1. Fundamental movements.

The Alpha and the Omega of traditional martial arts – so the basics of Taekwon-do, never to be forgotten! Everyone has to exercise the fundamental movements, the hand and foot techniques again from time to time independently from the level of knowledge. The single performed practice of basics takes place on training sessions either in standing position or in movements, but without the help of any partner. Intensive training and countless repetition helps to develop the ability to focus strength and coordination. Balance and stability improves, as well as motional beauty. Attacking and defending techniques of more and more increased levels become faster, more accurate and efficient.

2. Patterns. (Competition event)

Practices of patterns (forms) completed alone, in a highly dynamic way symbolize the overcome against imaginary opponents attacking from different directions, using techniques determined in advance. In these series of movements - usually based on two or four direction symmetry - the combination of punches, blocks, kicks or jumping techniques follow one another in an accurately planned order. There are 24 obligatory form practices in Taekwon-do, that symbolize the 24 hours of the day, or - in a broader sense – the eternal cycle of life.

3. Step sparring.

(Basics in pairs or fighting situation practice)
Now the partner takes part in the practice of an imagined attacking and defending situation, choosing movements from the fundamentals and patterns. Formal step sparrings take place while moving back and forth in a strictly planned pattern. The imitation of imaginary and idealized sparrings in more and more difficult situations, their combinations have to be exercised in one-two-three or more steps. Expertise in formal step sparring is virtually the last stage that can be followed by real free sparring.

4. Free sparring. (Competition event)

This is the final goal of Taekwon-do. It shows one’s behavior in a realistic fighting situation. Practitioners of Taekwon-do try to overcome their unexpectedly attacking opponent, using their knowledge acquired at fundamentals, patterns and formal step sparrings. Success or failure usually highly depends on the fighters’ own psychological components and personal stamina as well. The learning of techniques is only one step on the road to win. However there is not, and there cannot be real victory without the so called “Indomitable fighting spirit” also mentioned in the 5th point of the Tenets of Taekwon-do.

5. Self defense.

Suggested to be used mostly by advanced students and black belts, because proper technical overview and preliminary close-combat training is needed for disarming any attacker, that beginners do not possess yet. It’s purpose is to acquire effective close range combat fighting and surviving techniques, that can help to avert real situations of emergency. See for example: release from grab or throttling, self defense at a tight space, using only foot technique while the arms tied back, fighting effectively against more opponents or an attacker with weapon.

6. Breaking technique. (Competition event)

A very important, spectacular part of Taekwon-do that represents a big challenge. This is a tool that reflects physical stamina, mental strength, braveness, skill and technical ability. In our days sparrings are performed in protective equipment, under strict rules. Taekwon-do practitioners can still measure the devastating strength of their techniques by destroying objects of different solidity. The hard training of hand and foot parts used for breakings has to be started at the very beginning already from white belt and can never be finished. Highly trained body parts, combined with the scientific Taekwon-do training methods and mental strength, help to reach amazing achievements. So our fist develops to be a “lethal weapon”, which is essential not only at demonstration circumstances, but also becomes our effective help even in true combat fight or street-self defense situations.