General Terminology

Italicized text in quotations following the Hangul is the approximate phonetic pronunciation. Some entries also contain Hanja following the Hangul after a slash.

Taekwondo
The Way Of Kicking & Punching
태권도 / 跆拳道
“Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh”

A martial art system developed in the Republic of Korea after World War II.

Featuring influences from native Korean martial arts as well as Japanese Karate-Do and Chinese Quanfa (kung fu), it specializes in powerful and dynamic kicking techniques while also including punches, elbows, knees, take downs and immobilization / pain compliance holds.

Originally named 唐手道 / 당수도 Tang Soo Do, then 태수도 / 跆手道 Tae Soo Do before the name Taekwondo was officially enforced in 1955. Please read the relevant entries below for further info.

Commonly abbreviated as TKD.

Each word can be simply translated as:

• Tae: 태 “Teyh” - To Strike With The Foot

• Kwon: 권 “Gwuhn” - To Strike With The Fist

• Do: 도 “Doh” - The Way Of

Tae is the Korean spelling and pronunciation of the Chinese 跆 Tai which means “To Trample” or “To Kick” when spelled this way, not to be confused with the 태 / 太 Tai of 태극 / 太極 Taegeuk, where it means “Supreme”.

Kwon is more accurately Romanized as Gweon (“Gwuhn”), and is the Korean spelling and pronunciation of the Chinese 拳 Quan/Chuan (as in 太极拳 Taijichuan), which means “Fist” or “Boxing”.

Do is the Korean spelling and pronunciation of the Chinese 道 Tao, which means “The Way Of”.

This is why it is sometimes translated as “The Way Of Destroying With The Foot And Punching With The Fist” or something similar.

Written as “Taekwondo” when in reference to the World Taekwondo (WT) Kukkiwon style.
Written as “Taekwon-Do” when in reference to International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) Chang-Heon style.

Associations

Kukkiwon
World Taekwondo Academy Headquarters
국기원 / 國技院
“Koog-Kee-Wuhn”

Located in 서울 대한 민국 Seoul (“Suh-Ool”), Republic of Korea.

Made up of the words 국기 / 國技 “kukki” (national) and 원 / 院 “won” (academy or institution), the Kukkiwon was originally formed to be the national dojang for Taekwondo in South Korea, though it later expanded to be representative of all countries.

Founded by the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA), construction of the main building commenced on November 19th, 1971 and was completed on November 30th, 1972 with the organization being officially named on February 6th, 1973.

The Original 9 Kwans of Taekwondo all officially endorse and adhere to Kukkiwon Taekwondo after signing The Unification Proclamation.

The Kukkiwon is responsible for setting all standards for the various facets of Taekwondo as well as certifying Black Belts.

The building regularly hosts competitions, discussions, Black Belt Dan tests and also includes a museum detailing the history of the martial art.

The President of the Kukkiwon is currently 이동섭 관장님 Grandmaster Lee Dong-Sup.

The style associated with the Kukkiwon is called 국기원 태권도 Kukkiwon Taekwondo / Kukki Taekwondo.

Commonly abbreviated as KKW.

https://www.kukkiwon.or.kr/

World Taekwondo
Segye Taekwondo
세계 태권도
”Say-G’yay Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh”

Headquarters located in 서울 대한 민국 Seoul, Republic of Korea.

Established on May 28, 1973, World Taekwondo (WT) is the International Federation (IF) governing the sport of Taekwondo and is a member of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) and International Paralympic Committee (IPC).

The first President of the World Taekwondo Federation was 김운용 Kim Un-Young (1931 - 2017).

WT has 211 national member associations spanning 5 continents, including Taekwondo Canda (headquartered in Ottawa, Ontario).

The President of World Taekwondo is currently 조정원 관장님 Grandmaster Choue Chung-Won, who has held the position since 2004.

Prior to 2017 World Taekwondo was known as the 세계 태권도 연맹 World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).

World Taekwondo does not promote or certify anyone as a black belt nor has it ever, this duty has been handled by the Kukkiwon ever since it was established. The only exceptions are ceremonial ranks given to high ranking politicians and/or religious figures. People claiming to have a WT or WTF Black Belt are either misinformed or have been misled.

Commonly abbreviated as WT.

http://www.worldtaekwondo.org/

International Taekwon-Do Federation
Kukje Taekwon-Do Yeonmaeng
국제 태권도 연맹
”Koog-Jay Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh Yuhn-Meyhng”

Established on March 22nd, 1966 by 최홍희 General Choi Hong-Hi (“Chway Hohng-Hee”), the ITF was founded to promote and encourage the growth of Taekwon-Do across the globe.

창헌 Chang-Heon (“Chahng-Huhn”) was the pen name of General Choi.

The style associated with ITF is called 창헌 태권도 Chang-Heon Taekwon-Do.

After the death of General Choi in June of 2002 the ITF split into multiple rival factions, all using the name International Taekwon-Do Federation.

• Faction headquarters: Vienna, Austria - Grandmaster Ri Yong-Son as President.

• Faction headquarters: Lussane, Switzerland - Grandmaster Paul Weiler as President.

• Faction headquarters: Harlington, United Kingdom - Grandmaster Choi Jung-Hwa, son of General Choi, as President.

