Kibon Series and What You Learn From It - - Chief Instructor's Blog April 2013

Kibon in Korean means basic techniques. The Han Moo Kwan Kibon series consists of five forms and is expected to be demonstrated by all students who are testing at any rank.

In our style, as in the other styles, these five forms familiarize students with forms using basic techniques and stances. The Kibon series focuses on five basics techniques (Punches, Low Block, Medium Block, High Block, and Front Kicks) in two of the basic stances (Attack Stance and Cat Stance). No additional techniques are included other than what is taught in the basics.

The overall goal of the Kibon series is to provide a means to become competent in the basics, movement, turns, and transitions and to teach beginner’s how to direct focus and energy in with their physical movements. Moves are simple and the goal is to focus on these movements until they become body memory.

In the Kibon, series students practice and become competent in the mechanics (movement, turns, and transitions) of stances:
• Turning effectively in Attack Stance (90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees)
• Turning effectively in Cat Stance (90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees)
• Transitioning from Attack Stance to Cat Stance
• Straight linear transition from Cat Stance to Attack Stance
• Turning from Attack Stance into Cat Stance (90 degrees, 180 degrees, and 270 degrees)

In the Kibon, series students practice and become competent in specific techniques, their motions, and the techniques in and combination:
• Low Block/ Attack Stance
• Medium Block/ Attack Stance
• Low Block/ Medium Block/ Attack Stance
• Medium Block/ Punch/ Kick
• Medium Block/ High Block/ Kick/ Punch
• Control and manage the force and speed of the kicks outward and retracting

Students should also practice and study the techniques and combinations in self-defense applications, including the transitions and the turns.

As students become competent in the mechanics, they start to practice and become more competent in grounding based on aspects of the hyung, examples include:
• Transition from Cat Stance to Attack Stance
• Transition from Attack Stance to Cat Stance
• Turning in Attack Stance while maintaining a ground
• Set in stances
• Maintain set in Cat Stance in Kibon 3; keeping shoulder and hip alignment
• Stay grounded in Cat Stance during High Block in Kibon 4

Once students are competent in the mechanics and grounding, they can study and practice how their energy is aligned with their body such that their energy and physical movement are all in one direction.

In addition, as students practice the techniques, they become body memory, which is what allows them to focus on the grounding and energy aspects of the forms. And at the same time, as students advanced they will need to break down the techniques and mechanics again and reapply advanced concepts so the techniques do not look like beginner techniques, but are advanced techniques.
While the Kibon series appears to be basic, there is much to learn and practice in these five forms. Continue to practice and explore these hyung and discover for yourself all there is to learn and master in these hyung

In future blogs, I will describe the overall goals of the Pyung Ahn series and the advanced hyung.

Regards,
Kelly

“One becomes a beginner after one thousand days of training and an expert after ten thousand days of practice.” — Masutatsu Oyama (1923-1994), karate master who founded Kyokushinkai Karate

Learn Techniques Thoroughly - Chief Instructor's Blog March 2013

To truly understand the various techniques practiced and used in Han Moo Kwan you must learn every aspect of them. This includes the mechanical, practical, and experimental.


The mechanical aspect will ensure you are throwing the techniques correctly to maximize the benefits of the technique and to ensure you perform it safety. The mechanics of each technique are thrown in a precise manner that aligns the body’s skeletal structure with the muscles to get the maximum force without injuring oneself. An example would be alignment of the first two knuckles with straight wrists in punches to ensure any recoil force goes through the alignment of bones so no torque in the wrist results (severe sprains or a break). Some of the preciseness is to ensure the technique is as powerful as possible and less likely to be detected or blocked. This is why we throw our techniques linearly (with a few exceptions). So, it is important students are diligent in practicing and learning the mechanics so they are performed precisely.

The practical is the actual application of the technique. It is one thing to practice against air and just moving forward and back. It is not until you hit something or someone or use the techniques in sparring or self-defense that you get the feedback that the technique is being thrown properly and you can understand the practical application. It is good from time to time in self-defense or sparring to focus in one technique so you can practice that one technique and feel more comfortable in using it if you needed to in an actual self-defense scenario. The practical also includes knowing the targets and distances that are most useful for each technique. This information will also maximize the benefits when using the technique and keep you safe. For example, spear hands are effective against soft tissue areas (trachea, lower end of sternum, groin, carotid artery, eyes, armpit, etc) as a penetration strike. If you throw a spear hand against hard targets like the sternum you could injure your hand including breaking your fingers.

