Definition of Tae Kwon Do

Taekwondo is a Korean traditional martial art, that teaches more than physical fighting skills. It is a discipline that shows ways of enhancing our spirit and life through training our body and mind.

It is composed of three parts as shown in the English spelling, though it is one word in Korean.

  • Tae means to kick or strike with the leg or foot.
  • Kwon means fist or strike with the hand.
  • Do means discipline/way of life.

Putting the three parts together, two important concepts behind “Tae Kwon Do” emerge. First, Taekwondo is the right way of using Tae and Kwon “fists and feet” or all the parts of the body that are represented by fists and feet. Second, it is a way to control or calm down fights and keep the peace. This concept comes from the meaning of Tae Kwon “to put fists under control”. Thus, Taekwondo means “the right way of using all parts of the body to stop fights and help to build a better and more peaceful world.

Philosophy

The philosophy of Tae Kwon Do is summarized in the oaths and the tenets.

Membership Oath

  • We, as members will train our spirits and bodies according to the strict code.
  • We, as members, are united in mutual friendship.
  • We, as members, will comply with regulations and obey instructors.
  • We, as members, will meditate and do our best to become patient and strong.

Tenets of Tae Kwon Do

Korean National Flag

The flag of South Korea, called the Taegeukgi, was created in 1882, and symbolizes much of the thought, philosophy, and mysticism of the Orient.

The white background represents peace and purity. It calls to mind the traditional name for Korea, Choson, which means “Land of the Morning Calm”.

The circle in the middle is called taegeuk, which translates as “supreme ultimate”. It is divided equally and in perfect balance. The Yang, which is the red section, represents the positive cosmic forces, while the Um, the blue half, signifies the negative cosmic forces.

These two extreme forces express the eternal dualism of the cosmos. For example: fire and water, day and night, light and dark, construction and demolition, masculine and feminine, active and passive, and hot and cold.

The central thought of the taegeuk and UmYang indicates that while there is constant movement within the sphere of infinity, there is also balance and harmony. This perception influenced the martial arts wisdom of using nonviolence against violence, soft against hard and circle against straight line

The trigrams, or three bars, at each corner of the flag, also carry the ideas of opposition and balance.

Trigram Korean Natural Element
geon heaven
ri fire
gam water
gon earth

Ranks

The International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF) ranking system consists of six color belts: white, yellow, green, blue, red, and black.

Colored belt ranks are called grades, or gup in Korean, whereas black belts are ranked by degree or dan. The process of the color of the belts symbolizes growth. An individual going through the grades will gain understanding of the Tae Kwon Do philosophy and acquire and improve skills and wisdom. To advance from one rank to the next, students complete promotion tests in which they demonstrate their proficiency in the various aspects of the art.

Meanings of the Colors of the Belts

Color Rank Meaning
White 9th Grade Innocence, without worldly knowledge.
Yellow 8th & 7th Grade Gold, an element of the ground.
Green 6th & 5th Grade A plant, growing from the ground.
Blue 4th & 3rd Grade The sky, the arch of Heaven.
Red 2nd Recommended, 2nd Decided, 1st Recommended, 1st Decided The sun, the center of the solar system.
Black 1st through 9th Degree The Universe, the totality of all things that exist.

Other Knowledge

Three Reasons Why We Ki-Hap

Translated as "yell"
  • Helps with focus and concentration.
  • Creates more power by combining mental and physical energy.
  • Intimidates attackers and/or opponents

Focus

Focus is the ability to concentrate on a task, target, technique or instructor during class or testing, and not become distracted. The ability to focus will help improve student achievement and can help prevent injuries and accidents both inside and outside of the do-jang. Students are always expected to pay one-hundred percent attention in class without talking or distracting others.

Discipline

Following a set of rules and expectations can be referred to as discipline. Self-control of one’s thoughts and actions inside and outside of the dojang can be viewed as one of the most important ways of demonstrating discipline. Living the "Martial Arts Way" involves a great deal of discipline, which includes this self-control. The Tenets of Tae Kwon Do, Membership Oath and Student Oath outline the exercises of discipline within Tae Kwon Do.