• Faction headquarters: Sejong City, Republic of Korea - Grandmaster Oh Chang-Jin as President.

Written as “Taekwon-Do” rather “Taekwondo” when referring these organizations.

Commonly abbreviated as ITF.

https://itftkd.sport/ (President Paul Weiler)

https://www.itf-tkd.org/ (President Ri Yong-Son)

https://www.itftaekwondo.com/ (President Choi Jung-Hwa)

https://www.itfofficial.org/ (President Oh Chang-Jin)

Korea Taekwondo Association 🇰🇷
Hangug Taekwondo Hyeobhoe
한국 태권도 협회
“Hahn-Goog Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh H’yuhb-H’way”

Located in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

During the Korean War (1950 - 1953) several martial arts leaders agreed to form an alliance called the 한국 공수도 협회 Korea Kong Soo Do Association. The founders include: Ro Byeong-Jik, Yoon Kwae-Byung, Son Duk-Sung, Lee Nam-Suk, Lee Chong-Woo, Hyun Jong-Myung, Jo Young-Joo and Kim In-Hwa. Many senior Kwan members were tested for 3rd Dan and 4th Dan in this time. Due to disagreements amongst members, the organization dissolved within a couple of months.

Established as the 한국 당수도 협회 Korea Tang Soo Do Association in 1959 to promote unified martial sport and martial art in South Korea.

In the early 1960s it was renamed to the 한국 태수도 협회 Korea Taesoodo Association before later finally being renamed to the Korea Taekwondo Association.

The first president of the KTA was 최홍희 General Choi Hong-Hi, who is also credited with coming up with and aggressively promoting the name “Taekwondo”.

The President of the KTA is currently Grand Master Yang Jin-Bang.

Commonly abbreviated as KTA.

https://www.koreataekwondo.org/

World Kangjin Taekwondo
Segye Kangjin Taekwondo Yeonmaeng
세계 강진 태권도 연맹
"Say-G’yay Kahng-Jeen Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh Yuhn-Meyhng"

Established by 이동희 관장님 Master Lee Dong-Hee in 2022.

WKT is a primarily adult focused organization which trains Taekwondoin to use their skills in more practical situations as well as in professional/amateur kickboxing. The association issues its own Dan certificates separate from the Kukkiwon.

https://wktkd.com/
https://www.youtube.com/@LDHTKD

World Combative Taekwondo Union
Segye Gyeogtu Taekwondo Yeonmaeng
세계 격투 태권도 연맹
"Say-G’yay G’yuhg-Too Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh Yuhn-Meyhng"

Established by 정인철 관장님 Grandmaster Jeong In-Choul in 2022.

WCTU specializes in helping Taekwondoin adapt their skill set for use in non-sport fighting situations.

https://www.combativetaekwondo.com/

Taekwondo Canada 🇨🇦
Taekwondo Kaenada
태권도 캐나다
“Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh Keyh-Nah-Dah”

Established in 1981.

The official National Member Association for Kukkiwon and Olympic Taekwondo in Canada.

Grand Master Ha Kee-Seong is currently the President of Taekwondo Canada.

Master Wayne Mitchell is currently the Vice President of Taekwondo Canada.

https://taekwondo-canada.com/

Sask WT Taekwondo Association 🌾🇨🇦
Saseukeu Taekwondo Hyeobhoe
사스크 태권도 협회
“Sah-Soo-Koo Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh H’yuhb-H’way”

Grand Master Ha Kee-Sang (9th Dan, Han Moo Kwan) & Grand Master Kim Sung-Ju (9th Dan, Chang Moo Kwan) established Sask WTF Association Inc. in 1981 after owning and operating schools in the province beginning in 1973.

In 2017 Sask WTF Association Inc. was renamed to Sask WT Taekwondo Association to reflect the renaming of World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) to World Taekwondo (WT).

This is the official Provincial Sport Organization (PSO) for Olympic Taekwondo in Saskatchewan, Canada. More commonly known as Sask TKD or Sask WT. It is a member of Taekwondo Canada.

The President of Sask WT is currently Kathy Spenst.

The Vice President of Sask WT is currently Master Susanne Mitchell.

https://www.sasktaekwondo.com/

There are currently 18 schools in the association:

• Canora (x1)
  - Kees Taekwondo

• Kipling (x1)
  - Kim’s Taekwondo

• Melfort (x1)
  - Kees Taekwondo

• Moose Jaw (x2)
  - Kim’s Taekwondo
  - Yom Chi Taekwondo Academy

• North Battleford (x1)
  - North Battleford Taekwondo Academy

• Outlook (x1)
  - Sask. River Taekwondo

• Regina (x5)
  - Artisan Taekwondo
  - Folk’s Taekwondo
  - Kim’s Taekwondo
  - Paragon Taekwondo
  - U of R Taekwondo

• Saskatoon (x2)
  - Kees Taekwondo
  - FUN Taekwondo

• Shaunavon (x1)
  - Shaunavon Taekwondo

• Swift Current (x2)
  - Swift Current Christian Taekwondo
  - Velocity Taekwondo

• Yorkton (x1)
  - Kees Taekwondo

North Battleford Taekwondo Academy
Noseu Baeteulpodeu Taekwondojang
노스 배틀포드 태권도장
”Noh-Soo Beyh-Tool-Poh-Doo Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh-Jahng”

Established in 2016. NBTKDA focuses on modern sport sparring and pattern competition while presenting skill application in a pragmatic and realistic fashion. Olympic Rules Sparring skill is required for all colour belt students from Yellow Belt and up. Open Rules Sparring skill is required for colour belt students from Brown Belt and up. Sport Poomsae skill is required for all students from White Belt and up.

