Learning Korean terminology is an important part of Taekwondo and Hapkido training. It not only helps students understand commands during class but also deepens their connection to the traditions and philosophies of these martial arts. At KMA Taekwondo Hapkido in Houston, we incorporate Korean terms in our lessons to enhance discipline, respect, and focus.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced student, this guide will help you learn essential Korean martial arts vocabulary, including commands, stances, strikes, kicks, self-defense techniques, and principles.
- Why Learn Korean Terms for Martial Arts?
- Basic Korean Martial Arts Vocabulary
- Stances (서기 – Seogi)
- Blocks (막기 – Makgi)
- Strikes & Punches (치기/지르기 – Chigi/Jireugi)
- Kicks (차기 – Chagi)
- Self-Defense & Grappling (호신술 – Hosinsul)
- Belt Ranks (띠 – Tti)
- Positions/Titles ( 호칭 – Hoching)
- KMA Black Belt Creed (*= Six Core Values)
- Next Steps
Why Learn Korean Terms for Martial Arts?
- Respect for Tradition – Korean martial arts have deep cultural roots, and using Korean terms preserves their authenticity. We teach WT Taekwondo (what you see in the Olympics) from the Kukkiwon in South Korea.
- Better Understanding – Knowing the terminology helps students follow instructions quickly and efficiently.
- Improved Training – Learning Korean terms enhances focus and discipline in class.
- Global Recognition – Most Taekwondo and Hapkido schools worldwide use these standard terms.
Basic Korean Martial Arts Vocabulary
Greetings & Commands
- 안녕하세요 (Annyeonghaseyo) – Hello
- 감사합니다 (Gamsahamnida) – Thank you
- 차렯 (Charyeot) – Attention
- 경려 (Gyeongnye) – Bow
- 준비 (Junbi) – Ready
- 시작 (Sijak) – Start
- 바로 (Baaro) – Rest
- 그만 (Geuman) – Stop
- 쉬어 (Shieo) – Rest, Take a Break
- 도라 (Dora) – Turn
- 나란히 서기 (Naranhi Seogi) – Line up
- 기합 (Kihap) – Shout/Yell for power
Native or Cardinal Numbers (Used for Counting Movements)
- 하나 (Hana) – One
- 둘 (Dul) – Two
- 셋 (Set) – Three
- 넷 (Net) – Four
- 다섯 (Dasut) – Five
- 여섯 (Yeoseot) – Six
- 일곱 (Ilgop) – Seven
- 여덟 (Yeodeol) – Eight
- 아홉 (Ahop) – Nine
- 열 (Yeol) – Ten
Sino-Korean or Ordinal Numbers (Used for Naming Forms, Position in Sequence)
- 일 (Eel) – One
- 이 (Eel) – Two
- 삼 (Sahm) – Three
- 사 (Sah) – Four
- 오 (Oh) – Five
- 육 (Yook) – Six
- 칠 (Chiil) – Seven
- 팔 (Pahl) – Eight
- 구 (Gu) – Nine
- 십 (Sip) – Ten
Stances (서기 – Seogi)
- 앞굽이 (Ap Gubi) – Front Stance
- 뒷굽이 (Dwi Gubi) – Back Stance
- 기마 자세 (Gima Jase) – Horse Stance
- 주춤 서기 (Juchum Seogi) – Sitting Stance
- 모아 서기 (Moa Seogi) – Closed Stance
- 발란스 서기 (Balance Seogi) – Balanced Stance
Blocks (막기 – Makgi)
- 아래 막기 (Arae Makgi) – Low Block
- 몸통 막기 (Momtong Makgi) – Middle Block
- 얼굴 막기 (Olgul Makgi) – High (Face) Block
- 바깥 막기 (Bakkat Makgi) – Outside Block
- 안 막기 (An Makgi) – Inside Block
Strikes & Punches (치기/지르기 – Chigi/Jireugi)
- 주먹 지르기 (Jumeok Jireugi) – Punch
- 편손 치기 (Pyeonson Chigi) – Palm Strike
- 뒤주먹 치기 (Dwijumeok Chigi) – Backfist Strike
- 손날 치기 (Sonnal Chigi) – Knife Hand Strike
- 팔꿈치 치기 (Palkkumchi Chigi) – Elbow Strike
Kicks (차기 – Chagi)
- 앞 차기 (Ap Chagi) – Front Kick
- 돌려 차기 (Dollyeo Chagi) – Roundhouse Kick
- 옆 차기 (Yeop Chagi) – Side Kick
- 뒤 차기 (Dwi Chagi) – Back Kick
- 내려 차기 (Naeryeo Chagi) – Axe Kick
- 반달 차기 (Bandal Chagi) – Crescent Kick
- 뒤돌아 차기 (Dwi Dora Chagi) – Spinning Back Kick
- 점프 차기 (Jeompeu Chagi) – Jump Kick
Self-Defense & Grappling (호신술 – Hosinsul)
- 관절기 (Kwanjuel Ki) – Joint Locks
- 던지기 (Deonjigi) – Throw
- 압박 (Apbak) – Pressure
- 팔목 잡기 (Palmok Japgi) – Wrist Grab
- 쪼르기 (Joreugi) – Choke
- 기술 (Gisul) – Technique
Belt Ranks (띠 – Tti)
- 흰띠 (Hueen Tti) – White Belt
- 노란띠 (Noran Tti) – Yellow Belt
- 주황띠 (Juhwang Tti) – Orange Belt
- 초록띠 (Chorok Tti) – Green Belt
- 파란띠 (Paran Tti) – Blue Belt
- 빨간띠 (Ppalgan Tti) – Red Belt
- 보단띠 (Bodan Tti) – Deputy (or High) Red Belt
- 검은띠 (Geomeun Tti) – Black Belt
Positions/Titles ( 호칭 – Hoching)
- 관장님 (Gwanjangnim) – Grandmaster
- 사범님 (Sabumnim) – Master Instructor
- 교사님 (Kyosanim) – Certified Instructor
- 초쿄님 (Chokyonim) – Training Instructor
- 선배님 (Seonbaenim) – Senior Student
- 후배님 (Hubaenim) – Junior Student
KMA Black Belt Creed (*5+1 Core Values)
- 예의 (Yeui) – Courtesy*
- 겸손 (Guyeomson) – Modesty / Humility
- 염치 (Yeomchi) – Integrity*
- 인내 (Innae) – Perseverance*
- 극기 (Geukgi) – Self-Control*
- 백절불굴 (Baekjeol Bulgul) – Indomitable Spirit*
Next Steps
At KMA Taekwondo Hapkido in Houston, we believe that learning Korean martial arts terminology is essential for building discipline, respect, and a strong foundation in Taekwondo and Hapkido. Start practicing these terms today and enhance your training experience.
Ready to take your martial arts journey to the next level? Join us at KMA Taekwondo Hapkido in Northwest Houston and experience expert training with a focus on tradition and excellence.
📞 Contact us today (via a call or through the form below) to schedule your first class!