Respect

Respect involves the act of being considerate, polite, and appreciative. Students are expected to be respectful to seniors, instructors, and other students at all times. Bowing is one way we show this respect and is a tradition of the art. Students are expected to bow upon entering and exiting the do-jang, when stepping on and off the mat, and when greeting a senior belt.

Push-Pull

Push-pull is a technique used in training, where the body parts in motion are moving in opposite directions, giving the movement more power, speed, and balance.

Chung Do Kwan

One of the first schools (kwans) to teach a native Korean style of martial art was opened in 1945 in Yong Chun, Seoul. This gymnasium (do-jang) was named Chung Do Kwan, “School of the Blue Wave”.

Tan-Jun Do

Tan-Jun Do can be translated as the way of breathing from the Tan-Jun, or lower abdomen. Breathing is life, it connects all bodily functions. When breathing correctly, one should inhale through the nose and exhale through the mouth. The stomach should expand when breathing in, and contract when exhaling. If one inhales for five seconds, one should exhale for five seconds. Breathing through the lower abdomen is calming, enabling a controlled and focused state of mind.

Muye Dobo Tongji

In 1789, King Jeongjo (1776-1800), ruler of the Yi dynasty, ordered General Yi Duk-moo to compile an official textbook on all martial art forms present in Korea. The result was the Muye Dobo Tongji. Translated as "Comprehensive Illustrated Manual of Martial Arts" , it is the only surviving classical text on the Korean arts of war.

The Muye Dobo Tongji is an expansion of an earlier work, the Muye Chebo, which focused only on armed combat, and clearly shows the influence of neighboring Japanese and Chinese armies. Through hundreds of wars and invasions, Korean soldiers adapted battlefield skills and tactics from their enemies, creating a unique system. There are four books, organized into twenty-four disciplines, comprised of unarmed combat, weaponry, and horsemanship. The chapter on unarmed combat includes a list of "forms" not unlike Taekwondo forms

Do-Bok

Do-bok is the uniform worn by practitioners of Korean martial arts. Do means “way” and bok means “clothing”. The do-bok is white to represent innocence and willingness to learn. A belt is worn around the do-bok. The color of the belt denotes the rank or grade of the wearer. The belt shall be treated with respect as it is a visual image of all the training, dedication and emotions that went with earning ranks.

History

Taekwondo has been developing with the 5000-year long history of Korea. It began as an amalgamation of unarmed combat styles developed by 3 rival Kingdoms and developed as a way of training body and mind.

Three Major Kingdoms of Korea

Silla

Founded in 57 B.C.E. on the southeastern part of Korea, it was in constant rivalry with their neighbors Paekje and Koguryo. The Silla dynasty went to great lengths in developing strong warriors called "hwarang", practicing Tae Kwon Do, which was an assimilation of Koguryo's "sonbae" system. The Silla kingdom was unusual in that amongst the long line of male sovereigns, two Queens ruled. (Queen Seondeok, Silla's 27th ruler, built temples, schools, renegotiated ties with China and increased the culture and sciences of Korea. She also supported and sponsored the hwarang by sending them to train in China.) Over time, Silla grew to be a great power and eventually, allied with the Chinese T’ang, managed to conquer Paekje in 660 C.E. and then Koguryo in 668 C.E., unifying the Korean peninsula for the first time in history.

Koguryo

Founded in 37 B.C.E. on the northern part of Korea along the Yalu River, Koguryo was surrounded by the hostile Han (Chinese) tribes in the north. Koguryo’s ruling aristocracy was a warrior class, and even in times of peace, combat training was in evidence everywhere. In its initial stage of national foundation, the kingdom organized a strong warrior's corps called "sonbae" in its attempt to consolidate the centralized power. According to scholars of history, the word "sonbae" is a man of virtue who never recoils from fighting. They were highly trained warriors and used Taekkyon as one of the principal subjects of their physical training. It also said that the sonbae lived in groups, learning history and literary arts at home, and going out to construct roads and fortresses for the benefits of society, always devoting themselves to the nation.