Commonly abbreviated as NBTKDA.

Styles:

• 국기원 태권도 Kukkiwon Taekwondo

• 올림픽 태권도 Olympic Taekwondo

• 실전 태권도 Practical Taekwondo

Places

Dojang
Martial Arts Training Hall
도장 / 道場
“Doh-Jahng”

The place where you practice The Way. Anywhere can be a dojang — you don’t need a big facility and equipment to train, just the proper mindset and access to quality instruction or feedback.

The word 道場 “dojo” is only used when referring to somewhere that a Japanese style of martial arts practice takes place. Please don’t use it in relation to Taekwondo, which is Korean.

Daehan Mingug 🇰🇷
Republic of Korea (aka South Korea)
대한 민국
“Deyh-Hahn Meen-Goog”

While the area had its first kingdom around the year 2333 BCE the Republic of Korea was established on August 15th, 1948 CE. The capital city is Seoul and the population is approximately 51.7 million people.

Associated with the Kukkiwon / World Taekwondo (WT) style of TKD.

South Korea is informally referred to as Namhan 남한 “Nahm-Hahn”.
Korea is a whole is informally referred to as Hangug 한국 “Hahn-Goog”.

Associated with the Kukkiwon / WT style of TKD.

Joseon Minjujuui Inmin Gonghwagug 🇰🇵
Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (aka North Korea)
조선 민주주의 인민 공화국
“Joh-Suhn Meen-Joo-Joo-Ooee Een-Meen Gohng-H’wah-Goog”

While the area had its first kingdom around the year 2333 BCE the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea was established on September 9th, 1948 CE. The capital city is Pyongyang and the population is approximately 25.5 million people.

Despite its name, the country is not a democracy.

North Korea is informally referred to as Bukhan 북한 “Boog-Hahn”.
Korea is a whole is informally referred to as Hangug 한국 “Hahn-Goog”.

Associated with the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) style of TKD.

Canada 🇨🇦
Kaenada
캐나다
”Keyh-Nah-Dah”

Established on July 1st, 1867. The capital city is Ottawa and the population is approximately 38 million people.

Taekwondo was first introduced to Canada in 1964 by the late Grand Master Lee Chong-Soo (9th Dan, Ji Do Kwan, 1938 - 2017).

The first Canadian National Taekwondo Championships were held in 1977.

The President of Taekwondo Canada is currently Grand Master Ha Kee-Seong (9th Dan), the younger brother of Saskatchewan’s Grand Master Ha Kee-Sang (9th Dan).

Taekwondo Canada is commonly abbreviated as TC.

North Battleford, Saskatchewan
Noseu Baeteulpodeu, Seoseukaecheowon
노스 배틀포드 서스캐처원
”Noh-Soo Beyh-Tool-Poh-Doo, Suh-Soo-Keyh-Chuh-Wuhn”

Established in 1906, North Battleford is a city in west-central Saskatchewan, Canada. It is the seventh largest city in the province and is directly across the North Saskatchewan River from the Town of Battleford. Together, the two communities are known as "The Battlefords".

Martial arts disciplines trained in the community under professional associations include Taekwondo, Karate, Boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and Judo however there is also a strong independent representation of enthusiasts branching into other styles with both amateur and professional level fighters.

Martial Arts Styles

Muye
Martial Arts
무예
“Moo-Yay”

무예 - Muye - Martial Arts
무술 - Musul - Martial Techniques
무도 - Mudo - Martial Way

Martial arts are codified systems and traditions of combat practiced for a number of reasons such as self-defense; military and law enforcement applications; competition; physical, mental, and spiritual development; entertainment; and the preservation of a nation's intangible cultural heritage.

The etymology of “martial” comes from the Roman God of War, Mars — also known as the Greek equivalent Ares.

Kukki Taekwondo
국기 태권도
“Koog-Kee Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh”

Kukki Taekwondo (with the word 국기 “kukki” meaning “national”) is the official TKD style of South Korea and is associated with the Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo Academy).

Kukki TKD incorporates a variety of striking techniques and a limited amount of stand up grappling techniques, of which a primarily kick focused subsection are permitted during Olympic Taekwondo style competition.

Olympic Taekwondo
Ollimpik Taegweondo
올림픽 태권도
“Ohl-Lihm-Pihk Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh”

A martial sport.

The approach to Kukkiwon TKD which focuses on applying dynamic kicking attacks with evasion based counter fighting. Not all Kukki TKD techniques are permitted in this sport, in fact the rules are made specifically to encourage exciting, fast paced matches with spins, jumps and high kicks.

Contrary to popular belief, World Taekwondo Olympic Taekwondo does not represent the totality of what the Kukki style offers, however the majority of Taekwondojangs focus on the sport side of things which leaves everything else undeveloped to the point of uselessness in a lot of cases.

