This question comes from James in Tennessee, USA:
One man feeds a spin hook attack and the other responds by shifting the head back and countering with a round kick in place. The kick ideally hits the opponants abdomen as they are delivering the spinn hook. ( @ the same time). I have always moved back or to the side when an opponant spins backward to manuver away from powerful kicks but, this counter is quite impressive and Id like to incorperate it. My questiion is this, How can you tell if the kick is going to be a spin hook or a spin back when they begin that backwards turn? As cool is this particular response is it just looks like a bad idea to remain relativly stationary and chance getting the wind knocked out of you by a spin back kick. There must be something else too it that I havn't noticed or had explained to me.
My response:
How do we know when the they are throwing a back kick or a spin hook kick is the ultimate question? The answer is not in perfecting the drills and trying to determine body position, leg position, etc. The answer is in the ability to read your opponent properly before he has attacked. It is very difficult, in high level competition, to distinguish between a spin hook kick and a back kick attack, and then counter attack appropriately. And, if you take a chance and make the wrong decision, either kick can knock you flat on your back.
Again, the answer is to read your opponent. From the beginning of the match, you should have an idea of what your opponent likes to attack with or counter attack with. "Check" your opponent. This means fake like you are attacking to see how they respond. Remember it. Remember how they counter attacked when you really attacked.
You should always try and watch your opponents fight before you have to fight them. I understand that this is not always possible, especially at Nationals or Qualifying events. If you did get to see them fight, take note as to how the opponent attacks and counter attacks Maybe your opponent only throws back kicks to counter attack, or spin hook kicks. Once we have an idea on how our opponent likes to attack and counter attack, then we can be more confident choosing the techniques we've practiced during our hogu drills.
Practice both ways to counter the spin hook kick and the back kick, so that way you have both tools available to you at all times.
Personally, if my opponent was strong at spinning (back kick or hook kick), I was always very cautious. I would "check" to get this particular opponent to release the kick, then I would move laterally or backward, then immediately counter with a round kick or bada chagi. If my opponent was shorter than me, then I would remain stationary and trust my speed and reach to score before my opponents technique could land.
Good luck with your training!
Duncan Richardson
Chief Master Instructor
