Title: Sparring Combinations and the Philosophy of Sparring

Subject(s): Sparring Combination #2 (White Belt),  The concept of Chun Jin and Hu Jin in Sparring

Grade(s): Jo Kyo, Kyo Sa and Sa Bom level

Objectives: Develop an awareness of the concept of Chun Jin and Hu Jin in sparring, using sparring combination #2 (White Belt Level) to a proficient level.

Optional – Instructional Method(s): Demonstration/Performance, On Line Self Directed Instruction

Materials Needed: Access to the Soo Bahk Do Institute, Gup Level Instructional Guides

Brief Description:  This lesson will provide you with an understanding of how to become aware of the Chun Jin and Hu Jin concept based on the Um/Yang concept in free sparring.  As a potential Moo Duk Kwan instructor or assistant instructor you must be able to provide training guidance to your students, this lesson will start you on your way.

Lesson: It is very common for the beginner to be tense when first experiencing free sparring. It is a natural response to be tense, because free sparring is an actual combat situaiton. In order to reduce this negative energy you must develop a proper mental attitude toward free sparring. Remember, your partner is there to help you, not to hurt you. Without your partner you cannot enjoy the sparring exercise. There must be a “respect” between the partnership.

There is always a chance of an unavoidable crash or contact during the course of free sparring, whcih may make you or your partner uncomfortable.  If contact occurs, discipline and respect must be shown immediately with both partners coming to attention and bowing, thus regaining their control.  Please remember, free sparring is a noncontact continuous demonstration of your hyung.  Enjoying the discipline of your techniques is by far more important than how many points you make during your free sparring exercise.

The following are important elements that will help avoid injury during your free sparring exercise:

1. Block with closed hands (do not have your fingers open).

2. No jewelry.

3. Finger and Toe nails should be properly cut.

4. Resist tenseness against your partner’s action.

5. Use proper techniques.

6. Pay close attention to your instructor’s directions for safety.

Free Sparring is a two person situation.  It should always be thought of as “our way”, which is the Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan way.  This is the best attitude for effective offensive and defensive use of technique in free sparring.  Both partners should share equally in the experience (learning about combat and learning about others) while experiencing an exciting positive harmony in life.

This is the first of the basic understaning in defensive/offensive (Um/Yang concept) free sparring practice.  When an opponent attacks with force you will accept opponent’s power with your back stance rather than resisting. When you see your opponent’s weakness you will counter attack with front stance reverse center punch or other techniques. This basic and important understanding of Um/Yang concept in free sparring is a necessary discipline to learn free sparring. Understand and demonstrate the concept of Chun Jin (forward advance) and Hu Jin (backward advance) and how it works in sparring.

How to develop a systematic approach to self directed learning:

Follow these instructions:
Step 1 – first review the video below ( to watch the entire series go to the Soo Bahk Do Institute )
Step 2 – after reviewing the video, find sparring combination 1 in your White belt level instructional guide and read over the instructions, play the video as many times as needed
Step 3 – When you feel comfortable, get up and walk yourself through the steps using the instructional guide. Do this step several times until you are comfortable with the sequence
Step 4 – Review the video one more time to get the intensity and timing of the combination
Step 5 – if there is a partner available, partner off and do approximately 10 repetitions, if no partner is available, use a large mirror to view your movement and sequence.

Assessment(s):

Method: Self Assessment: Using a web cam or video camera, video yourself (use a tripod if available), (or have your partner video your demonstration) View the recording and using the video above compare your demonstration. If you are satisfied with your demonstration, go on to the next lesson. If you are not satisfied, repeat the sequence starting with step 2.

Method: Upload a video assignment: Submit a short video of you and a partner during a sparring session, provide a short introduction of what you are going to do (your objective), and then a brief review after your demonstration to explain what you did and what you gained or learned from this experience and study.

Instructor review: Have your certified instructor review a demonstration of Sparring Combination 2, he or she will be able to provide further guidance toward your self study.

Standards: Training Standard for this lesson: You should spend as a minimum 1 hour in practice and study to become proficient with this combination.

Training tip: always warm up before any training and always cool down after training with light stretching exercises and some Moo Pahl Dan Khum breathing, see video below.

It is important to understand offensive movement with Chun Jin and defensive movement with Hu Jin and the proper hip movement for each. Hu Jin means “NOT TO RUN AWAY”, it means to ACCEPT YOUR OPPONENT’S ENERGY.

When both partners understand and practice the Chun Jin and Hu Jin concept in the correct manner, sparring exercises will be very enjoyable and a great learning tool not only in combat discipline but in life in general.

Source (s): (Source for this lesson, White Belt, Green Belt and  Red Belt level instructional guides, Authors: Hwang Kee, Founder of Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan School, and Kwan Jang Nim, H.C. Hwang, copyright 1994)

Instructor Notes:  The bold face topics are a basic lesson plan template that you can use to develop your own lesson plans.