Chang-Heon Taekwondo
창헌 태권도
"Chahng-Huhn Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh"

창헌 Chang-Heon was the pen name of 최홍희 General Choi Hong-Hi (“Chway Hohng-Hee”), who is primarily responsible for the invention of the word Taekwondo, and is associated with the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF).

Chang-Heon TKD features a variety of striking techniques with a heavy emphasis on using Sine Wave Theory in its patterns and basic movements.

Sine Wave does not seem to manifest itself in any way during ITF full contact kyorugi.

Siljeon Taekwondo
Practical Taekwondo
실전 태권도
”Shil-Juhn Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh”

The approach to Kukkiwon TKD which focuses on applying the skills of the style outside of the Olympic rule set.

Popularized in modern times by 이동희 관장님 Master Lee Dong Hee of World Kangjin Taekwondo and 정인철 관장님 Master Jeong In-Choul of World Combative Taekwondo Union.

Subak
Empty Hand Striking
수박 / 手搏
“Soo-Bahk”

Subak is a Korean martial art which predates the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910 - 1945). It is not related to Taekwondo.

Taekkyeon
Flying Leg Technique
태껸 / 托肩
“Teyh-K’yuhn”

A traditional Korean hand-to-hand fighting style characterized by triangular based footwork which favours kicking attacks.

Other than partially inspiring the naming of “Taekwondo”, the two disciplines do not have a lot in common — though you will hear a number of people claim otherwise.

Gwonbeop
The Law Of The Fist
권법 / 拳法
“G’wuhn-Buhp”

The Korean way to write and pronounce the Chinese 拳法 Quanfa, also known as Gongfu (Kung Fu).

Gweonbeop is a hand to hand fighting style practiced in Korea starting in the 15th century. A precursor to Taekwondo.

Karate-Do
The Way Of The Empty Hand
가라테도 / 空手道
“Ka-La-Tay-Doh”

Originally meaning “The Way Of The Chinese Hand”, Karate is the martial art developed by the people of the 琉球國 Ryukyu Kingdom (1429-1879) which was located in what is now known as the Okinawan Islands.

Karate made its way from China to Okinawa before spreading to mainland Japan during the early 1900s, and from there it flourished into many different 流 Ryu (schools) of unarmed hand-to-hand fighting styles including 松濤館 Shotokan, 糸東流 Shito-Ryu, 和道流 Wado-Ryu, and 剛柔流 Goju-Ryu amongst others.

The name 唐手 Karate which meant “Tang (Chinese) Hand” was changed to be written as 空手 which also is pronounced as Karate but means “Empty Hand” at some point in the 1930s as Japan became more militaristic and nationalistic prior to World War II.

This militarism is also the root of many practices found in martial arts schools including lining up by rank prior to class and then bowing and saluting.

Karate was featured for the first time as a sport in the Summer Olympics at the Tokyo 2020 Games, showcasing 組手 Kumite (non-continuous, no-contact sparring) and 型 Kata (patterns).

It will not be present at the 2024 Paris Games. This is perhaps due in part to the embarrassment of Iran's Sajad Ganjzadeh winning an Olympic Gold Medal after being knocked unconscious by a head kick from Saudi Arabia's Tareg Hamedi in the final of their weight class. It is currently unknown whether or not it will return for the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Games.

Shotokan Karate-Do
The Shoto Way Of The Empty Hand
쇼토칸 가라테도 / 松濤館 空手道
“Shoh-Toh-Kahn Ka-La-Tay-Doh”

松濤館 Shotokan is a Japanese style of 空手道 Karate-Do developed from various Okinawan martial arts by 후나코시 기친 / 船越 義珍 Funakoshi Gichin (1868–1957) in or around 1922.

松濤 Shoto, meaning "pine waves" (the movement of pine needles when the wind blows through them), was Funakoshi's pen name, which he used in his poetic and philosophical writings and messages to his students. Shotokan therefore refers to the Hall of Shoto, which in turn means the School of Funakoshi.

The word 館 “Kan” is 관 “Kwan” in reference to Korean martial arts styles, but stays as 칸 “Kan” for Japanese styles.

Funakoshi Sensei is known as the Father Of Modern Karate and it is his style of Karate that has the most influence on the origins of what would eventually become Taekwondo - in fact, the masters of the Original Kwans were all Karateka and the martial art was originally referred to as Korean Karate. Shotokan’s training mostly consists of 基本 Kihon (Basics), 型 Kata (Forms) and 組手 Kumite (Sparring).

The Japan Karate Association (JKA) has a pretty great saying:

“Kihon is kata is kumite.”

If we were to apply the same mindset to Taekwondo it would be:

“Kibon is poomsae is gyeorugi.”

Kodokan
World Judo Headquarters
고도칸 / 講道館
“Koh-Doh-Kahn”

Presently located in an 8 story building in Tokyo, Japan. The original Kodokan Dojo first opened its doors in 1882 with a mere 9 students in a 12-mat dojo on the grounds of the Eishoji Temple in the Higashi Ueno area of Taito-ku, Tokyo.

“Kodokan” refers to the building in which Judo was originally practiced — “A Place To Study The Way” while “Judo” translates to “The Gentle Way”.

