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) - This is sparring or fighting in Taekwondo.
Kyorugi (교루기) - This is full-contact sparring in Taekwondo. It is also known as Olympic-style sparring.
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 - 주먹질 (jumeokjil) - A technique used to strike an opponent with the fist.
Strike - 쳐지르다 (chyeojireuda) - An attack using any part of the body to strike an opponent.
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 - 앞 차기 (ap chagi) - A kick that is delivered straight ahead.
Side kick - 옆 차기 (yeop chagi) - A kick that is delivered to the side of the body.
Back kick - 뒷 차기 (dwit chagi) - A kick that is delivered to the rear of the body.
Axe kick - 도끼 차기 (dokki chagi) - A kick that is delivered with a swinging motion, using the heel or bottom of the foot.
Spinning hook kick - 스핀 훅 킥 (seupein huk kik) - 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 - 토네이도 킥 (toneido kik) - 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 - 더블 점프 라운드하우스 (deobeul jeompeu raundeuhauseu) - 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.
Triple jump roundhouse - 트리플 점프 라운드하우스 (teuripeul jeompeu raundeuhauseu) - 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 - 트위스트 킥 (teuwiseteu kik) - 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.
