Need advice on Distancing and Advanced Movement

[korean dragon]

Recently I fought at the NC Olympic TKD state championships where I got owned in an exhibition match. The main problem I had in the match was that I couldn't seem to reach my opponent. He would just kind of hang back way outside of kicking range then shot in to score. This tripped me up, becuase as a taller fighter I try to catch people coming in, but because of the distance he kept between us he could come in on me, and then just as I start to make my move, stop himself to counter me. The main counter he used was a sliding step spinning back kick that nailed me a bunch of times.

Now I'm a 6-foot, 210 pound guy so I've always tried hard to keep my attacks tight and compacted, so what I'm looking for is any advice you guys have on distancing and movement, because the main thing that frustrated me about that guy's style was his ability to move into his kicks ,or move as he kicked I guess. I have three more big tournaments coming up so any tips on movement or increasing the range of my attacks would be greatly appreciated.

sincerly ,The Korean Dragon

[Alucard619]

If you are taller, you have the reach advantage. The fact he has to come into your fighting range to attack will work in your favor. Part of the key to that is being more aggressive; go on the offensive rather then just wait in your range and attack once he comes in.

I'm the same height and build as you so I speak from experience. Taller people obviously have the reach advantage for sparring so make good use of it.

The main counter he used was a sliding step spinning back kick that nailed me a bunch of times.

Cut to the side and follow with a front leg turning kick. Or right as he is turning on the back kick slide in with a cut kick motion to trap him.

Hope this helps.

[feral00]

In terms of movement I have found side stepping and circling to be far superior to straight in and out. When somebody tries to enter don't move back but move to the side. This works well for me, but I'm more of a puncher anyway so what do I know.

[MMAMickey]

listen to feral.. circling > linear movement

[marcusdbrutus]

Wait until he rushes in to kick you, and then punch him right in his fucking nose.

[MMAMickey]

Wait until he rushes in to kick you, and then punch him right in his fucking nose.

LOL, this is the answer I tried to avoid giving.. Point fighters don't tend to like violence

[feral00]

Oh point fighting, how I miss the DQs

[Alucard619]

In terms of movement I have found side stepping and circling to be far superior to straight in and out. When somebody tries to enter don't move back but move to the side. This works well for me, but I'm more of a puncher anyway so what do I know.

That's pretty good advice. I meant to add about punching. Aside from sheer raw strength, punch the other guy strong enough he'll think twice before rushing in close. I've seen many fighters stopped dead in their tracks and freeze up because they got punches a lot.

Wait until he rushes in to kick you, and then punch him right in his fucking nose.

LOL if only man. Though you may be able to get away with it, depending on how attentive the ref is.

[korean dragon]

In terms of movement I have found side stepping and circling to be far superior to straight in and out. When somebody tries to enter don't move back but move to the side. This works well for me, but I'm more of a puncher anyway so what do I know.

The problem wasn't that I didn't circle, we both were the problem was that he was angleling off from so far away that everytime I tried to attack him he would counter me.

the best way I can explain it is that when I tried to attack him coming in he'd change his angle to counter me before I could adjust.

[svt2026]

Sounds like you need to gain speed. Im 6ft 195lbs and I think Im way to heavy and slow for TKD style sparring. Never had success and always went agains shorter faster oponents. Or maybe I just suck. IDK