It is made up of the words 講 “Ko”, 道 “Do” and 館 “Kan”.

The word 館 “Kan” is 관 “Kwan” in reference to Korean martial arts styles, but stays as 칸 “Kan” for Japanese styles.

Judo
The Gentle Way
유도 / 柔道
“Yoo-Doh”

Judo is a distillation of Japanese Jujutsu 柔術 which focuses primarily on throwing or tripping a standing opponent but also includes joint locks, chokes and strangles. Judo was developed in or around 1882 by Kano Jigoro 가노 지고로 / 嘉納 治五郎 (1860 - 1938).

The full name of the martial art style is Kodokan Judo.

유 / 柔 Ju means “gentle” or “yielding” and 도 / 道 Do means “the way”. Judo, however, is not a very gentle martial art. The name implies that you are to subdue the aggressor by using their own energy and momentum.

Kukkiwon Taekwondo has a small subset of stand up grappling techniques which are clearly taken from the 40 throws of Kodokan Judo, in fact numerous members of the original 9 Kwans of Taekwondo were trained in the sport with some holding Dan ranks.

Judo has been a sport at the Summer Olympic Games since 1964.

Jujutsu
The Gentle Technique
주짓수 / 柔術
“Joo-Jiht-Soo”

Sometimese written as “Jiu-Jitsu”, particularly when in relation to Brazillian Jiu-Jitsu due to the phonetic interplay when translating Japanese into Portuguese.

Dating back to the 7th century CE, it was developed in Japan for close ranged fighting use on the battlefield, either unarmed or having been forced to use a sidearm such as a sword or short sword.

유 / 柔 Ju means “gentle” or “yielding” and 짓수 / 術 Jutsu means “art” or “technique”.

The more modern martial arts of Judo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu draw their techniques from Jujutsu.

Quanfa
The Law Of The Fist
권법 / 拳法
“Chw’ahn-Fah”

Also known as Gongfu (Kung Fu) or Wushu. Gongfu in actuality translates to “great skill”, so one could have gongfu in wushu.

Quanfa is an umbrella term used to describe hundreds of styles of Chinese hand to hand fighting systems, some ancient and others modern.

Pronounced as Gweonbeop (“G’wuhn-Buhp") when speaking Korean.

Sholimpung
Shaolin Style
소림풍 / 少林流
“Sho-Lihm-Poong”

Shaolin Style Quanfa (Kung Fu), known as Shorin-Ryu Karate-Do in Japanese. A fighting style developed by Chinese monks at the Shaolin Temple, which was built in 495 CE. A root style of martial arts for both Japanese Karate and Korean Taekwondo.

Kong Soo Do
The Way Of The Empty Hand
공수도 / 空手道
“Kohng Soo Doh”

Before the Original 9 Kwans of Kukkiwon Taekwondo were unified the name of “Taekwondo”, 空手道 Kong Soo Do was used to identify their Japanese Karate derived martial arts style.

Tang Soo Do
The Way Of The Chinese Hand
당수도 / 唐手道
“Tahng Soo Doh”

Before the Original 9 Kwans of Kukkiwon Taekwondo were unified the name of “Taekwondo”, 唐手道 Tang Soo Do was used to identify their Japanese Karate (and thus Chinese Quanfa) derived martial arts style.

Tae Soo Do
The Way Of The Warrior Spirit
태수도 / 跆手道
“Teyh Soo Doh”

A name temporarily used between Tang Soo Do and Taekwondo, now adopted by the World Hwa Rang Do Association. Hwa Rang Do 화랑도 is known as The Way Of The Flowering Knights, and is a semi full contact style of Korean martial arts.

Hapkido
The Way Of Coordinated Energy
합기도 / 合氣道
“Hahp-Kee-Doh”

A Korean martial art developed by 최용술 / 崔龍述 Choi Yong-Sool (1904 - 1986) which features striking, standing joint locks and throwing techniques. Spinning Hook Sweep is one of their signature techniques.

Philosophy

Taegeuk
The Unity Of Opposites; Balance; Harmony
태극 / 太極
“Teyh-G’uhg”

Taegeuk refers to the source of everything in the universe and the universal law in which everything continuously goes through cycles of creation and destruction.

The Korean pronunciation of the Chinese word 太極 Tàijí (Tai Chi).

Tae 太 means “bigness” and geuk 極 means “eternity”.

Represented by a circle comprised of the opposite colours of red and blue blending together as seen on the national flag of the Republic of Korea 🇰🇷 (South Korea).

Also called Eum-Yang 음양 (“Oom-Yahng”).

Perhaps better known to most people in the west by its black and white depiction ☯ and Chinese name: 陰陽 Yin Yang (“Yeen-Yahng”).

The Poomsae (patterns) learned by Colour Belts in Kukkiwon Taekwondo are named Taegeuk 1 through Taegeuk 8. Please see Glossary → Poomsae for more information.

