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Taekwondo · Basic · b2

Punch, then block

At home 8 min 1 player One room

Ready when: Bow, stances and balance (b1) started.

Start a session

What you are learning

The middle punch (straight to chest height while the other fist pulls back to the hip) and the three blocks: low, middle and high. Then block and punch straight after: a block and counter.

Words on this card Attention, Walking stance, Middle punch, Low block, Counter
Attention
Standing tall with feet together; bending forward from the hips to show respect; feet shoulder-width with fists in front of the belt.
Walking stance
A short natural step; a long stance with the front knee bent and back leg straight; a stance with most of the weight on the back leg.
Middle punch
A straight punch to chest height; a punch with the hand on the side of the back leg.
Low block
Forearm blocks to protect the lower body, the middle and the head.
Counter
An attack straight after a block.

Set up

A mirror if available.

Weather: dry ground

The base setup for taekwondo

Show it first for the one teaching

  1. Middle punch: punch straight out to chest height while the other fist pulls back to the hip.
  2. Low block: raise the bent forearm to the opposite shoulder, then snap it down to stop above the front thigh.
  3. Middle block: from near the opposite shoulder, sweep the forearm across the body. High block: raise the forearm above the head.
  4. Block, then punch at once.

Your part while they practise

Call "low", "middle" or "high".

Step by step

  1. Middle punch, 10 each side.
  2. Low block: forearm up to the shoulder, then down to above the front thigh.
  3. Middle block: from near the opposite shoulder, across the body.
  4. High block: the forearm rises above the head.
  5. Block, then punch at once, 10 each side.

How much: 10 each side 8 min a session 3 days a week

Say one thing Pick one line from "What you will see" for today and say only that.

The game: Block and counter

You call the section; the child blocks it and counters with a punch.

Who plays: the child against their own best; you call.

How to play, turn by turn
Turns
  1. The child stands ready in a front stance
  2. Call "low", "middle" or "high"
  3. The child does that block, then a middle punch
  4. 12 calls
Fair play
A grown-up blocks with eyes closed and the call only heard.
Points
1 point for the right block; 1 more point for a counter with the other fist pulled home.
Fouls
No points for that call
  • The wrong block
  • The other hand left out in front
  • Punching before the block is finished
Winning
Beat your best from 12 calls.
Stars
  1. 10 points for 1 star
  2. 17 points for 2 stars
  3. 24 points for 3 stars

Easier or harder

Easier

Slow, in order.

Harder

Fast, random calls.

What you will see, and what to say

  • the other hand stays out Pull the other fist homeFist to the hip.
  • the low block is too low Stop above the front thighNot past it.
  • the elbow flares Elbow inClose to the body.

Self-check

10

The right block and a counter for 10 calls in a row.

Stop and get a coach when

Wrist or shoulder pain.

Fitness for this

Warm up first: how to warm up, at workonfitness.com. For strength and stretching, its exercise library shows each exercise step by step, with an easier version.

This card trains punch, blocks, block-and-counter.

awiseathlete.com/sports/taekwondo/taekwondo-b2