Unlocking Taekwondo: A Comprehensive Guide to Essential Terminology

Taekwondo, the Korean martial art known for its dynamic kicking techniques and emphasis on discipline, boasts a rich vocabulary rooted in Korean language and culture. For practitioners around the globe, understanding these terms is crucial for effective communication, proper technique execution, and a deeper appreciation of the art's heritage. This guide will delve into the key Korean words, commands, and phrases commonly used in Taekwondo training, providing you with a solid foundation for your journey.

Why Learn Taekwondo Terminology?

• Enhanced Communication: Clear communication between instructors and students is vital for effective learning. Knowing the correct terms ensures that you understand instructions and can accurately describe techniques.

• Improved Technique: Understanding the Korean names for stances, blocks, and kicks allows you to visualize and execute them with greater precision.

• Respect for Tradition: Taekwondo is more than just a fighting style; it's a cultural art form. Learning the terminology demonstrates respect for its origins and traditions.

• Global Understanding: Taekwondo is practiced worldwide. Familiarity with Korean terms enables you to train and communicate with practitioners from different countries.

Essential Taekwondo Terminology

To help you get started, here is a list of the most essential Taekwondo terms:

Basic Commands

• Cha-ryeot (차렷): Attention stance. Feet together, hands at your sides, looking straight ahead.

• Kyeong-rye (경례): Bow. A sign of respect and acknowledgement.

• Joon-bi (준비): Ready stance. A balanced stance, typically with one foot slightly forward, ready for action.

• Shi-jak (시작): Begin or start.

• Keuman (그만): Stop.

• Baro (바로): Return to ready stance.

• Swieo (쉬어): At ease or rest.

Stances (Seogi)

• Ap Seogi (앞 서기): Walking Stance. A forward stance with a moderate step.

• Ap Kubi Seogi (앞 굽이 서기): Forward Stance. A long forward stance with the front knee bent and aligned over the ankle.

• Dwit Kubi Seogi (뒤 굽이 서기): Back Stance. A defensive stance with most of the weight on the rear leg.

• Beom Seogi (범 서기): Tiger Stance. A stance where most of the weight is on the back leg, resembling a tiger about to strike.

• Juche Seogi (주체 서기): Horse Stance or Riding Stance. A wide stance with the knees bent, as if riding a horse.

• Moa Seogi (모아 서기): Closed Stance. Feet together.

• Naranhi Seogi (나란히 서기): Parallel Stance. Feet shoulder-width apart, parallel to each other.

Basic Blocks (Makgi)

• Arae Makgi (아래 막기): Low Block. A downward block to protect the lower body.

• Momtong Makgi (몸통 막기): Middle Block. A block to protect the mid-section.

• Eolgul Makgi (얼굴 막기): High Block. A rising block to protect the head.

• Sonnal Makgi (손날 막기): Knife Hand Block. A block using the outer edge of the hand.

• Hecho Makgi (헤쳐 막기): Wedge Block. A block that moves outward from the center.

Basic Kicks (Chagi)

• Ap Chagi (앞 차기): Front Kick. A straight kick to the front, using the ball of the foot.

• Dollyeo Chagi (돌려 차기): Roundhouse Kick. A circular kick that strikes with the instep.

• Yop Chagi (옆 차기): Side Kick. A linear kick to the side, using the outer edge of the foot.

• Dwit Chagi (뒤 차기): Back Kick. A kick delivered over the shoulder to the rear.

• Huryeo Chagi (후려 차기): Hook Kick. A hooking kick that strikes with the heel.

Hand Techniques (Jireugi/Chigi)

• Jireugi (지르기): Punch. A straight punch.

• Momtong Jireugi (몸통 지르기): Middle Punch. A punch to the mid-section.

• Eolgul Jireugi (얼굴 지르기): Face Punch. A punch to the head.

• Chigi (치기): Strike. Any hand strike that isn't a punch.

• Sonnal Chigi (손날 치기): Knife-Hand Strike. A strike using the outer edge of the hand.

Numbers (Sutja)

Knowing how to count in Korean is essential for drills and exercises.

• Hana (하나): One

• Dul (둘): Two

• Set (셋): Three

• Net (넷): Four

• Daseot (다섯): Five

• Yeoseot (여섯): Six

• Ilgop (일곱): Seven

• Yeodeol (여덟): Eight

• Ahop (아홉): Nine

• Yeol (열): Ten

Other Important Terms

• Do Bok (도복): Taekwondo uniform.

• Do Jang (도장): Taekwondo training hall or school.

• Kwan Jang Nim (관장님): Master Instructor.

• Sa Bum Nim (사범님): Instructor.

• Dan (단): Black belt rank.

• Gup (급): Colored belt rank (prior to black belt).

• Hosin Sul (호신술): Self-defense techniques.

• Poomsae (품새): Forms or patterns. A sequence of movements that simulate combat against imaginary opponents.

• Kyorugi (겨루기): Sparring.

• Kyokpa (격파): Breaking. Demonstrating power and precision by breaking boards or other materials.

Tips for Learning and Remembering Terminology

• Consistent Practice: Use the terms regularly during training. The more you hear and use them, the better you'll remember them.

• Visual Aids: Create flashcards with Korean words and their English translations. Use images or diagrams to represent stances and techniques.

• Active Recall: Test yourself frequently. Ask a training partner to quiz you on the terminology.

• Pronunciation Practice: Listen to recordings of native Korean speakers pronouncing the words. Pay attention to the subtle differences in pronunciation. There are many helpful videos online.

• Contextual Learning: Try to understand the meaning and origin of the terms. This will make them more memorable and meaningful.

• Don't Be Afraid to Ask: If you're unsure about a term, don't hesitate to ask your instructor for clarification.

Conclusion

Mastering Taekwondo terminology is an ongoing process. By consistently studying and practicing these terms, you'll not only improve your understanding of the art but also deepen your connection to its rich cultural heritage. Embrace the challenge, and enjoy the journey of learning the language of Taekwondo!

Food for Thought:

• How does learning the Korean terminology enhance your understanding and appreciation of Taekwondo?

• What are some creative ways you can incorporate Korean terminology into your training routine to improve retention?

• Beyond the technical terms, what other aspects of Korean culture can enrich your Taekwondo practice?