The experimental aspect is also important to understand the techniques. The experimental aspect can be discovered when you practice and “play” with the techniques to determine for your body, against certain opponent’s body build, or in certain ways of being attacked, a techniques is most beneficial and can be used safely. This is where you can be as imaginative and creative as possible in testing theories of how a person may move or react to certain techniques. For example, if you throw a hard medium block against a cross arm grab, most people will turn such that their ribs and kidneys are an open target. This is valuable information in that if you had to use the technique on the streets, you can predict what may happen when you throw the medium block from a cross hand grab and can be already prepped and ready to throw that second technique to the open kidneys. And since you already know that punches and knife hands are every effective against the kidneys, that is the technique you are ready to throw.

I encourage all of you to study and practice each aspect of the techniques thoughtfully and diligently so you gain the maximum benefits from the techniques and remain safe in doing so.

Regards,
Kelly

“Practice each of the techniques of karate repeatedly, the use of which is passed by word of mouth. Learn the explanations well and decide when and in what manner to apply them when needed. Enter, counter, release is the rule of releasing hand." ~ Anko Itosu (1830–1915), Okinawan Karate Master, from his letter 10 Precepts of Karate written in 1908

Han Moo Kwan Club 40th Anniversary Reflection - - Chief Instructor's Blog February 2013

Over forty years ago, a chance meeting between Mr. Bob Rainie and Mr. Ui Jung Kim at a gas station in Campbell led to a demonstration and then the birth of the Han Moo Kwan Club in Sunnyvale in February 1973.


Over the last forty years approximately 1000 people signed up and started in the Club. Of those, our records indicate, 582 have tested and reached at least the rank of Green Belt. Of those, 64 have reached at least the level of First Degree Black Belt. Brian Rainie, who started with the Club at its inception, continues to teach and support the Club. Jeff Burgess, who started as a teenager, was Chief Instructor for seven years and overall has been an active Club member for over 30 years. I have been with the Club nineteen years and I have been the Chief Instructor for the last five years.

For a Club that is not for profit, run strictly because people want to instruct and carry out the teachings of Mr. Kim, where people just show up to learn, this is really an amazing accomplishment, or is it?

In some ways, I would say it is. The Club is not-for-profit and we charge minimal fees to participate. All instructors volunteer their time; there is no monetary compensation for instructing. For some people, especially Westerners, if something does not cost a lot of money, they do not value the item or believe it is not an item to be valued. Yet, we have continuously had people that were willing to be instructors at the Club donating their time to share their knowledge and experience with others. And we have had people interested in joining for various reasons (a different activity to add to their repertoire for physical fitness, learn self-defense, always wanted to learn a martial art, etc) and maybe even willing to give it a chance due to the low cost.

In some ways, I am not amazed. We have no agenda at the Club other than to teach, learn and share a martial art. We are not in it to make money or to win tournaments. Our goal is to support people in their journey as a martial artist, becoming proficient mechanically and with enough force on all the techniques so they can defend themselves if the occasion arises, and eventually support students in learning the energy side which opens up a whole new aspect to the martial art. When an organization is committed to supporting and helping without an agenda, that organization will always attract people.

That chance meeting has led to an amazing outcome. Forty years of a community developing martial artists and sharing knowledge and experience of a martial art with no other agenda. Because of that, I believe the Club will continue to exist for a long time.

I hope all those that have passed through the Club’s dojang feel they have benefited from their time in the Club whether they studied with us for six months or twenty years.

For me personally, my life would be so much different had I not started studying and practicing at the Club. I want to personally thank Mr. Kim for sharing Han Moo Kwan, his instructors who taught him, Mr. Kim’s family for supporting him in sharing the art form, Mr. Bob Rainie and Mr. Gary Murray for starting the Club, my instructors Mr. Brian Rainie, Mr. Jeff Burgess, Mr. Don Spears, Mr. Bob Ramirez, and Mr. Mike Marinos for their generosity in sharing their insights with me, and all the students who show up, work out and teach me as well.

"The teaching of one virtuous person can influence many; that which has been learned well by one generation can be passed on to a hundred." ~ Jigoro Kano (1860-1938), founder of Judo

Regards,
Kelly

Art Form Responsibility - - Chief Instructor's Blog January 2013

In our Club there are two aspects of art form responsibility that are critical to growing in the art form and becoming a martial artist.

