A Sparring Session with Carl van Roon
A Sparring Session with Carl van Roon
This extended sparring session focuses on building strong foundations for sparring, particularly at beginner level, while still offering ideas and drills that more experienced students and coaches will find valuable.
Session length: just over 90 minutes
Primary focus: beginner to intermediate sparring development
Led by Mr Carl van Roon, the session progresses methodically through a wide range of sparring activities, allowing plenty of time for explanation, repetition, and refinement.
What the Session Covers
- Warm-up sparring drills to introduce movement and distance
- Partner-based exercises for timing and control
- Kicking drills designed specifically for sparring application
- Point sparring with an emphasis on decision-making
- An open Q&A session addressing common sparring questions
Although aimed primarily at beginners, the structure and progression of the drills make this session equally useful for coaches working with mixed-ability groups.
Building Confidence Through Structure
Rather than throwing students straight into free sparring, the session builds skills step by step. Each phase prepares students for the next, helping them develop confidence, awareness, and control without feeling overwhelmed.
Good sparring is built on understanding, not rushing.
Practical Value for Coaches
For instructors, this video provides a clear template for running longer sparring classes without losing focus or engagement. The balance between drills, discussion, and application makes it a useful reference when planning beginner or transitional sparring sessions.
This is particularly valuable for clubs introducing sparring to students who may feel unsure or hesitant at first.
Learn more about the instructor featured in this session here:
Mr Carl van Roon – Expert Coach Profile
You can also explore all of the instructors who contribute to TKDCoaching here:
Our Expert Coaches
On each coach’s profile you can see all the videos they have featured in for TKD Coaching.
Premium members can watch the full sparring session here:
A Sparring Session with Carl van Roon – Premium Video