During a sparring match, there is no time to think about what combos to throw. Whatever prior training and conditioning you had up to that point is pretty much all that you can rely on. Therefore, it is imperative that you train what to do when attacked and how fast you react to them.
Can I Just Counter?
With the recent rule changes, and the push for entertainment value, there is no chance for a competitor to be idle for more than five seconds. They want Action, Action, Action! Many non-practitioners thought past tournaments were boring because it was like a chess game of Roundhouse and Counter. Hence, the rule changes.
Consequently, each player is forced to show some aggression because standing by for attacks to counter will persuade the judges to favor the more active and perceptibly dominant fighter. And besides, the ref will probably give out some kyongos for inaction.
Why Do We Need To Train Reaction Time?
What we’re trying to accomplish with Reaction Drills is to refine our sense of intent. Your opponent must intend, or initiate, an offense before executing the attack. I’ve heard some say you can see an attack from the movement of their shoulders. Had one tell me to look into their eyes, the gates of their soul, and you’ll be able to see all their moves. Personally, I don’t “see” intent, I analyze my spatial sensory to “feel” their intent. Looking towards their eyes help to view the opponent as a whole, but i do not rely on vision alone. I take in their current attitude, emotional and/or ethereal condition, along with their tendencies of feinting or attacking.
How can you tell if your opponent will feint, or commit to a kick?
Have you ever watched someone walk while holding a cup full of liquid, and thought to yourself, “it’s gonna spill”? And, sure enough, it happens. How did you know? Perhaps, you noticed he was not looking at the liquid swishing back and forth in the cup from each step. Maybe you knew he had to turn the corner to get to where he’s going. Or, it could have been because he was busy texting on his phone with his other hand. But, more than likely, it was all these factors together that got you to predict the eventual spillage. This is what I mean by spatial sensory. To notice more than just the full cup.
Pads And Partners
Kicking pads are a good way to hone your accuracy, but nothing beats repetitive practice of the thing you’re actually going to do, which is kicking chest guards. Partner Drills can be practiced with a double chest guard worn by the kick receiver to soften the blow, sort of. Training this way allows for your kicks to get used to hitting a live target. Also, by working with a partner, you will start to get a feel for how an opponent might move in relations to your position. Partner drills will help to develop your spatial sensory.
How To Hold The Focus Pads
Not trying to challenge those that already know how, but want to clarify how the focus pads should be handled by your trusty training partner. Let’s start with receiving a Roundhouse. If the kicker is to execute a right leg Roundhouse, the pad should be held with the right hand at the stem of the pad with the rounded end protruding away from your thumb and index. Not completely vertical, but with a slight angle inward towards the incoming kick. And LACES OUT! Backside with the Laces should be facing the pad holder, away from the kicker.
Left leg Roundhouse would be received relatively similar.
Axe Kicks can be received with the pad held the other way with the pad parallel to the floor and raised at about shoulder height.
Back Kicks can be received by holding the pad like a matador. However, for this kick, and any variation of it, should be received with a Shield Pad for more safety. When receiving a Back Kick with a focus pad, be mindful of the swing of the kick. It’s probably better to stand outside of the swing.
Basic Reaction Drills
Counter Roundhouse Drill
Let’s try with Focus Pads, First!
The pad holder should hold the target close to themselves to signal neutrality.
Whenever the pad holder deems it appropriate, he should jut out the focus pad as an imitation of an opponent’s intent to advance.
The kicker is to REACT with a Low Block and a Rear Leg Roundhouse.
Then, switch stance to kick with the other leg.
Then, switch to be the pad holder for your friend.
Now, with a Sparring Partner!
As a pair, one can put on a double hogu and be the dummy, or both can wear a hogu and take turns immediately without having to switch out gear. Let’s start with an example, as the picture above, where both have a chest guard on.
Starting in the Closed Stance, the aggressor is to throw a Rear Leg Roundhouse.
Low Block the kick and counter with your own Roundhouse.
From the Open Stance, the aggressor is to execute a Forward Slide with a Lead Leg Roundhouse.
Low Block the kick and counter with your own Roundhouse.
Step Back Roundhouse Drill
As before, with Focus Pads, First…
For this one, stand a bit closer to your pad holder. When the pad holder shoots out the target, Backward Step and Low Block, to mimic blocking a rear leg Roundhouse.
Then, using the same foot you took a Backward Step with, counter with your own Roundhouse.
Then, with a Sparring Partner!
From Closed Stance, the aggressor is to execute a Forward Slide with a Lead Leg Roundhouse. Backward Step and Low Block this offense.
Then, counter with a Rear Leg Roundhouse and retract to the Backward Step.
From Open Stance, the aggressor is to execute a rear leg Roundhouse and advance forward. Backward Step and Low Block this offense.
Then, counter with a Rear Leg Roundhouse and retract to the Backward Step.
Slide Back Roundhouse Drill
First, with Focus Pads.
Stand as close to the pad holder as you’d like depending on how long of a Backward Slide you want to practice.
When the pad holder shoots out the target, execute a Backward Slide far enough to give you room for a counter Roundhouse.
Then, with a Sparring Partner.
Starting from Closed Stance, the aggressor is to execute a rear leg Roundhouse and advance forward.
Backward Slide to dodge the incoming kick and execute a counter Roundhouse.
From the Open Stance, the aggressor is to execute a Forward Slide with a Lead Leg Roundhouse.
Backward Slide to dodge the incoming kick and execute a counter Roundhouse.
Lead Leg Slide Back Counter Drill
First, with Focus Pads.
The pad holder holds the focus pad close to signal neutrality.
When ready, the pad holder puts forth the target to cue the kicker.
From here, slide the Lead Leg back towards the rear foot. This is to hold ground.
Then, using the rear leg to post, torque your hips and Chamber the Lead Leg.
Extend and kick target.
Next, with a Sparring Partner.
From Closed Stance, the aggressor is to execute a Forward Slide with a Lead Leg Roundhouse.
Slide your Lead Leg back towards your rear foot.
Post on your rear foot, torque the hips and Chamber the Lead Leg.
Extend to kick chest guard.
From Open Stance, the aggressor is to throw a Rear Leg Roundhouse attempting to reach your chest guard.
Slide your Lead Leg back towards your rear foot.
Post on your rear foot, torque the hips and Chamber the Lead Leg.
Extend to kick chest guard.
Get With The Basics
Do not be fooled by the term. These “Basic” Reaction Drills are practiced by world class competitors, all the time. With diligent practice, you will develop faster reaction time, better spatial sensory, and quick counter attacks. Beginners should focus on understanding the mechanics of each exercise before attempting to amp up the speed. Later on, we can try other variations of reaction drills, just to make things fun and interesting.