The first aspect of art form responsibility is taking ownership of learning the art form and the second aspect is the responsibility of the use of the art form.

Ownership of the Art Form

As a White Belt, the Instructor of that class takes primary responsibility to ensure you have the information to test.

Once you leave the Beginner’s Class and enter the Intermediates Class, the responsibility is primarily on the student. What we mean by that is if you miss classes where training was provided appropriate for you (based on your skill set and experience) it is your responsibly to seek that information out from a Certified Instructor, Senior Instructor, or the Chief Instructor. Appropriate also means you are ready to learn new information because you have gained appropriate proficiency in the techniques and forms you have been taught to date.

If you are not sure, or need extra guidance or clarity, it is your responsibly to ask the questions. Just note that, with limited class time, we may ask that you wait until after normal class times to further discuss any questions or to receive personal guidance.

Many of the Instructors, including myself, are available outside class hours. To schedule time with me, please contact me through email.

Use of the Art Form

Learning the art form takes discipline, focus, and perseverance. With learning the art form comes great responsibility in the usage of the art form. The skills you learn in the Club can cause bodily harm and severe damage. This skill should only be used when you feel threatened and you feel you have no other alternative.

In the moment it actually might be easier to use your skill to end a scenario where you are upset or irritated, but this is not the intent of martial arts. It takes more discipline and focus at times to not use it and be patient and in control of yourself as opposed to blasting someone that cut you off, got in your way, yelled at you, etc.

That same patience, focus and discipline you use to learn martial art techniques is the same patience, focus and discipline you need to ensure you use the skills taught to you only when absolutely necessary. .

Regards,
Kelly

"He who conquers others is strong; he who conquers himself is mighty." ~ Lao-Tzu (6th century BC), philosopher of ancient China, and best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching

Techniques and Targets Part II - Chief Instructor's Blog December 2012

Note: This two part series describes effective targets and scenarios for some of the Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do techniques. The first part described various upper body techniques most effective targets, when would use, and which forms the technique is practiced in. In this second part, the most effective targets, when would use, and which forms the technique is practiced in.

The information presented here is to help students understand further the art form and the tactics on which Han Moo Kwan is based. Neither the instructors nor the Han Moo Kwan Association assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of the information contained herein. The information herein should not be misused. The information is provided so students will have knowledge and can ensure their practice is safe in the dojang and to ensure any responses to an attack are appropriate and justifiable.

While the information herein describes specific targets, it should be noted that any strike or kick can cause damage either by the strike itself or what occurs after the strike (such as an opponent falling and hitting their head). Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do is a serious art form which can have deadly results if used improperly or with the intent of being deadly. The information herein is to support the knowledge of the Han Moo Kwan martial artists to use the art form only in self-defense and only if avoidance or escape is not an option. Neither the author nor the Han Moo Kwan Association assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of the information contained within this blog.

Kicks

Listed below are the four kicks taught and practiced as part of Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do basics. In a sparring or self-defense situation, the kick and location depends on range and opponent’s position. The list and details presented here describe locations assuming both the student and opponent are standing. Alternative locations could be considered if one or both were not standing (on your knees, on the ground, etc).

High Kick

As an advanced kick (intermediates and advanced students), this kick can be used across the collar bone, upper back, center of the back, lower back (if body of opponent is doubled-over), or a sweep to take down an opponent. This technique can also be used to maneuver or off-balance an opponent as a leg sweep. High Kick can be executed from different stances.

Front Kick

Front kick is a very fast, forceful kick using the ball of the foot and a piston action. The toes are pulled back for protection. It is an effective technique when your striking range is too far to use hand strikes. Front kick is an effective technique when used to strike an opponent’s chin, nose, sternum, solar plexus, ribs, floating ribs, solar plexus, abdomen, lower abdomen, upper back, center of the back, lower back, inner thigh, outside of thigh, calf, groin, kidneys, kneecap, back of the knee, or shin. Front Kick can be performed from any of the basic stances. Front Kick is used in Kibon 3, Kibon 4, Pyung Ahn 2, Pyung Ahn 4, and No Pe Hyung. Jump Front Kicks are used to perform a faster, more forceful front kick and optionally to close the distance.

