One-Step sparring is a discipline practiced between two students in which the attacker and defender performs the movements quickly, precisely, and cleanly, yet forcefully. It is designed to train the mind rather than prepare for combat. It is meant to show how individual moves can blend together, feed off of one another, and flow together.

One Step Sparring develops both single attacks and blocks and counterattacks.  It is arguably the most practical form of sparring, as, for example, in competition sparring it is usually the single attack or counter-attack which will score the point.  In a self-defense situation, it is quite often the first blow which will decide the outcome.  If an attack is launched strongly and effectively, further defense becomes very difficult.

The attacker must state the technique and the target before attacking, and the defender may block and counter-attack with techniques of their own choice, or these may be decided by the instructor at that session. 

It should also be noted that the attacker need not wait for the defender to acknowledge his/her intention to attack. After he/she has announced his intent, the attacker is free to attack at any time. However, the attacker must still remain motionless immediately following the attack. Each participant is allowed only one attack/counterattack.

The main criteria when defending are as follows:

•  The block must be effective and the defender must remain on balance and be positioned correctly to deliver the counterattack.

•  The counter-attack must be delivered immediately and not allow the attacker time to escape, defend or attack again.

•  The counter-attack must be delivered with full technique and control to a carefully chosen target, mobilizing all possible parts of the body.

The final counter-attack must be delivered with KIAI.

Applying the principles learned in earlier stages of kumite, the students must execute all techniques with proper posture, power, decisiveness, distance, control and attitude. Correct breathing and awareness must also be present at all times.

Etiquette

• attention stance
• bow
• fighting stance (attacker steps out with the left leg while the attacker steps out with the left leg, mirror image)
• Eye contact is maintained at all times
• Attacker must check distance
• The attacker always steps forward with the right foot and performs a Middle punch or a High punch, a backfist, or a front snap kick.
• The attacker should announce his intention to attack and the defender should acknowledge that intention.

The attacker always places his right foot back, then steps forward with the right foot and performs a Middle punch or a High punch, a backfist, or a front snap kick.

Gold Belt

All previous steps plus the following :

• Reverse punch or Hammer Fist / High Block, Kiyah.
• Step back with right leg and high block. Step forward into natural stance and execute reverse punch, Kiyah.
• Reverse punch / Down block
• Step back with a down-block. Step forward into natural stance and execute reverse punch, Kiyah.
• Back leg front kick / Down block
• Step back with a down-block. Step forward into natural stance and execute reverse punch, Kiyah.

Orange Belt

All previous steps plus the following :

• Round kick / Down block
• Step back with right leg and execute down block. Step forward into natural stance and execute reverse punch, Kiyah.
• Round kick / Under Middle block
• Step back with right leg and execute Under Middle block. Step forward into natural stance and execute reverse punch, Kiyah.
• Reverse punch / Under Middle block
• Step back with the right leg and under-middle block. Step forward into natural stance and execute reverse punch, Kiyah.

Green Belt

All previous steps plus the following :

• Hammer fist / High block
• Step back with right leg and high-block. Step forward back into natural stance and execute ridgehand to armpit, Kiyah.
• Front kick / Down block
• Step back with right leg and down-block. Step forward into natural stance. Palm heel to solar plexus. Kiyah.

Purple Belt

No previous steps. Most be done in Ready position.

• Reverse punch / Under Middle block
• Step back with the right leg and under-middle block. Step forward into natural stance and execute reverse punch. Execute back-leg round kick to right kidney. Kiyah.
• Reverse punch or Hammer Fist / High Block, Kiyah.
• Step back with right leg and high block. Step forward into natural stance and execute reverse punch, Execute palm heel to chin. Kiyah.
• Reverse punch / Down block
• Step back with a down-block. Step forward into natural stance and execute ridgehand punch, Kiyah.

 

Blue Belt

Repeat steps from purple plus

• Hammerfist

• Step back with the right leg and execute a high-block. Grab the opponent's wrist and rotate it away from their body. Step with your right leg so that it lands between the arm you are holding and your opponent's front leg. Land in a front stance. Place your hand on their opposite shoulder. Twist your body to the left and pull them to the ground. Your right knee should touch the ground as your opponent touches the ground. Execute right-hand palm heel to face. Kiyah.

 

• Reverse punch

• Step back with the right leg and execute an under middle block. Grab the opponent's wrist and rotate it away from their body. Step with your right leg so that it lands between the arm you are holding and your opponent's front leg. Land in a front stance. Place your hand on their opposite shoulder. Twist your body to the left and pull them to the ground. Your right knee should touch the ground as your opponent touches the ground. Execute right-hand palm heel to face. Kiyah.

 

• Front Kick

• Step back with the right leg and execute a down block. Grab their leg as your block extends downward, hooking their leg in your hand. Step forward with your left leg and place it behind their standing leg. Place your left hand on their chest, lean forward, and push them down. Execute right-hand palm heel to face. Kiyah.