By Travis Young, 4th Dan (as at 2002), United States Taekwon-Do Federation
10 Do's for successful sparring ring management
Be in proper shape, so you are not concerned about losing your wind. If
you do start to get tired, then move around your opponent without attacking
until your wind is back.
Have a proper stance: 50/50 or weight slightly forward. A rear weighted
stance implies defensive and defeated posture. Be on the balls of your feet
and be prepared to move in any direction.
Be the first to score. If you are not first, then do whatever is
necessary to get on top. Once you are ahead, then you can work on your
counterattack game.
Defeat a charging opponent with circular movement, defeat a circular
moving opponent by cutting off the ring.
Use body and movement faking to test how your opponent reacts. When you
attack, do it directly and as fast as possible. Be random in your movements
so you will not be timed.
Use faking and footwork to score first from a far range. Close the
distance with techniques instead of charging in.
Always finish with the last technique (kick out) in any close quarters
fighting, only move away upon an effective score, or break by the referee.
Have a positive and confident attitude. Project this attitude through
your body language and eyes.
Kiap when you score, as this can effect the judges opinion. If you get
scored upon do not react, as this will ensure judges scoring against you.
Use simple techniques first, then move on to more complex techniques as
the fight progresses. For example, strike to the body first with fast quick
kicks, later go to the head with jumping or spinning techniques.
10 Do's for successful patterns competition
Know the pattern absolutely. This means diligent practice.
Pay no attention to the timing and movement of your opponent. Do your own
pattern.
Relax and breathe in between movements.
Hold/pose all techniques for a brief moment in order to show that you are
doing them properly.
Have a positive and confident attitude. Project this attitude through
your body language and eyes.
If you make a mistake, do not react to it while performing the pattern, or
after you are completed, the judges may not have seen it.
Speak the pattern's name with forcefulness and confidence.
Clarify the name of the pattern with the judges, if you are unsure what
they have requested.
Visualize performing the pattern 'correctly' in your mind before you
perform it physically. Do not visualize making mistakes.
Win or lose, ask the judges for suggestions after the bracket is
completed, they can often give helpful advice after they have watched
everyone.
Please note that tip number 10 is helpful for younger colored belt
students trying to learn. However this might be inappropriate for national
or international competitions where judges are restricted from talking to
players.