These are some of the Taekwondo terms that we use in our Korean Martial Arts (Taekwondo/Hapkido) Classes at the Dragon Gym in Exton, PA.
BASIC KOREAN TERMS
| English | Korean Transliteration | English | Korean Transliteration |
| Grand Master | Kwan Jang Nim | Martial Arts | Moo Do |
| Master Instructor | Sa Bum Nim | Martial Artist | Moosa |
| Assistant Master | Bo Sa Bum Nim | Form/Pattern | Poomsae |
| Chief Instructor | Su Suk Kyo Bum Nim | Uniform | Dobalk |
| Instructor | Kyo Bum Nim | Flags | Kukki |
| Team Captain | Bo Kyo Bum Nim | Front | Ap |
| Hello, How Are You | Ahn Yong Ha Shim Nika | Back | Di |
| Thank You | Kum Sa Hum Nida | Side | Yup |
| School/Training Area | Dojang | Kick | Chuggi |
| Block | Makki | Breaking | Kyuk Pa |
| Reverse | Bon Dae | Jump Reverse | Edan Bon Dae |
| Tumbling | Nak Bup | Jumping | Edan |
| Right | Oren Pyon | Left | Wen Pyon |
BASIC KICKS
| Front Kick | Ap Chuggi | Side Kick | Yup Chuggi |
| Roundhouse Kick | Doleya Chuggi | Front Hook Kick | Ap Whollegi |
| Inside Crescent Kick | Ahn Chuggi | Back Kick | Di Chuggi |
| Outside Crescent Kick | Bakka Chuggi | Back Hook Kick | Di Whollegi |
BLOCK AND HAND TECHNIQUES
| English | Korean Transliteration | English | Korean Transliteration |
| High Block | Ul GuI Makki | Knife Hand Block | Sohn Nal Makki |
| Low Block | Arae Makki | Low Knife Hand | Arae Sohn Nal Makki |
| Inside Block | Ahn Makki | Spear Hand | Sohn Goot |
| Outside Block | Bakka Makki | Punch | Jiragee |
| Palm Block | Batang Sohn Makki | Scissor Block | Galwe Makki |
| Hammer Fist | Ma Chu Mok | Double Outside Block | Hetcha Makki |
| Back Fist | Dung Chu Mok | Ridge Hand | Dung Sohn Nal |
| Double High Outside Block | Duel Pol Mok-UI GuI Makki |
BODY PARTS
| Face | UI GuI | ||
| Body | Mom Tong | Hand Knife Edge | Sohn Nal |
| Neck | Mok | Knee | Mor Roop |
| Fist | Chu Mok | Low Area | A Rae |
| Foot | Bal | Elbow | Pal Kup |
STANCES
| Horse Stance | Ja Choom Suggi |
| Back Stance | Di Koop Yi Suggi |
| Front Stance | Ap Koop Yi Suggi |
COMMANDS
| Attention | Cheri Ut | Begin | Shi Chak |
| Salute Flags | Kukki A Chu Mok | As You Were | Barro |
| Meditation | Jang Ja | Stop | Gu Man |
| Bow | Ken Ya | Continue | Gae So |
| Stationary Turn | Di Ro Dora | Attack | Kong Kyuk |
| Ready | Chun Be | Ready Stance | Chun Be |
| Reverse Hand | Sohn Kiote | Reverse Stance | Bal Kiote |
We hope you found this list of taekwondo terms useful!
Using Korean terms in Taekwondo classes serves several important purposes:
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Cultural Respect and Authenticity: Taekwondo is a martial art that originated in Korea. Using Korean terminology honors its cultural heritage and maintains the authenticity of the practice. It's a way of paying homage to the art's roots and preserving its traditions.
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Universal Language: Taekwondo is practiced worldwide, and the use of Korean terms creates a universal language among practitioners. This ensures that students can train in any dojo around the globe and understand commands, techniques, and forms, promoting a sense of global community within the sport.
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Discipline and Mental Training: Learning and using a foreign language requires discipline and mental effort, which are key components of martial arts training. It helps students focus, enhances their memory, and contributes to the overall cognitive development that martial arts promote.
Incorporating Korean terminology into training sessions enriches the learning experience, deepening students' engagement with Taekwondo both as a physical discipline and as a cultural practice.