Paekje

Paekje was founded in 18 B.C.E. located west of Silla. Throughout its history, it allied with and fought against the other two Korean kingdoms in turn. At its peak in the 4th century, Paekje controlled most of the western Korean peninsula. It became a significant regional sea power, with political and trade relations with China and Japan. The tides turned in 475 C.E. however, when Koguryo managed to capture Seoul from Paekje. In an attempt to contain Koguryo’s attacks, and recover some of its lost territory, Paekje allied itself with Silla. However, as the 500’s wore on, Silla grew more powerful and became as great a threat to Paekje as Koguryo. Eventually in 660 C.E., its defeat by the allied forces of Silla and the Chinese T’ang dynasty, brought an end to Paekje’s rule.

Hwarang- Do

Hwarang-Do is translated as "the way of flowering manhood". The members of this prestigious youth group were between the ages of 16 and 20 and were well trained with the senses of filial piety, loyalty to the kingdom, and devotion to society. These men were well educated in many disciplines including history, Confucian philosophy, ethics, Buddhist morality, horseback riding, archery, swordplay, military tactics, and of course Tae Kwon Do (Taekkyon). In peacetime, hwarangs served for the benefit of their community. They worked on emergency aids and construction of fortresses and roads. However, during war times, they were always ready to sacrifice their lives.

Five Codes of Human Conduct of the Hwa-Rang Youth Group:
  • Be loyal to your country.
  • Be obedient to your parents.
  • Be trustworthy to your friends.
  • Never retreat in battle.
  • Never make an unjust kill.

Modern Day Tae Kwon Do

1955 After the Japanese occupation of Korea (1910-1945), the Koreans established their own martial arts schools called Kwans. In 1955, the Kwans united and called it Tae Kwon Do which is similar to Taekkyon, an ancestral art.
1956 Jhoon Rhee, named the Father of American Tae Kwon Do, entered the United States.
1966 General Choi Hong Hi (1918 - 2002) , a South Korean Army general and martial artist, regarded by many as the "Founder of Tae kwon do", founded the International Tae Kwon Do Federation (ITF). The ITF's main functions include coordinating and approving tournaments and seminars, setting standards for teaching, collaborating with affiliated member organizations, and providing services to members in regard to rank and certifications.
1971 Tae Kwon Do was nominated as a National Martial Art.
1972 The Kukkiwon national academy, known as the World Tae Kwon Do Headquarters, was established in Seoul Korea, and hosted the first World Tae Kwon Do Championships.
1973 World Tae Kwon Do, called World Tae Kwon Do Federation until 2017, was established. It is the international federation governing the sport of Tae Kwon Do.
1987 First Women's World Tae Kwon Do Championships held in Barcelona, Spain.
1988 TKD debuted as a demonstration sport in the Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea.
1992 TKD was a demonstration sport in the Olympic Games in Barcelona, Spain.
2000 TKD gained full medal status in Sydney, Australia.
2004 TKD Olympic Summer Games in Athens, Greece.
2008 TKD Olympic Games in Beijing, China.
2012 TKD Olympic Games in London, England
2016 TKD Olympic Games in Rio De Janeiro, Brasil.
2021 TKD Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan.
2024 TKD Olympic Games in Paris, France.
2028 TKD Olympic Games in Los Angeles, USA.

Part 1 Terminology

English Korean
Counting 1 - 10 Hanna, Dul, Set, Net, Ta-set, Ya-set, Yul-goh, Ya-dul, Ahho, Yaul
Uniform Do-bok
Training Area Do-jang
Chest Protector Hogu
Flag Geuk-ki
Tiger Bom
Grand Master Kwan Jang Nim
Master Instructor Sabomnim
Instructor Cho Kyunim
Thank You Kamsa Hamnaeda
You're Welcome Chunmunayo
Yell Ki-hap
Commands
Attention Chayet
Bow Kyung-ye
Ready Joon-bi
Relax Baro
Dismissed Ah-cho
Start She-jahk
Stop Go-mahn
Break Kalyeo
Continue Kaesok
Point Deduction Gam-Jeom
Blocks
High Block Sang-dan magi
Low Block Ahre magi
Side Block Yup magi
Knife Hand Block Sonnal magi
Double Block Nare magi
Face Block Eolgul magi
X Block Otgoreo magi
Mountain Block Santil magi
Strikes
Elbow Strike Palkeup chigi
Knife Hand Strike Sonnal chigi
Ridge Hand Strike Sonnal Deung chigi
Bang Knuckle Fist Song-soo
Spear Hand Kwan-soo