Side Kick

Side Kick is a very forceful kick, since it utilizes the more massive leg and gluteal muscles. It is an effective technique when your striking range is too far to use hand strikes. Side Kick effective targets are the same as Front Kick. Contact with the foot will be on the outer edge near heel; toes pointed toward the ground. Side Kick can be executed from different stances. Jump Side Kicks are used to perform a faster, more forceful side kick and optionally to close the distance.

Turnaway Kick

Turnaway Kick is an effective kick when used against the head and joints of an opponent. It is also effective when used for maneuvering-techniques and sweeps. Turnaway Kick is good for quick, close in strikes up towards the temple (sneaking in below the opponent’s line of site), lower back, or to sweep an opponent off his/her feet. Turnaway Kick can also be used to deflect an opponent’s kicking leg or guarding arms. Contact with the outside area of the foot near the ankle. As an advanced kick (intermediates and advanced students), this kick can be used against the side of the neck, lower edge of the jaw, or temple; or a sweep to take down an opponent (target location depends on range and opponent’s position). As an advanced kick (intermediates and advanced students), Turnaway Kicks can be used to deflect or alter attacks (knife thrust, Front Kicks, Side Kick, Turnaway Kick). Turnaway Kick can be executed from different stances. Jump Turnaway Kicks are used to perform a faster, more forceful Turnaway kick and optionally to close the distance.

Regards,
Kelly

“A wise man hides his weapons” ~ Lao-Tzu (6th century BC), philosopher of ancient China, and best known as the author of the Tao Te Ching

References:

1. Korean Karate Free Fighting Techniques, Sihak Henry Cho, 1968
2. Hand-to-Hand Combat, Joe Begala, 1965
3. Karate-Do Kyohan, The Master Text by Gichin Funakoshi
4. Bunkai-Jutsu by Iain Abernethy
5. The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do: (Shorin-Ryu) by Shoshin Nagamine
6. The Bible of Karate Bubishi by Patrick McCarthy

Techniques and Targets Part 1- - Chief Instructor's Blog November 2012

Note: This two part series describes effective targets and scenarios for some of the Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do techniques. This first part describes various upper body techniques, most effective targets, when you would use them, and which forms each technique is practiced in.


The information presented here is to help students understand further the art form and the tactics on which Han Moo Kwan is based. Neither the instructors nor the Han Moo Kwan Association assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of the information contained herein. The information herein should not be misused. The information is provided so students will have knowledge and can ensure their practice is safe in the dojang and to ensure any responses to an attack are appropriate and justifiable.

While the information herein describes specific targets, it should be noted that any strike or kick can cause damage either by the strike itself or what occurs after the strike (such as an opponent falling and hitting their head). Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do is a serious art form which can have deadly results if used improperly or with the intent of being deadly. The information herein is to support the knowledge of the Han Moo Kwan martial artists to use the art form only in self-defense and only if avoidance or escape is not an option. Neither the author nor the Han Moo Kwan Association assumes any responsibility for the use or misuse of the information contained within this blog.

Upper Body Attack Techniques

Listed below are 10 upper body techniques (strikes and blocks) taught and practiced as part of Han Moo Kwan Tae Kwon Do basics and hyung. In a sparring or self-defense situation, the strike (or block) and location depends on range and opponent’s position. Blocks should be performed to do damage, not just deflect and evade. By practicing blocking to damage (“block to break”), you have an opportunity to end the attack with a “defensive” block as opposed to an offensive strike. This list and details presented here describe locations assuming both the student and opponent are standing. Alternative locations could be considered if one or both were not standing (on your knees, on the ground, etc).

Punch

This punch strikes with the first two knuckles. This is a strong attack and effective against the temple, throat, nose, center of the jaw/ chin, lower edge of the jaw, sternum, solar plexus, abdomen, lower abdomen, floating ribs, ribs, upper back, center of the back, lower back, kidneys, groin, upper arm, radius bone, and back of the hand. A closed fist punch to the head should only be considered by students who have had sufficient training and have conditioned their hands over time. The punch can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., forward, downward, upward, etc.). Forward Punch and Attack Punch are basic Han Moo Kwan techniques. Attack Punch is used in Kibon Hyung, Kibon One, and Kibon Two, among other forms.