Palgwae
Eight Symbols
팔괘 / 八卦
“Pahl-G’weyh”

Palgwae is made up of 8 trigrams intended to illustrate the nature of reality as being composed of mutually opposing forces reinforcing one another. Each trigram is composed of three lines, each either "broken" or "unbroken", which represent 陰 Yin and 陽 Yang (음 Eum and 양 Yang in Korean) respectively as well as many other facets of divination as described in the ancient Book Of Changes, the I Ching 易經 (역경 / Yeoggyeong in Korean) which was published in China some time in the late 9th century, BCE. As far as Taekwondo goes only the element of each symbol and its characteristics is generally mentioned, if at all.

The 8 trigrams are:

☰ ☱ ☲ ☳ ☴ ☵ ☶ ☷

Sky Lake Fire Thunder Wind Water Mountain Earth

Geon Tae Ri Jin Seon Gam Gan Gon
건 태 리 진 선 감 간 곤

Qián Duì Lí Zhèn Xùn Kǎn Gèn Kūn
天 澤 火 雷 水 風 山 地

Prior to 1988, Colour Belts in Kukkiwon Taekwondo learned a series of patterns called Palgwae 1 through Palgwae 8, but were completely replaced by the Taegeuk Poomsae which were developed in 1972.

The Palgwae forms were developed by an appointed committee of the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA) in 1965 with the forms debuting 2 years later in 1967 along with the 9 Yudanja (Black Belt holder) forms. The 8 Palgwae forms take heavy inspiration from the kata of various Karate styles, with many sections being copied directly.

Some schools still require their students to know the Palgwae forms but it isn’t a requirement of Kukkiwon.

There are also 육사괘 Yuksagwae (64 hexagrams) which are made up of one trigram stacked on top of another.

Hongik Ingan
To Broadly Benefit The Human World
홍익인간
”Hohng-Eek Een-Gahn”

Hongik Ingan is the official educational motto of South Korea. It is the founding ideal of 고조선 Gojoseon, which was the first kingdom on the Korean peninsula, established some time around 2333 BCE.

Training

Dobok
Martial Arts Uniform
도복 / 道服
“Doh-Bohg”

A v-neck dobok is the most common style used in Kukkiwon Taekwondo. Poomsae competitors typically use a y-neck uniform. Originally adopted from the Japanese martial arts of Judo and Karate, where it is referred to as a keikogi 稽古着 or dogi 道着, the v-neck style uniform is based on traditional Korean clothing called 한복 hanbok (“hahn-bohg”).

Use this link to visit the uniform purchasing guide.

Tti
Martial Arts Belt
띠
“Tee”

The coloured belt system comes from the Japanese martial art of Kodokan Judo (founded in 1882 by Jigoro Kano), it was adopted into Shotokan Karate and then into Korean martial arts. Curiously, Kano got the idea from swimming instructors tying a black band around the arm of experienced swimmers and a white one around the novice ones.

There is typically some variance in which order the colours of the ten Geup (Grade) ranks are set up prior to the Dan (Level) ranks of black belt. Everyone starts off as a White Belt ranked as 10th Geup and proceeds to 1st Geup prior to 1st Dan.

Kihap
Energy Focus (Potential → Kinetic)
기합 / 氣合
“Kee-Hahp”

The use of the word energy does not refer to anything in the mystical or supernatural sense, but rather to the ability of the body to produce the work needed to accelerate its given mass from rest to its desired velocity. Coordination of the kinetic chain.

A kihap should be loud and expressive without being overly long or shrill. Practically speaking a kihap forces you to exhale when you exert yourself with a technique, which will then prompt the autonomic function of inhaling and so it helps promote proper breathing during training and application rather than the holding of one’s breath.

A strong kihap will also show one’s fighting spirit and will to succeed in the face of adversity.

Do not say “kihap” when you kihap.

Kibon Kisul
Basic Skills
기본 기술
“Kee-Bohn Kee-Sool”

The general pool of fundamental Taekwondo techniques. Most movements can be classified as 방어 기술 Bangeo Kisul (Defensive Techniques) and 공격 기술 Gong-Gyeog Kisul (Offensive Techniques).

Poomsae
Form/Pattern
품새
“Poom-seyh”

Referred to as Hyeong 형 / 形 (“Hyuhng”) until 1971. Spelled as 품세 / 品勢 “pumse” until 1987.

A prearranged series of movements meant to impart martial arts concepts to the individual practicing it. There are many benefits to poomsae practice, including the development of proprioception, balance, strength and speed to name a few. A competitive sport unto itself with divisions of Recognized Poomsae and Freestyle Poomsae.

Recognized Poomsae does have some variance in technical specifications between Kukkiwon style and World Taekwondo sport style but for the most part there is standardization amongst techniques.

Freestyle Poomsae 자유 품새 was introduced as a competitive sport by World Taekwondo in 2012.

International Taekwon-Do Federation patterns are called Teul 틀 (“Tool”) and differ greatly from those of Kukkiwon Taekwondo.

Practitioners of Japanese Karate perform patterns called Kata - 型 (“Kah-Tah") and indeed there are many similar movements and combinations, as Taekwondo is majorly influenced by Shotokan Karate-Do.

Poomsae Bunhae
Poomsae Application
품새 분해
“Poom-Seyh Boon-Heyh”

Sometimes written as “boonhae”.

Deconstructing individual or sequences of movements in poomsae to ascertain their practical applications.

