Taekwondo Terminology – Learn Korean Martial Arts Terms | Shiba Taekwondo, Clearfield UT
Understanding Korean Martial Arts Terminology in Taekwondo
At Shiba Taekwondo, we believe that learning the language of Taekwondo is just as important as mastering the techniques. Korean is the official language of Taekwondo, and understanding core terminology helps students build confidence, communicate in class, and appreciate the art’s cultural heritage.
Whether you're new to martial arts or preparing for your next belt test, this comprehensive list of Taekwondo Korean commands and terms will help you stay sharp and informed as you train.
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Easily review terms at home or on the go with our downloadable reference sheet.
Essential Korean Commands in Taekwondo
These are the most commonly used commands during class and testing at Shiba Taekwondo:
- Attention: Charyot
- Bow: Kyung-Nae
- Ready Stance: Choon Bi
- Begin: Sijak
- Stop: Geomahn
- Return to Ready Position: Bahro
- Relax: Shi-uh
- Switch Stance: Bal-Bahko
- Turn Around: Dwi-Dolya
General Martial Arts Terms
Build your vocabulary with these important foundational words used throughout training:
- Yell/Shout (for power & focus): Kihap
- Uniform: Dobok
- Belt: Dhee
- Training Gym: Dojang
- Black Belt Degree: Dan
- Instructor (Black Belt): Kyosanim
- Master Instructor: Sabumnim
- Grandmaster or School Owner: Kwanjangnim
The Four Disciplines of Taekwondo
Students at Shiba Taekwondo train across multiple disciplines to gain a well-rounded martial arts education:
Forms (Patterns): Poomsae
Sparring: Kyorugi
Self-Defense: Hosinsool
Breaking (Boards or Objects): Kyeokpa
Stances in Taekwondo (Soogi)
Understanding stances is key to balance, power, and movement:
- Attention Stance: Charyot Soogi
- Walking Stance: Ahp Soogi
- Front Stance: Ahp Kubi
- Back Stance: Dwi Kubi
- Horse-Riding Stance: Choochum Soogi
- Fighting/Ready Stance: Kyorugi Choonbi
- Left Stance (O Jang): Wen Soogi
- Right Stance (O Jang): Oren Soogi
- Tiger/Cat Stance: Beom Soogi
- Crane Stance: Hakdari Soogi
Taekwondo Kicks (Chagi)
Kicking is a signature part of traditional Taekwondo. Learn these common techniques:
- Front Kick: Ahp Chagi
- Roundhouse Kick: Dolyo Chagi
- Side Kick: Yop Chagi
- Back Kick: Dwi Chagi
- Crescent Kick: Bandal Chagi
- Axe Kick: Nahryo Chagi
- Hook Kick: Huryo Chagi
Punches & Hand Strikes (Chigi)
These hand techniques are used for sparring, forms, and self-defense:
- Middle Punch: Momtang Chigi
- High Punch: Eolgol Chigi
- Low Punch: Ahrae Chigi
- Back Fist Punch: Dwijibo Chigi
- Side Punch: Yop Chigi
- Hammer Fist: Dung Choomuk
- Knife Hand Strike: Sonkal Chigi
- Downward Knife Hand: Nahryo Sonkal Chigi
- Ridge Hand: Sonkal Dung
- Elbow Strike: Palkup Chigi
Blocks (Mahkki)
Proper blocking is vital for self-defense and competition:
- High Block: Eulgol Mahkki
- Low Block: Ahrae Mahkki
- Middle Block (Outside to Inside): Momtong Mahkki
- Outer Block (Inside to Outside): Bahkat Mahkki
Korean Numbers for Taekwondo Practice
These terms are used during forms competition, including official events under USA Taekwondo or World Taekwondo:
Ordinal Numbers (Rank/Position):
- 1st: Il
- 2nd: Ee
- 3rd: Sam
- 4th: Sa
- 5th: O
- 6th: Yuk
- 7th: Chil
- 8th: Pol
Cardinal Numbers (Counting):
- One: Hana
- Two: Dool
- Three: Set
- Four: Net
- Five: Dasut
- Six: Yuhsut
- Seven: Ilgop
- Eight: Yuhdool
- Nine: Ahop
- Ten: Yool
Sparring Commands (Kyorugi)
During Olympic-style sparring classes or tournaments, these terms are used:
- Stop/End of Round: Geomahn
- Break (Separate): Kal Yeo
- Continue: Kae Sok
- Blue: Chung
- Red: Hung
- Penalty: Gahmjang
- Chest Protector: Hogu
Poomsae Competition Terms
These terms are used during forms competition, including official events under USA Taekwondo or World Taekwondo:
- Enter the Mat: Chool-Jeon
- Attention: Charyot
- Bow: Kyung-Nae
- Ready Position: Choonbi
- Begin Poomsae: Shijak
- Return to Start: Bahro
- Wait for Score: Pyo-Chul
Why Learn Korean Martial Arts Terms?
Learning Korean Taekwondo terminology helps students:
- Understand instructor commands during class
- Prepare for belt tests and competition
- Show respect for Taekwondo’s cultural roots
- Feel more confident and connected in their martial arts journey
At Shiba Taekwondo, we make sure students of all ages can understand, pronounce, and apply these terms in real time during training.
Start Your Martial Arts Journey in Clearfield, UT
Whether you're a beginner learning your first commands or an advanced student refining your Poomsae, Shiba Taekwondo in Clearfield, UT is here to guide you.