Spear Hand

Spear Hand strikes with the tips of the fingers which are held tightly together. Spear Hand is typically used as a counter to an attack (target location depends on range and opponent’s position.) Spear Hand is utilized primarily to strike soft tissue areas of the body: xiphiod process (point directly below the sternum); suprasternal notch (large, visible dip where the clavicles join the sternum), side of the neck (carotid artery), carotid bulb, groin, eyes, armpit, and kidneys. Strike is linear from hip for maximum force. Arms stay close to body to support use of entire body for strike. Spear Hand is a short, close-in strike so it’s hard to detect and difficult to stop. Spear Hand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (forward, upward, and downward). A variation of spear hand is the extended spear hand (with guard to protect the nerve bundle in the arm pit). Extended Spear Hand is practiced in Pyung Ahn 2 and Pyung Ahn 3.

Knife Hand

Knife Hand strikes with the outer edge of the hand. Knife Hand is effective against the temple, throat, bridge of nose, upper lip, lower edge of the jaw, center of the jaw/ chin, side of the neck (carotid artery), back of the neck, collarbone, third cervical vertebrae, sternum, floating ribs, solar plexus, upper arm, back of the hand, groin, kidneys, and joints (e.g., wrists, elbows, and knees, etc.). Knife hand is effective for small areas such as the neck because you can strike without hitting other areas first. Since the edge of the hand is narrow, the concentrated force from the strike can cause severe damage when applied correctly and to effective targets. According to Mr. Kim, Knife Hand has one and a half times the force of the fist. Knife Hand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., outward, downward, inward, forward, etc.). Forward knife hand is part of the Cat Stance Attack technique. Double Downward Knife Hand is practiced in Pyung Ahn 1. Outward Knife Hand is practiced in Pyung Ahn 2. Basic inward Knife Hand is practiced in Shipsu. Knife Hand can also be used as a block.

Low Block

Low Block is used as a counter to an attack toward the lower section of the body. Low Block uses the outer edge of the arm to deflect kicks and punches towards the lower portion of one’s body (groin to knee). Low Block can be used against any strike which has an upward thrust that starts low. Low Block can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., inward and outward, etc.). Low Block followed by Side Medium Block can pin kicks and torque opponent’s hip. Low block is used in Kibon Hyung, Kibon 2, Pyung Ahn 1, Pyung Ahn 3, and Pyung Ahn 5. Inward Low Block is practiced in the following Hyung: Shipsu, Mepojan 1, Mepojan 2. Applications could include: counter to a same side blocked punch, a punch to the groin, and Front Kicks. Inward Low Block followed by a Medium Block can pin kicks and torque opponent’s hip. Inward augmented Low Block is practiced in the following hyung: Shipsu, Mepojan 1, and Mepojan 2. Applications could include: Counter to a same side blocked punch, a punch towards the groin, and Front Kicks. The block should be thrown with sufficient force to break the attacking limb, or at least throw the opponent off balance sufficiently to disrupt any possible combination.

High Block

High Block uses the outer edge of the arm to protect ones head and neck from overhead strikes (clubs, sticks, arms, etc.). An effective High Block can stop or deflect an opponent’s attack. A forceful High Block will break the opponent’s arm. While the basic High Block is executed in Attack Stance in an upward, forward direction protecting the head from a forward blow, High Block can be executed from different stances and in different directions High Block is used in Kibon 4 and Shipsu. High Block can also be used as an attack against the throat, upper lip, lower edge of the jaw, center of the jaw/ chin, side of the neck (carotid artery), and back of the neck.

Hammer Fist

This punch strikes with a bottom of the fist. This is a strong attack and effective against the top of the head, temple, bridge of the nose, lower edge of the jaw, sternum, collarbone, ears, base of the neck, base of the skull, ribs, floating ribs, solar plexus, upper arm, back of the hand, abdomen, lower abdomen, groin, upper back, center of the back, lower back, kidneys, and joints (e.g., wrists, elbows, and knees, etc.). Hammer Fist can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., outward, downward, inward, etc.). Downward Hammer Fist is used in Pyung Ahn 1. Outward Hammer Fist is used in Pyung Ahn 2, Pyung Ahn 3, Pyung Ahn 5 and in a combination in Pyung Ahn 5. Double Downward Hammer Fist to side of the body is used in Shipsu. Single Downward Hammer Fist to the side of the body is used in No Pe Hyung.

