Patterns show the art side of tae kwon do and are a good measure of the students technical ability. As the student progesses through the grades the patterns get longer or more technically difficult. Patterns enable students to practise techniques not allowed in other aspects of training for safety reasons, ie. 90% of tae kwon do techniques are not allowed in free sparring.
There are 24 patterns in the tae kwon do syllabus and the number of moves in them range from 19(chon-ji) to 72(so-san).
Line Work
As tae kwon do is a military martial art a lot of it's training is regimented and consists of performing techniques in lines up and down the gym. This enables the student to practise their fundimental techniques in a disciplined fashion similar to the drills performed in the military (square bashing). As there are no opponants at this time the student can concentrate on technique without having to worry about distance and timing which is developed when working with a partner.
Set Sparring
This is when the student develops focus, distance and timing and is practised when they have reached the level when they are ready to put their basic techniques, learn't in line work, into practise against an opponant (partner).
Set sparring is practised to prepare the student for free sparring. This is where the important lesson of control is learnt because in set sparring there is no safety equipment
worn so no contact can be made.
All moves in 3 step and 2 step sparring are set and it is only when the student reaches blue belt level are the defences not set , enabling the student to develop their own counter attacks based on their own particular strengths and weaknesses.
Free Sparring
In free sparring the student is allowed to attack and defend in an un restricted situation.
Free sparring develops fast reactions, good vision, the ability to "read " the opponants intentions by recognising their intent through their body language,the ability to deliver a fast and accurate defence, attack or counter attack, it also is very aerobic and quickly takes the students fitness level to a new high.
Because of the nature of free sparring full safety equipment must be worn and rules must be obeyed.
1/ All techniques must be controlled, our sparring is semi-contact which means it is not the intention to hurt or injure our partner.
2/ All techniques must be above the belt, no low kicking or sweeping.
3/ No grabbing or attacks to particularly vulnerable areas, eg eyes, throat, neck, groin or joints.
Fitness Training
This can take the form of various types of circuit training either for endurance or to develop fast explosive movement.
Bag, Pad and Shield Work
Very importand for developing power, accuracy and strength especially in the legs.
Pad work is used to develop speed and power in the hands.
Self Defence
Our syllabus concentrates on defending, releasing and countering from a variety of grabs, holds and attacks more likely to be found in a realistic "street" situation. Here as in 1 step the student can defend using moves not found in free sparring ie. sweeps, joint locking, low kicks and ground work.