What is free-sparring?

Free sparring, called kyroogi in Korean, has been defined as hyungs in action. However, unlike hyungs, free-sparring is spontaneous, instinctive, and realistic.

Free-sparring is performed in a controlled non-threatening environment. It provides you with the opportunity to experience opponents of all shapes and sizes and their chosen techniques. You have the opportunity to put all that you have learned into practice.

When free-sparring you must have confidence at all times. Confidence is developed from constant practice where you learn to overcome your liabilities, accent you abilities, and sharpen your technique. Confidence also comes from having self-control and most important, a strong desire to win. If you practice like everyone else, you will not accomplish anything. You must develop a fighting style that suits you, and then you will have confidence in yourself.  

Advantages of Free-Sparring

• Development of a quicker reaction time
• Increased endurance
• Ability to analyze your opponent objectively while under stress
• Increased self-control
• Improved focus
• Freedom to make the wrong decisions and learn without suffering the consequences
• Opportunity to role play and experiment to find what works for you.

Free-sparring is an essential part of Taekwondo training. In free-sparring, students are free to use any of the permitted techniques they have learned in a safe and effective manner. Only focused techniques close to a vital area are counted. Unfocused techniques or brute force are not counted. Unlike in a boxing match, it not the number of techniques you execute that wins in free-sparring, it is the accuracy and power of the techniques. It is not the quantity of techniques that scores but the quality of the techniques. .

Free-sparring permits students to test their abilities in unpredictable circumstances, usually against equally matched opponents. It builds proficiency in sparring, but it also develops mental discipline, humility, and respect.

Factors that Influence Free-Sparring

• Stance
• Relaxation
• Breath Control
• Kiai
• Range
• Closing the distance
• Creating an opening  
• Thinking

Four Essential Free-sparring Skills

Techniques. You only need nine basic sparring techniques. If you are proficient at these techniques, you will win.

• Blocking Skills
• Jab (fore fist punch)
• Hook
• Uppercut (upset punch)
• Cross (reverse punch)
• Front Kick
• Side Kick
• Round Kick
• Hook Kick
• Axe Kick

Movement. Footwork, evasion, stepping, and jumping

Physical. Flexibility, strength, endurance, and speed

Timing. Know when to attack, block, or move, and know what technique to use and at what point in time to use it.

Sources