Part 2 Terminology

English Korean
Stances
Tiger Stance Bom seogi
Fighting Stance Gyoroogi seogi
Horse Stance Joo choom seogi
Front Stance Ap kubi seogi
Back Stance Dwi kubi seogi
Kicks
Front Kick Ap chagi
Side Kick Yup chagi
Roundhouse Kick Dolyo chagi
Axe Kick Naero chagi
Back Kick Dwi chagi
Turning Roundhouse Kick Narabam
Crescent Kick Bandal chagi
Inside Crescent Kick Ahn Bandal chagi
Outside Crescent Kick Bakkat Bandal chagi
Flying Side Kick Ye-Dan Yup chagi
Hook Kick Nakka chagi
Double Kick Nare chagi
Movements
Strike Chigi
Jumping Yo
Flying Ye-Dan
Block Magi
Stance Seogi
Punch Chirugi
Kick Chagi
Directions
In/Inner Ahn
Out/Outter Bakkat
Front Ap
Low Ahre
Back Dwi
Side Yup
Double Nare
Right Oruen
Left Wen
Forms Poomsae or Hyung
Fighting Gyoroogi
Breaking Kyupka

FORMS

Two Korean terms may be used in reference to Taekwondo forms. Hyeong is the term usually used in reference to traditional Taekwondo. World Taekwondo, and the American Taekwondo Association, officially use the term Poomsae. Taekwondo forms contain the basic movements and philosophies from which the art was derived. They are a series of basic attack and defense movements put together in a preset pattern and performed against an imaginary opponent. The techniques allow the practitioner to develop strength, breath, power, focus and self-discipline. (As color belts, Kentucky Tae Kwon Do students practice ITF Forms and then, as they become Black Belts ITF and WT forms will be mastered.)

Color Belt ITF Forms

Name Number of Movements Definition Video
Chon-Gi 19 Means literally 'heaven and earth'. It is in the Orient interpreted as the creation of the world of the beginning of human history, therefore it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern consists of 2 parts, one to represent heaven and the other, earth. Click
Dan-Gun 21 Is named after the holy Dan Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in 2333bce. Unusual for a form, all the punches in Dan-Gun are high section symbolizing Dan-Gun scaling a mountain. Click
Do-San 24 Is the nickname for the patriot Ahn-Chang Ho (1879-1938), who devoted his entire life to furthering the education of Korea and its independent movement. Click
Won-Hyo 26 Is the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in 686ace. Click
Yul-Gok 38 Is the pseudonym of the great philosopher and Scholar Yi I (1536-1584), who was nicknamed the 'Confucious of Korea'. The 38 movements of the pattern refer to his birthplace on the 38th latitude and the diagram represents 'scholar'. Click
Joon-Gun 32 Is named after the patriot Ahn Joon Gun who assissinated Hiro Bumi-Ito, the first Japanese govenor general of Korea; known as the man who played the leading part of the Korean-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in this pattern to represent Mr. Ahn's age when he was executed at the Lui-Shung prison in 1910. Click
Toi-Gye 37 Is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi-Hwang (16th century ace), an authority on Neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements of the pattern refer to his birthplace on the 37th latitude; the diagram represents 'scholar'. Click
Hwa-Rang 29 Is named after the Hwa-Rang youth group, which originated in the Silla Dynasty about 1500 years ago. This group eventually became the actual driving force for the unification of the three kingdoms of Korea. The 29 movements refer to the 29th infantry division where Tae Kwon Do developed into maturity. Click
Choong-Mo 32 Was the given name of the great admiral Yi Sun-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armored battleship (Kobukson), which was the precursor to the present-day submarine, in 1592 ace. The pattern ends with a left-handed attack which symbolizes his regrettable death, having had no chance to show his unrestrained potential, as he was forced to be loyal to the king. Click