There are certain types of opponents in sparring who are very difficult to defeat including those who are very aggressive, those who are good at closing the distance quickly and those who hit and run. This article will provide a few simple to use counterattacking solutions for these types of opponents.

Against an Opponent who is Good at Closing the Distance

Technique #39 is slide back round house kick (dwiro pajo momtong dollyo chagi: dwiro pajo means sliding back step and dollyo chagi is roundhouse kick) against the opponent who is good at closing the distance by footwork or pushing kick.

When you are frustrated, always stick to fundamental techniques that you are very familiar with. The first step is to retreat to avoid the attack. The second step is to do your roundhouse kick as soon as his attacking kick begins to fall.

Be careful not to back up too far when you retreat. If you do you will lose your distance to counterattack or you will give the distance for your opponent to come in and attack again.

Against a Hit and Run Opponent

Technique #40 is sliding back and double kick against a hit and run opponent who comes in, kicks and quickly backs away. Against any opponent who comes in quick and goes out quick, you need to chase him down. For this type of opponent, you can use moolo doobal dangsang chagi. Moolo is back step, doobal dangsang chagi is double kick.

The first step is to read your opponent's initiative and move your entire body backward just enough to avoid the blow. The second step is to hit him with double kick before he runs away.

In competition, don't back up too far. Since quick kicks are mostly short in nature, you need to move back 2/3 of usual sliding back distance. Then you can hit your opponent right on target.

Against an Aggressive Opponent

Technique #41 is a back kick counterattack against an aggressive opponent. When your opponent attacks you aggressively, you have two choices: Either move away or stop the attack. For slipping away, you need excellent footwork. To stop it, you need good dwi chagi(back kick).

The first step is to catch the moment of your opponent's initiation for launching an attack. Usually, his shoulders turn more than usual or he sinks deeper into his stance just before an aggressive attack. The second step is to adjust your distance according to his intensity so your kick lands on target. If you do not adjust the distance well, you will be too close or to far away to counter. The third step is to make a short counter back kick. Don't step back too far and don't kick too high. Relax and stay within your range not his range.

Against a Clinching Opponent

Technique #46 is sliding back and double kick (moolo doobal dangsang chagi: moolo is back step, doobal dangsang chagi is double kick) at open stance against an opponent who abruptly comes into your zone or tries to clinch.

The first step is to read your opponent's initiative and move your entire body backward. The second step is to stop his movement by kicking with your rear foot and then finish with the other leg with power. Use your front leg to cut off his kick and use your hands to maintain the appropriate kicking distance against the opponent.

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