30 Must-Know Taekwondo Terms, Phrases and Slang

Ready to master Taekwondo? Dive into the essential lingo that every budding warrior should know!

From your first “Ap chagi” to earning that coveted black belt, this guide is your key to talking like a true master.

Are you up for the challenge of these 30 must-know terms?

Must-Know Taekwondo Terms, Phrases and Slang:

1. Ap chagi (Front kick)
2. Belt
3. Black belt
4. Dan (degree)
5. Dojang
6. Dobok
7. Gyeorugi (sparring)
8. Ho sin sul (self-defense)
9. Hyung (forms)
10. Kihap (yell)
11. Kyorugi (competition)
12. Kyukpa (breaking)
13. Master
14. Poomsae (pattern)
15. Red belt
16. Referee
17. Roundhouse kick
18. Sparring
19. Stance
20. Taegeuk
21. Taekwondo
22. Uniform
23. Yellow belt
24. Belt testing
25. Blocking
26. Chamber
27. Hook kick
28. Medal
29. Point
30. Reverse punch

#1 Ap chagi (Front kick)

A fundamental kick in Taekwondo where the practitioner delivers a straight kick directly in front of them. It’s used defensively to maintain distance or offensively to strike the opponent’s body or face.

#2 Belt

The belt in Taekwondo signifies a student’s rank and level of expertise, with colors progressing from white for beginners to black for experts. It also holds the dobok (uniform) together and represents the journey of skill acquisition.

#3 Black belt

Achieving a black belt in Taekwondo is a significant accomplishment, indicating expertise and dedication. It typically requires years of training and is just the beginning of advanced learning and mastery.

#4 Dan (degree)

In Taekwondo, “Dan” refers to the degree of black belt, with each Dan indicating a higher level of expertise. Practitioners must undergo rigorous testing for each advancement and are often instructors themselves.

#5 Dojang

The dojang is the training hall where Taekwondo students practice. It’s a place of respect, discipline, and learning, usually marked by traditional Korean symbols and etiquette.

#6 Dobok

The dobok is the official training attire for Taekwondo practitioners, designed to be lightweight and flexible. It symbolizes purity and discipline and is worn by students of all ranks during training and competition.

#7 Gyeorugi (sparring)

Gyeorugi, commonly known as sparring, is a type of practice fight between two practitioners in Taekwondo. It serves as a way to apply techniques in a controlled combat environment, simulating real-life fighting scenarios while wearing protective gear. Sparring helps improve timing, speed, and strategy under competitive conditions.

#8 Ho sin sul (self-defense)

Ho Sin Sul refers to the self-defense techniques taught in Taekwondo. These techniques include a range of blocks, strikes, throws, and joint locks designed to defend against and neutralize attacks. Practicing Ho Sin Sul equips students with the skills to protect themselves in dangerous situations effectively.

#9 Hyung (Forms)

Hyung refers to the traditional forms or patterns in Taekwondo, practiced to perfect motion, technique, and the flow of movements. Each form consists of a sequence of strikes, blocks, and stances simulating combat against multiple opponents.

#10 Kihap (Yell)

A kihap is a forceful yell or shout made by Taekwondo practitioners when executing techniques to express power, improve breathing, and strengthen the mind-body connection. It’s often heard during strikes or breaks in competition and training.

#11 Kyorugi (Competition)

Kyorugi is the sparring aspect of Taekwondo where competitors face off in a controlled environment, aiming to score points by landing kicks and punches on their opponent’s scoring zones wearing protective gear.

#12 Kyukpa (Breaking)

Kyukpa involves breaking materials like boards, bricks, or tiles with precise, powerful techniques to demonstrate strength, focus, and technique. It’s a common way to test and showcase a practitioner’s ability in demonstrations and belt testing.

#13 Master

In Taekwondo, a Master is a highly respected instructor who has achieved a high level of proficiency and usually holds a rank of 4th Dan (degree) or above. They lead training and impart their knowledge to students.

#14 Poomsae (Pattern)

Poomsae, or patterns, are predefined sequences of movements that simulate combat against an imaginary opponent. Each poomsae consists of an array of attacking and defensive movements performed in a set pattern. These forms are not only crucial for practicing techniques but also for developing precision, balance, and focus.

#15 Red belt

In Taekwondo, a red belt represents a high student level, signifying advanced proficiency in the martial art. Students at this level are refining their techniques and preparing for the transition to black belt, which represents mastery.

#16 Referee

In Taekwondo competitions, the referee has the critical role of overseeing matches, ensuring that the rules are followed, scoring points, and maintaining the safety of the competitors. The referee makes key decisions, starts and stops the fight, and awards points for successful hits.

#17 Roundhouse Kick

An essential Taekwondo technique where the practitioner delivers a powerful, swinging kick to an opponent’s body or head. The kick’s effectiveness comes from the speed and rotational force generated during the execution.

#18 Sparring

A controlled combat practice between Taekwondo practitioners to improve timing, speed, and strategy while minimizing the risk of injury. It’s an integral part of training that prepares students for actual self-defense situations or competitions.

#19 Stance

A fundamental position in Taekwondo that provides balance, strength, and readiness. Each stance serves a strategic purpose in defense or offense, varying from wide and stable to narrow and agile.

#20 Taegeuk

The term refers to a set of Poomsae or patterns in Taekwondo, each representing a different philosophical element and skill level. Practicing Taegeuk is crucial for progression through the belt ranks.

#21 Taekwondo

A Korean martial art characterized by its emphasis on head-height kicks, jumping and spinning kicks, and fast kicking techniques. Taekwondo translates to “the way of foot and fist,” reflecting its focus on various striking methods.

#22 Uniform

In Taekwondo, the uniform is known as ‘Dobok’ and comprises a jacket (top), trousers (bottom), and a belt (ti). Its design allows practitioners freedom of movement crucial for executing various techniques.

#23 Yellow Belt

A yellow belt in Taekwondo is one of the early ranks a student can achieve. It represents a beginner who has grasped the basic concepts and techniques of Taekwondo and is in the process of further learning and skill development.

#24 Belt Testing

Belt testing in Taekwondo is an evaluation process where students demonstrate their proficiency in techniques, forms, and sparring, aiming to advance to the next belt level. It’s a moment of pride and a test of skill and dedication.

#25 Blocking

Blocking refers to defensive movements in Taekwondo used to stop or deflect an opponent’s attacks. Proper blocking techniques are essential for protection and setting up counter-attacks during sparring or competition.

#26 Chamber

The chamber position in Taekwondo is the preparatory step for kicks, where one draws the knee up to generate power and precision. It’s essential for executing fast, effective strikes.

#27 Hook Kick

The hook kick, or “Huryeo Chagi” in Korean, involves swinging the leg in a hooking motion to strike an opponent. It’s a powerful technique targeting the head or body, requiring flexibility and control.

#28 Medal

In Taekwondo tournaments, medals are awarded to competitors based on their performance and placement in events such as sparring, forms, or breaking. They symbolize achievement and success in the martial art.

#29 Point

Points in Taekwondo competition are scored when competitors land legal strikes on target areas. A match’s outcome is often determined by the total points accumulated, showcasing technique and strategy.

#30 Reverse Punch

A reverse punch, often used in Taekwondo sparring, is a powerful technique where the practitioner delivers a punch across the body with the rear hand while the front hand retracts to the hip. This punch is valued for its power and speed, making it a common strike in both forms and sparring.

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