Sammamish Self Defense Program

Our school teaches Tae Kwon Do, Arnis, and Self Defense. Collectively taught, each are complimentary to one another and contributes to developing a proficient and well-rounded Martial Artist.

Traditional styles of Martial Arts have long been regional and taught in purity, with little variation. But as cultures of the world became blended, so too did Martial Arts. In the 1980’s Sa Bum Nim Thomas Zoppi, True Martial Arts founder, progressively began bringing in effective and workable techniques from Masters of other styles around the world to blend with his curriculum. We continue to do so to this very day. The techniques we’ve compiled from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Muay Thai, Judo, Kickboxing, Wrestling, Mixed Martial Arts and other styles make up our Self Defense program.

Self Defense, as we teach it, includes Striking, Release & Escape/Defend, Sticky Hands, Step Spars, Sparring Combinations, Defense against Multiple Opponents, Takedowns, Free Sparring, Ground Sparring & Defense, and Street Fighting.

Striking is a term for the different types of attacks in our curriculum including leg sweeps, leg kicks, elbowing, knees and using all of the workable weapons of your hand. Learning effective Striking also includes knowledge about effective footwork and coming from different levels and angles to deliver the attacks.

Release & Escape/Defend is a programmed response to a series of grabs, chokes and holds practiced over and over again to make the reaction instinctual and without hesitation. The Escape is a quick release before the aggressor can develop a strong grip on their attack. The Defend is a series of moves used to fight out of a firmly established attack.

One of the first sparring drills we learn is called Sticky Hands, but it is far from basic. Sticky hands comes from a popular, ancient Chinese martial art called Wing Chun which specializes in close-range combat. The idea of “sticking” to the opponent is practiced through maintaining contact with each other’s hands and forearms while executing techniques, thereby training each other to sense changes in pressure, momentum and “feel”. The increased sensitivity gained from this drill helps a practitioner attack and counter an opponent’s movements and find defensive gaps.

Step Spars is drill used to simulate a situation where an aggressor throws a punch and the practitioner blocks the punch and then counter attacks to an instructed target area or vital area on the aggressor’s body with an effective technique of their choice. This exercise teaches areas on the body to aim for in a self defense situation and provides practice for targeting accuracy and correct distancing.

Sparring Combinations are a predetermined sequence of 3 techniques that blend together to make an effective attack against an opponent that is difficult to defend against. It starts with an entry technique followed by a technique that closes the distance and concludes with a finishing blow. Repetitive practice makes the combinations instinctual and more proficient.

We work a series of techniques to prepare for Defense against Multiple Opponents, including “funneling” opponents into a line so you only face one at a time, shielding yourself by using the opponents against each other, and “disappearing” when surrounded while taking minimal damage in the process.

Takedowns are a maneuver in which an opponent is swiftly brought to the ground from a standing position. To accomplish this, we utilize throws, sweeps, trips, and joint manipulation. These techniques come from various Martial Arts styles including Judo, Arnis, MMA and Wrestling.

Free Sparring is a partner drill where students practice Tae Kwon Do-based combat in an organized environment. You’re expected to be able to control your technique with precise accuracy and recoil the motion within an inch or barely penetrating into the person’s targeted area. It’s great practice for self defense situations plus a fantastic workout.

Many different aspects of Ground Sparring & Defense are a part of our curriculum, including Mounts (controlling your partner on the ground), Guards (defending and controlling your partner from the bottom position on the ground), Sweeps (gaining top position from bottom position), Escaping Mounts, Guard Passes (getting past the guard), Submissions, and Submission Defense. These techniques come from MMA and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Upper Ranks practice Street Fighting, which is a controlled sparring drill where just about anything goes as long as you exercise great control of your technique and don’t hurt your partner. All targets on your opponents are valid and all parts of your body can be used as weapons. The purpose of street fighting is to simulate reality-based self defense. All aspects of defense are utilized from standing, to clinching, to takedowns, to fighting on the ground.