Ridge Hand

This strike is with the inner-edge of the hand (thumb’s edge). It is performed similar to an outward and inward Knife Hand, except the opposite edge of the hand is used. The ridge hand is effective against targets such as the temple, throat, eyes, side of the neck/carotid artery, bridge of nose, upper lip, center of the jaw/ chin, lower edge of the jaw, groin, floating ribs, lower back, and kidneys. It is also used in specialized techniques where the rounded edge of the knuckle can penetrate sensitive areas. Ridge Hand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., inward, upward, outward, etc.). Outward Ridge Hand is used in Pyung Ahn 4. A short outward ridge hand is practiced in Shipsu. Double Upward Ridge Hand is practiced in No Pe Hyung.

Backhand

Backhand is with the back of the fist delivered in a snapping motion of the arm, leading with the elbow. This attack is effective against the top of the head, temple, nose, orbital bones, solar plexus, ribs, abdomen, lower abdomen, floating ribs, groin, kidneys, and the lower back. The elbow remains slightly bent. Used when close to your opponent, as a counter attack following an arm block with the same side fist, or an attack following a kick. Backhand can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., downward, upward, outward, etc.). Outward Backhand is used in Pyung Ahn 3.

Palm Strike

This strike is executed using the heel of the palm in a straight forward direction. This is primarily used for offensive attacks. Palm Strikes are effective against the back of the head, nose, temple, orbital bones, chin, center of the jaw/ chin, lower edge of the jaw, ears, sternum, solar plexus, ribs, floating ribs, groin, abdomen, lower abdomen, upper back, center of the back, lower back, and kidneys. Palm Strike is used when close to your opponent, in combination with other attacks and kicks, or as an initial attack Palm Strike can be executed from different stances and in different directions (e.g., forward, upward, downward, etc.). Double Upward Palm Strike is used in Pyung Ahn 4 and Combination Spilt Double Palm Strike in Shipsu.

Elbow Strike

This strike is applied with the area near the elbow, in a thrusting motion or using the pointed end of the elbow in a downward motion or backward motion. It is strong and effective when applied at close range. The elbow strike in a forward thrusting motion is effective against nose, temple, center of the jaw/ chin, sternum, solar plexus, ribs, floating ribs, abdomen, lower abdomen, kidneys, upper back center of the back, lower back, and groin. The elbow strike using the pointed end is effective against top of the head, sternum, collar bone, radius bone, solar plexus, ribs, floating ribs, abdomen, lower abdomen, kidneys, upper back center of the back, lower back, and groin. Elbow Strike can be executed from different stances and in different directions (downward, outward, inward). Inward Elbow Strike into open palm (in a thrusting motion) is used in Pyung Ahn 4 and Pyung Ahn 5.

In Part II, the most effective targets for the Han Moo Kwan kicks will be described.

Regards,

Kelly

"It is necessary to develop a strategy that utilizes all the physical conditions and elements that are directly at hand. The best strategy relies on an unlimited set of responses." ~ Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), founder of Aikido, from his book “The Art of Peace”

References:

1. Korean Karate Free Fighting Techniques, Sihak Henry Cho, 1968
2. Hand-to-Hand Combat, Joe Begala, 1965
3. Karate-Do Kyohan, The Master Text by Gichin Funakoshi
4. Bunkai-Jutsu by Iain Abernethy
5. The Essence of Okinawan Karate-Do: (Shorin-Ryu) by Shoshin Nagamine
6. The Bible of Karate Bubishi by Patrick McCarthy

Sparring Procedures and Commands - - Chief Instructor's Blog October 2012

NOTE:  Some clarifications and modifications were made to the table below in this blog February 2026 for clarity and consistency.

In formal sparring a referee controls the exchange to keep the students safe. Set commands and an order is used for students to know what to expect and to be able to respond accurately. The order of the commands in sparring is similar to other commands in the Club when calling for techniques, a form, drills, etc in that the order is such so that at the end you are undoing what you did at the start.

When the Club first started, there was no bow as part of the procedure: Mr. Kim just placed people on the mat and called Sparring. The bow shows respect for the realm and to the referee. The Final bow is an indication the “match” is over and it is alright to leave the realm; bowing is not part of the “match”. Until “Finish” is called, the match is still on.

Procedure and Commands:

The table below lists the commands by the referee, the action by the referee, the expected students’ response, and comments regarding that commands or the desired actions.

Regards,
Kelly

"Boards don't hit back." ~ Bruce Lee, (1940 –1973) American-born Chinese Hong Kong martial artist, actor, and founder of Jeet Kune Do