chun Sik Kim, president and founder of the International Tang Soo Do Federation, “one step sparring is the execution of predetermined offensive and defensive combinations with a partner in a structured self-defense environment.” (Kim, pg. 90). General Choi stated that “[T]he secret of this sparring is to deliver a completely accurate speedy and decisive blow at the opponent’s vital spot at the right time with the right weapon while defending against the opponent’s attack effectively.” (Choi, pg. 100). The basis of one-step sparring is built upon the ability to instinctively react to an attack while initiating a decisive counter. Attacks are typically announced or determined by a curriculum, and defense can be pre-arranged or spontaneous.

Step-Sparring as a Training Aid

The breakdown of step-sparring, although not very similar to an actual confrontation, does prove to be a well-structured training aid in bridging the gap to more realistic self-defense. The composition of step-sparring and its benefits follows.

Step-sparring usually begins with the attacker and defender facing each other at a distance that is ample for attack and movement. The attacker will then step back and down block, yell to signal that he is ready, and then wait for the defender’s response. The defender then yells, signaling the attacker to commence his attack, after which the step-sparring is performed and completed. When the defender is done with the sequence, another yell signals both participants to return to the ready position. Rinse and repeat.

This method of attacking and defending helps both participants to develop a sense of distance for their techniques, and it allows the defender to develop an idea of how to properly block the attack. According to Kim, “[T]he control of distance is a vital component in any self-defense action. If a technique is executed without proper distance, it may fall short of its intended target or be delivered too close to the opponent, thereby minimizing the potential power and effectiveness of the block or attack. Even the most exceptionally executed techniques lack effectiveness without distance control. Through practicing one step sparring, the practitioner learns to evaluate a partner’s movement and action, resulting in the development of movement control.” (Kim, pg. 90). Learning to control distance allows the defender to apply the proper blocks without leaning into or away from the attacks. Effective blocking and countering can be developed.

Along with seeing attacks and performing blocks, learning distance control helps the participants to develop proper movement and footwork, especially along different angles of evasion. Step-sparring also allows each partner to evaluate the movement and speed of the other participant (Kim, pp. 90). Responding and reacting to each other’s movements helps the practitioners to develop their timing in relation to the other’s movements and attacks. In Authentic Tang Soo Do: The Traditional Martial Art of Korea, Kim states that, “[T]iming is of vital importance to the martial artist. It is the timing of the technique that determines whether or not it will be delivered effectively in a self-defense situation... One step sparring helps the practitioner evaluate the movement and speed of a partner as it relates to the execution of a defense and counterattack.” (Kim, pg. 90). All of these factors help the practitioners to identify angles of movement and to develop the proper footwork and timing to take advantage of them.

Now that we see that step-sparring can provide us with an environment in which to learn proper movement along with defensive actions, we can now evaluate how step-sparring provides us with the ability to identify targets and select appropriate counterattacks. The sterile environment provided by step-sparring is an ideal one that allows the participants the opportunity to choose appropriate targets and techniques to attack them with.

When the attacker has finished his sequence of techniques, he remains in his last position as the defender performs his counterattacks. Although this does not appear realistic for self-defense purposes, it does provide the participants with an excellent training tool. The stationary target allows the defender to identify available targets, and allows them to select appropriate attacks for those targets. The defender can learn to deliver the techniques with proper focus, speed, and power. Grandmaster Chun Sik Kim tells us that, “[A]nother component which develops with practice of one step sparring is the focus of technique. All offensive and defensive techniques are effective only if they are delivered to the correct position on the opponent’s body. This requires the practitioner to use control and precision in executing both the blocks and attacks in this structured self-defense format.” (Kim, pg. 90). Notice that Kim speaks not only of the role of the defender, but also the role of the attacker. Step-sparring practice sharpens skills for both participants; not just the defender’s. The attacker should do so with impetus, visualizing the strike hitting home each time, on target.

Transitioning to Self-Defense

We have discussed all of the advantages of using step-sparring as a training tool for self-defense. The sterile environment provided by step-sparring benefits the development of blocking, distance control, movement timing, and target acquisition. The disadvantage of step-sparring is that the structured format that it is done in does not reflect actual self-defense. Grandmaster Hee Il Cho states in Complete One and Three Step Sparring that, “it is an asset to be able to quickly defend yourself, regardless of position. After you’ve acquired some skill with the basics, you might even consider working to make the situations more realistic by beginning... from the ready position-thus bringing the technique that much closer to real life by virtue of increased suddenness.” (Cho, pg. 82-83). Attacking in a straight line, and from the preparatory position, is good for basic training, but it should eventually be modified to include arcing attacks, grabs, or pushes from a more natural ready position for the attacker, and a position like the fence on the part of the defender. The use of additional protective equipment can allow for the practitioners to use more contact in this modified structure.

The association that my Taekwondo school is a part of uses pre-arranged one-steps as part of the curriculum. For the purpose of this article, I will show how the first one-step in our curriculum can be modified for a more realistic approach to self-defense.

In response to a step forward into a right front stance and right face punch, the defender steps forward into a left front stance and does a left high forearm block. The defender follows up with a right palm heel strike to the chin, and then a right punch to the solar plexus. Here we can see that attack, the movement to intercept, and the targets to counterattack against.

After the practitioners have become comfortable with the one-step, it can be modified to approach a more realistic self-defense scenario. As opposed to the down block, the attacker can take a more realistic stance of intimidation towards the defender, such as pointing and shouting, clenching the fists or grinding his teeth. The defender can assume a fence position, with open palms held up and out to present passiveness while maintaining a position of defense, while attempting to verbally de-escalate the situation.

From this new preparatory position, the instructor can choose to work on defense from an attack, or my personal favorite, a pre-emptive strike. Either way, we can do our pre-arranged one-step.

The attacker throws his punch, this time a haymaker. In response, our defender steps in to cut off the attack, raising the left arm to block/jam the attacking arm. What follows is the right palm heel strike to the chin, which the defender drives through, pushing the attacker’s head back, ideally ending in a takedown. The defender can then evaluate the scene, and hopefully leave. Should the face not be open to attack, then the solar plexus punch provides a viable option to work from.

Conclusion

Step-sparring is a common exercise found in many traditional martial arts schools. The skills acquired in this training prove that it can be a valuable tool in learning self-defense. With a few modifications, it is easy to apply realistic self-defense scenarios to step-sparring training.

Works Cited

Cho, Hee Il; Complete One and Three Step Sparring; 1988

Choi, Hong Hi; Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do, v. 5; 1993

Kim, Chun Sik, Joe Goss; Authentic Tang Soo Do: The Traditional Martial Art of Korea; 1998

[Patrick]

Thank you for the submission.

Patrick

[joesteph]

I liked it, Brian. It's a good observation you made about starting with a more structured exercise as a training tool, then move on to more realistic applications for self-defense.

[tallgeese]

Very nice article. I really appreciate the focus on the place of the drills as training tools for skill sets. I also liked your discussion on transitioning the skills used in the drills to situational settings. Very nice.

That's usually the problem I have in discussing these is that, in many cases, that jump is never made.

Nice job.

[bushido_man96]

Thanks, guys. I actually took some time to address this at the end of my class the other night. Although I didn't get to do it as a drill, I planted the seeds in their minds.

[sensei8]

A very solid article Brian...very solid!

[bushido_man96]

Thanks for taking the time to read and reply, guys.