Not meant to be taken as series of movements to use but rather as a series of concepts to adapt according to the situation.

Another name for the practice is 품새 풀이 Poomsae Puri (“Pool-Ee”) which means Poomsae Solution. In Karate this practice is called 形分解 Kata Bunkai (“Kah-Tah Boon-Kaee”).

Kyorugi
Competition Fighting
겨루기
“G’yuh-Roo-Gee”

Kyorugi is a combat sport and should not be thought of as indicative of how one should defend their personal safety in an assault as many of the techniques and tactics are not suitable for non-consensual violence.

Olympic Kyorugi 올림픽 겨루기 is an official sport of the Summer Olympic Games.

Open Kyorugi 자유 겨루기 has no centralized federation or rule set.

Also spelled “Gyeorugi”.

Gyeogpa
Breaking
격파
“G’yuhg-Pah”

Breaking is one of the demonstrative aspects of many martial arts, including Kukkiwon Taekwondo. The breaking of hard objects such as boards can show the technical proficiency, power and accuracy of the practitioner.

Hoshinsul
Self-Defence
호신술
“Hoh-Sheen-Sool”

Effective self-defence techniques are simple and realistic. There is no magical secret.

Many schools across many martial arts styles (Kukkiwon taekwondo, taekwon-do, different forms of karate, tangsoodo, different forms of gong fu, hapkido, aikido, jujutsu, krav maga, etc) disingenuously refer to their martial arts demonstration choreography as self-defence or practice techniques which are overly elaborate and do not work against an aggressive, non-compliant attacker.

It is important to make a distinction between demonstrative choreography and self-defence.

Dach Bal
Anchor Foot
닻 발
”Tah Bahl”

During a kick, Anchor Foot refers to the side of the body which has the foot still in contact with the floor and may or may not pivot, depending on the technique being used. Planted Pivot and Aerial Pivot are the two types of turn.

• Small Pivot - 30°

• Quarter Pivot - 45°

• Half Pivot - 90°

• Three-Quarter Pivot - 135°

• Full Pivot - 180°

• Spinning Pivot - 360°

Pulling Hand
Dang-Gineun Son
당기는 손
“Dahng-Gee-Noon Sohn”

The hand which is placed at the hip or solar plexus during a poomsae style technique. Can also be called 당기 손 Danggi Son.

Its purpose is often misunderstood and/or falsely represented.

When taken as a practical idea, the pulling hand is always meant to have grabbed onto the other person in an attempt to:

• disrupt their balance or posture

• provide proprioceptive feedback

• clear one of their limbs in order to make a path for offensive movements

This hand should never be interpreted as:

• a “guard” posture

• a method of power generation

• a preparatory motion

In Japanese styles of martial art this is referred to as the 引き手 Hiki-Te, which also means Pulling Hand.

"Hiki-Te – pulling hand, the moment you block the opponent's fist, you grab and pull his fist towards you. In doing so, you attack him. The fact that you pull him in towards you means that you are disabling your opponent from using his waza (technique) and making him lose balance. At the same time, the effectiveness of your fist increases; this is most important. It is even more effective if you can pull-in with a twisting motion rather than just pulling."
- Gichin Funakoshi, the Father Of Modern Karate

Ranks & Levels

Geup
Grade
급 / 級
“Koop”

Students begin at White Belt with their rank as 10th Geup (10th Grade) and progress toward 1st Geup (1st Grade) before being eligible to test for Dan ranks.

These ranks are not processed or governed by the Kukkiwon.

Geup Jeung
Grade Certificate
급 증
“Koop Joong”

Students who complete a colour belt rank promotion exam will receive a certificate signed by the master who oversaw the test. Grade certificates are not globally regulated or standardized but rather are issued by individual schools.

Poom
Junior Black Belt Rank
품
“Poom”

Implemented in 1975. Students who are 14 years and younger are promoted to Poom ranks rather than Dan ranks after completing the Kukkiwon’s Black Belt promotion examination.

A Poom belt is half red and half black, not to be confused with the Black Stripe Belt, which shows the rank of 1st Geup.

Junior Black Belt ranks are referred to as 1st Poom, 2nd Poom, etc. rather than 1st Dan, 2nd Dan, etc. with 4th being the highest Poom rank possible.

A 4th Dan Black Belt is considered to be a Master rank but a 4th Poom Black Belt is not.

Poom Jeung
Poom Certificate
품 증
“Poom Joong”

Black Belt certification is completed by the Kukkiwon in Seoul, South Korea. A certificate and identification card are sent from the Kukkiwon to individuals who have successfully completed their promotion examination after being recommended by the master who oversaw the process.

Dan
Level
단 / 段
“Dahn”

In Taekwondo Black Belt levels begin at 1st Dan and proceed to 9th Dan. 10th Dan is typically bestowed posthumously to grand masters who have made great contributions to taekwondo. Typically 4th Dan to 6th Dan are Master rank and 7th Dan to 9th Dan are Grandmaster rank, though it may vary depending on the organization.

1st Dan literally means 1st Level.

Using the Dan as a martial arts rank began around 1883 when the founder of Judo, Kano Jigoro, used it to differentiate between trained students and beginners. Kano borrowed it from the ancient Chinese strategy game “Go”.

