THREE Step Sparring (Sambo Matsogi)

This is the basic sparring exercise among beginners from the 9th grade to the 6th grade. This is an exercise for familiarisation of correct attack and defence techniques utilising hand parts against high, middle and low targets, whilst stepping backwards and forwards.

TWO Step Sparring (Ibo Matsogi)

The purpose of two step sparring is to acquire mixed techniques of hand and foot parts. The attacker must use both the hand and foot alternatively. It is entirely optional whether the attacker uses the hand or foot first.

ONE Step Sparring (Ilbo Matsogi)

This sparring is considered the most important one from the point of view that the utmost objective of Tae Kwon-do is to win the victory with just a single blow. As a matter of fact, this is not only exercised at all levels but also in actual situations.

It is advisable for the student to apply all techniques exclusively, including body shifting under various assumptions. The 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.

SEMI-FREE Sparring (Ban Jayoo Matsogi)

The distance between players, method of attack and defence used, attacking and blocking tools used and number of steps taken are completely optional. Only one series of attack and defence motions is exchanged however and then only for a brief duration. Semi-Free Sparring is the last stage before students enter into free sparring.

FREE Sparring (Jayoo Matsogi)

Free Sparring is essentially open combat with controlled attacking. In free sparring there is pre-arranged mode between the students and both participants are completely free to attack and defend with any available means and methods with one exception. The attacker must stop the attacking tool just before hitting a vital spot.