Sparring At Poteet Martial Arts
ITFA Sparring is a light contact sport that people of all ages and ranks who are looking for to get a good workout and basic movement, some pratical uses for Taekwon-do techniques, or for those who want to compete across the USA or internationally.
Join us every Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm to learn how to apply Taekwon-do skills through drills, partner work, and friendly matches! Don’t have gear, borrow some, or buy from our Pro Shop. We meet everyone at their experience level so everyone feels welcome to come learn and improve!
How Does ITF Sparring Work?
01
How Groups are Made?
At most tournaments, groups called brackets, are formed based primarily on age, size, and rank. Every tournament will be different depending the organization and who shows up to compete.
02
How long are the Matches?
Typically, Color Belt matches or rounds are 2 minutes long. Black Belt rounds usually have two, 2 minute rounds, though sometimes the two 2minute round is saved for the final match of the bracket.
03
How are Points Scored?
Hand Techniques are 1 point each.
Foot Techniques to the torso is 2 points, while Head shots are worth 3 points.
Anything to the arms or legs is not counted.
04
What are the Legal Targets?
The sides and top of the head are fine. Front of the torso above the belt are awesome!
Shots to the back, head or otherwise, along with most kicks below the belt will result in a warning.
05
What are Warnings?
There are several types of warnings. Illegal hits, excessive contact, falling, and stepping out of bounds are the most common.
3 warnings result in 1 minus point. 3 minus points and the individual is disqualified.
06
How are Matches Run?
Every match will have 4 score keepers in the corners, 1 center (referee), and a time keeper.
Score Keepers can only score legal contact that they see with their own eyes. The center is in charge of keeping the competitors safe, and issuing warnings. The Time Keeper runs the clock, and keeps track of warning and minus points.
Why Do Our Students Love ITFA Sparring?
At Poteet Martial Arts, we do our best to make Taekwon-do accessible to all. And that includes offering a Sparring class! Every Tuesday at 7pm color belts and black belts alike work together to improve their skills. We do our best to rotate lead instructors for this class so it stays fresh and interesting for everyone! We focus on the basics and built combinations and foot work through a variety of drills and exercises. Building good cardio and a variety of tried and true combinations are a must for sparring. From white belt through the highest degree of blackbelt, this class is great for anyone looking to get some extra movement, a workout, or further developing Taekwon-do skills. Everyone will something new, or improve on a previous skill every single class while having a blast! Try it this coming Tuesday!!
Mr. Philip Schlabach started training in ITF Taekwondo in May of 2009 at Cross Martial Arts Center of Midlothian, Tx, where he earned the rank of red belt. Mr. Schlabach started training at Poteet Martial Arts in October of 2013 and earned his black belt on August 23, 2014. He competed at the 2014 USA National Championship where he won 3rd in the nation for Men’s Middle Weight Sparring. The following week, Mr. Schlabach was asked to be a Coach for Team USA for the 2015 Taekwondo World Championship in Italy. He coached 7 events in 3 different categories. After becoming a USA team coach, he began instructing at Poteet Martial Arts, something he currently does to this day.
