Important Korean words you should know as a Taekwondo Practitioner.
You want to learn more about the Korean language and culture since you practice Taekwondo, right? Or perhaps you're just getting started and want to start learning important Taekwondo terms now. You can better acclimate yourself to the language and customs of this martial art by learning and routinely using these Taekwondo terms and expressions. Wishing you luck as you train!
All practitioners of Taekwondo should be familiar with the following key terms and expressions:
Taekwondo (태권도) - This is the name of the martial art itself. It translates to "the way of the foot and fist."
Dojang (도장) - This is the training hall where Taekwondo is practiced.
Kup (급) - This is a rank or grade in Taekwondo. The colored belts that practitioners wear indicate their kup.
Dan (단) - This is a higher level of rank in Taekwondo, typically indicated by a black belt.
Poomsae (품새) - These are the forms or patterns that practitioners perform in Taekwondo. They are a series of movements that simulate combat situations.
Gyeorugi (겨루기), also spelled Kyorugi - This is sparring in Taekwondo. Olympic-style sparring is full-contact gyeorugi with protective gear and electronic scoring.
Dobok (도복) - This is the white uniform that Taekwondo practitioners wear.
Charyeot (차렷) - This is the command to stand at attention.
Kyong Ye (경례) - This is the bow that practitioners perform as a sign of respect.
Hello - 안녕하세요 (annyeonghaseyo) - Taekwondo practitioners often bow and say "annyeonghaseyo" when they meet each other or their instructor.
Goodbye - 안녕히 가세요 (annyeonghi gaseyo) - Taekwondo practitioners often say "annyeonghi gaseyo" when they leave the Dojang (training hall).
Teacher - 사범님 (sabeomnim) - Taekwondo instructors are often referred to as "sabeomnim".
Uniform - 도복 (dobok) - This is the traditional Taekwondo uniform, which includes a white jacket, pants and a belt.
Kick - 차기 (chagi) - Taekwondo is known for its powerful kicks, which are often used for both offensive and defensive purposes.
Block - 막기 (makgi) - A defensive technique used to deflect an incoming attack.
Punch - 지르기 (jireugi) - A technique used to strike an opponent with the fist (주먹, jumeok).
Strike - 치기 (chigi) - An attack using a part of the body other than a punch, such as the knife hand (손날 치기, sonnal chigi) or elbow.
Round house - 돌려차기 (dollyeo chagi) - A common Taekwondo kick that involves turning the body and striking an opponent with the side of the foot.
Front kick - 앞차기 (ap chagi) - A kick that is delivered straight ahead.
Side kick - 옆차기 (yeop chagi) - A kick that is delivered to the side of the body.
Back kick - 뒤차기 (dwi chagi) - A kick that is delivered to the rear of the body.
Axe kick - 내려차기 (naeryeo chagi), also called 도끼차기 (dokki chagi) - A kick that is delivered with a swinging motion, using the heel or bottom of the foot.
Spinning hook kick - 뒤후려차기 (dwi huryeo chagi) - This is a technique in Taekwondo where the practitioner spins around using one leg as an axis and delivers a hook kick with the other leg. It is a powerful and fast technique used for attacking the opponent's head or neck.
Tornado kick - 360도 돌개차기 (360 dolgae chagi) - A Tornado Kick is a dynamic technique in Taekwondo where the practitioner jumps up and spins 360-degrees before kicking with the other leg. It is a flashy and acrobatic technique that can be used to confuse and surprise the opponent.
Double jump roundhouse - This is a technique in Taekwondo where the practitioner jumps up twice before delivering a roundhouse kick. It is used to increase the power and speed of the kick and can be used as part of a combination attack. It builds on the jumping roundhouse, 뛰어 돌려차기 (ttwieo dollyeo chagi); most schools call the double and triple versions by their English names.
Triple jump roundhouse - This is similar to a double jump roundhouse, but the practitioner jumps up three times before delivering the kick. It requires a lot of strength, balance, and agility and is used to surprise and overwhelm the opponent.
Twist kick - 비틀어차기 (biteureo chagi) - A Twist Kick is technique in Taekwondo where the practitioner jumps up and spins 180-degrees before kicking with the other leg. It is a versatile technique that can be used as a defensive move or as an offensive move to attack the opponent's body or head.
Want to see these kicks in action? Watch Master Adrian’s step-by-step axe kick and tornado kick tutorials, or browse all of our free Taekwondo video lessons. You’ll hear these terms every class in our Kids, Teen and Adult Taekwondo programs in Cedar Mill.
