Clinch exits and close-range kicks

Setup

1. Pairs matched by size, age and experience, in full protective gear, spread out on a clear mat.
2. Remind the group: in World Taekwondo rules, grabbing, holding and pushing are gam-jeom (penalty) actions, so this drill teaches getting out, not holding on. Check the current World Taekwondo competition rules.
3. Contact is controlled throughout; the sabeom supervises every pair.

How it runs

1. Close in: partners step chest to chest with forearms in guard and hands open, not touching or hooking the partner.
2. Pivot exit: R pivots on the front foot to move off the line, keeping the guard high, then kicks a short roundhouse to B's trunk protector from the new angle. Five times, then swap.
3. Step-back exit: R steps straight back as B follows in, and meets the step with a front-leg kick to the trunk. Five times, then swap.
4. Live round at light pace: partners spar and, whenever they end up close, the sabeom calls 'exit' and both must leave the clinch with footwork within a moment.
5. Any knock to the head: stop, take the student out of training and follow your concussion protocol; no return the same day.

Coaching points

• Hands stay open and in guard; touching is fine, gripping is not.
• Move the feet first, then kick; a kick from a square, jammed position has no power.
• Lift the knee high and turn the hip over for the short roundhouse so it lands on the trunk protector.
• Exit to the side where the partner's rear leg is, away from their strongest kick.
• If neither can exit, stop and wait for kalyeo rather than wrestling.

Common mistakes

• Grabbing the partner's arm or hogu to steady themselves, which would be a gam-jeom.
• Pushing off with the hands instead of stepping away.
• Bringing the knee into the body, which becomes a knee strike (another penalty).
• Dropping the guard during the pivot.