Ground Self-Defence – ITF Taekwon-Do Syllabus with Master Patterson (NZ 1st–2nd Dan)

Master Patterson teaches the New Zealand Ground Self-Defence syllabus for 1st–2nd dan — a practical, essential part of realistic ITF Taekwon-Do training.

Ground self-defence is an essential part of a realistic Taekwon-Do syllabus. It prepares you for the moments when a confrontation does not stay standing and you are forced to defend yourself from the ground.

In this class, filmed at an ITFNZ Instructors Course, Master Patterson walks instructors and students through the New Zealand Ground Self Defence Syllabus. This is the required material for 1st to 2nd dan grading in New Zealand, and the video shows exactly how to perform, coach and assess each component.

New Zealand Ground Self Defence Syllabus

For the 1st to 2nd dan grading in New Zealand, candidates must demonstrate a clear understanding of ground self-defence:

• how to fall safely
• how to protect themselves on the ground
• how to escape common positions
• how to return to standing in a controlled way

Master Patterson breaks this down into practical drills that instructors can take straight back to their dojangs.

Why Ground Self-Defence Matters

Real-world situations rarely resemble a sparring match. You may be pushed, tripped or tackled, suddenly finding yourself on the ground in a vulnerable position. Ground self-defence training builds confidence in these scenarios and gives you simple, functional tools to survive, escape and regain your feet.

Rather than focusing on long or complex sequences, the syllabus emphasises principles that work under pressure:

• protect vital targets
• create space
• use the closest weapon to the closest target
• keep moving until you can disengage safely

Fall Well – Learning to Hit the Ground Safely

The first step is learning to fall correctly. The syllabus includes progressive breakfall drills, starting from a low position and building to safe falling from standing. Students learn to:

• protect the head and neck
• absorb impact correctly
• land in a defensive position

Master Patterson demonstrates how to develop these skills step by step so that students gain confidence rather than fear when going to the ground.

Fight Well – Defending Yourself on the Ground

Once falling safely is established, the focus moves to defending effectively from the ground.

Students learn:

• how to keep distance with the legs
• how to kick effectively from the ground
• how to protect vulnerable targets
• how to defend against both standing and grounded attackers

Master Patterson also covers common positions such as mount and side control, showing simple, functional ways to trap, off-balance and create the space needed to escape — emphasising continuous movement as a core principle.

Stand Well – Escaping and Returning to Your Feet

The goal of ground self-defence is always to return to your feet and exit safely. The syllabus includes specific stand-up techniques that keep you protected while rising.

Master Patterson demonstrates:

• posting on the hand or elbow
• planting the front foot
• rising through a stable base
• maintaining guard and awareness while standing

Candidates must show awareness, controlled movement and the ability to avoid being taken down again.

Using This Class in Your Training

This ground self-defence class is ideal for senior ranks and instructors teaching the syllabus in a structured way. It can help you:

• refine your understanding
• improve your drills
• standardise how you teach the syllabus
• build calm, confident ground skills in your students

Combined with consistent dojang practice, this material will strengthen your overall self-defence readiness within ITF Taekwon-Do.

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Grand Master Paul McPhail

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