Sparring Skills with Mark Trotter
Sparring Skills with Mark Trotter
This sparring session captures a short but highly focused coaching exchange between Mr Mark Trotter and New Zealand team member Miss Melissa Timperley during a National Team Camp.
Setting: National Team Camp
Focus: core sparring skills and execution
Although brief in duration, the session delivers a wealth of insight into how basic sparring skills must be performed in order to be effective at high level. The emphasis is on clarity, timing, and precision rather than volume or complexity.
Quality Over Quantity
Working with an international-level competitor allows the coaching points to be demonstrated at full speed without losing technical accuracy. This makes it easier to see how correct execution translates directly into effective sparring under pressure.
At high level, basic skills are often the difference between scoring and being countered.
Direct Side Kick in Sparring
The preview clip highlights work on the direct side kick, focusing on distance, alignment, and timing. Rather than treating the technique in isolation, it is shown in the context of realistic sparring movement and decision-making.
Effective sparring is built on simple skills executed exceptionally well.
A Valuable Reference Session
This session is particularly useful for competitors and coaches who want to refine the fundamentals without overcomplicating training. Its concise nature makes it easy to revisit and apply directly in sparring classes or team training environments.
Ideal viewing for competitive colour belts, black belts, and instructors working with performance athletes.
Learn more about the instructor featured in this session here:
Mr Mark Trotter – 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:
Sparring Skills with Mark Trotter – Premium Video