Dan Jeung
Dan Certificate
단 증
“Dahn Joong”

Black Belt certification is completed by the Kukkiwon in Seoul, South Korea. A certificate and identification card are sent from the Kukkiwon to individuals who have successfully completed their promotion examination after being recommended by the master who oversaw the process.

People

Taekwondoin
One Who Trains In Taekwondo
태권도인
“Teyh-Gwuhn-Doh-Een”

A person who is actively training in Taekwondo.

While 태권도가 “Taekwondoka” is technically also accurate and has been used, since the 1980s the officially endorsed term is Taekwondoin.

태권도하는 Taekwondohaneun can be considered someone who is a “Taekwondo Player” - a person who engages with TKD mostly as an Olympic sport. You shouldn’t refer to all Taekwondoin as a Taekwondo player.

Yugeupja
Colour Belt Grade Holder
유급자
“Yoo-Goop-Jah”

A person who has begun taekwondo training and thus holds at minimum the rank of 10th Geup.

In Japanese martial arts the name for someone who does not hold a Black Belt Level is 無段者 Mudansha.

Cho Dan Bo
Black Belt Candidate
초단보
“Choh-Dahn-Boh”

The rank between 1st Geup and 1st Dan.

Used as a final preparation point before being tested for a Kukkiwon Black Belt. This rank is not processed by the Kukkiwon and in competition Cho Dan Bo students do not compete with Dan or Poom ranked competitors.

A belt which is black with a white stripe running through its center is worn by students who have reached the rank of Cho Dan Bo.

Yupoomja
Junior Black Belt Level Holder
유품자
“Yoo-Poom-Ja”

Implemented by the Kukkiwon in 1975 for someone who is under the age of 15 and has graduated past 1st Geup Colour Belt.

Poom ranks go from 1st to 4th, with a 4th Poom not being considered a Master rank in the way that 4th Dan is.

A Poom Belt is half red and half black.

Yudanja
Black Belt Level Holder
유단자
“Yoo-Dahn-Ja”

A person who has been promoted to the level of 1st Dan or higher.

In Japanese martial arts the name for a Black Belt Holder is 有段者 Yudansha.

Kodanja
High Black Belt Level Holder
고단자
“Koh-Dahn-Ja”

A person who has been promoted to the level of 6th Dan or higher.

In Japanese martial arts the name for a High Black Belt Holder is 高段者 Kodansha.

Kwan
Martial Arts School
관 / 館
“Gwahn”

This does not refer to a physical location but rather to a collective of people practicing under an instructor.

Kwanjangnim
Head Of School
관장님
“Gwahn-Jahng-Neem”

The head master of a martial arts school.

Sometimes used to refer to a person who is a Grand Master, which is typically 7th Dan and above.

When visiting another dojang the first thing you should do after entering is find and greet the Kwanjangnim.

Sabeomnim
Master Instructor
사범님
“Sah-Buhm-Neem”

Sabeom by itself means master, the suffix “nim” is added as an honourific.

Busabeomnim
Instructor
부사범님
“Boo-Sah-Buhm-Neem”

Skilled students may be asked to help cultivate the abilities of those coming up in ranks behind them.

Kyosanim
Assistant Instructor
교사님
“G’yoh-Sah-Neem”

Skilled students may be asked to help cultivate the abilities of those coming up in ranks behind them.

Seonbaenim
Senior Student
선배님 / 先輩
“Suhn-Beyh-Neem”

An experienced student.

Hubaenim
Junior Student
후배님 / 後輩
“Hoo-beyh-Neem”

A student who does not have a lot of experience.

Simsakwannim
Judge (Rank Promotion Exam)
심사관님
“Sheem-Sah-Gwahn-Neem”

The person who is conducting a Rank Promotion Exam.

Miscellaneous

Seunggeup Siheom
Promotion Exam
승급 시험
“Soong-Goop Shee-Huhm”

The process by which one is graded to see whether or not they are ready to be promoted to a new rank.

Gamsahabnida
Thank You (Formal)
감사합니다
“Gahm-Sah-Hahb-Nee-Dah”

Should be used when thanking someone in a formal setting, whether they be lower, equivalent or higher in rank or experience compared to oneself. Gomawo 고마워 (“Goh-Mah-Woh”) is the informal “thanks”.

Hangul
Korean Alphabet
한글
“Hahn-Guhl”

The Korean alphabet, the modern official writing system for the Korean language. Hangul was invented in 1443 CE by King Sejong of Joseon 조선 세종 (1397 - 1450) and has undergone various reforms in the years since. Hangul is comprised of 24 basic letters: 14 consonants and 10 vowels. There are also 27 complex letters formed by combining the basic letters. Please see the Hangul glossary entry for more info.

ㄱ ㄲ ㄴ ㄷ ㄸ ㄹ ㅁ ㅂ ㅃ ㅅ ㅆ ㅇ ㅈ ㅉ ㅊ ㅋ ㅌ ㅍ ㅎ

ㅏ ㅐ ㅑ ㅒ ㅓ ㅔ ㅕ ㅖ ㅗ ㅘ ㅙ ㅚ ㅛ ㅜ ㅝ ㅞ ㅟ ㅠ ㅡ ㅢ ㅣ