Korean Terminology

It is important to study Korean terminology for several reasons. First of all, it is a part of our shared culture and heritage as martial artists. Korean words can also serve as a bridge between other cultures. We have had many established black belts from other countries join KAT and then we can all call techniques by the same name.

Due to the Romanization of Korean words, sometimes the same word will have several different spellings when using English letters. Many newer techniques are referred to in English because they were made by non-Korean speakers or come from other martial arts.

Group 1: Basics (White Belts)

Dobok Uniform
Do Jang Workout area
Ki Up Yell
Shi Yoh At Ease

Group 2: Basics Part 2 (Yellow Belts)

Shile Hahm Nida Excuse Me
Chook Ha Hahm Nida Congratulations
Me Ahn Hahm Nida I am sorry
Deui Ro Dora Turn Around
Ahn Nyoung Ha SeYo? How are you?
[name] Em Nida I'm [name]
Kam Sa Hahm Nida Thank You
Chun Man Aeyo You are welcome

Group 3: Numbers (High Yellow Belts)

Hana 1
Dul 2
Set 3
Net 4
Tasut 5
Yasut 6
Ilgup 7
Yadul 8
Ahope 9
Yul 10
Summul 20
Sarang 30

Group 4: Applications (Green Belts)

Kyuk Pa Breaking
Mook Nyeom Meditation
Gi Sool Technique
Kye Roo Ki Sparring
Il Bo One Step
Il Bo Dae Ryun One Step Sparring
Poomsae/Hyung Forms
Un Dong Exercise

Group 5: Around the Dojang (High Green Belts)

Hu Dan Ja Color Belts
You Dan Ja Black Belt
Ban Chang Nim Class Leader
Kyo Sa Nim Instructor
Sa Bum Nim Master
Kwon Chang Nim Grand Master
Hu Bae Junior Belt
Sohn Bae Nim Senior Belt
Bang Chang Nim Kye Kyoung Net Bow to class leader
Sa Bum Nim Kye Kyoung Net Bow to instructor

Group 6: Sparring Match (Blue Belts)

Si Jak Begin
Chung Blue
Hung Red
Ho Ku Chest Protector
Won Wee Chi Back to original
Kye Soke Continue
Ip Chang Enter
Gam Jang Hana Penalty
Kyoung Go Hana Warning
Hwea Chun Round
Keu Man End of Round
Seung Win
Shi Gan Injury Time
Kyeshi Match Time

Group 7: Stances (High Blue Belts)

Deui Koop Yi Back Stance
Ap Koop Yi Front Stance
Ju Choom Suh Gi Horse Stance
Ap Suh Gi Walking Stance
Bum Suh Gi Tiger Stance
Hakkdari Sugi Crane Stance
Dwiikeo Sugi Cross Stance

Group 8: Kicks, Strikes and Blocks (Red Belts)

Chagi Kick
Maki Block
Chi Roo Gi Punch
Chi Gi Strike
Dae Bi Guarding
Sohn Nal/Soo Do Knifehand
Chicki Chagi Axe Kick
Dwi Chagi Back Kick
Banh Dal Chagi Crescent Kick
E Dan Yup Chagi Flying Side Kick
Ap Chagi Front Kick
Meeroh Chagi Push Kick
Yup Chagi Side Kick
Dolyo Chagi Roundhouse Kick
Bee Teulo Chagi Twist Kick

Group 9: Body Parts and Directions (High Red Belts)

A Rae Down
Hoo Jin Backward
Chun Jin Forward
San Dan High Section
Ha Dan Low Section
Choong Dan Middle Section
Yup Side
Ap Front
Bal Ba Dak Ball of Foot
Mom Tong Body
Ul Gool Face
Bal Foot
Bal Nal Foot Edge
Muh Rhee Head
Bal Deui Geum Chi Heel
Ahn Inside
Bal Deung Instep
Moo Reub Knee
Mok Neck
Bak Got Outside
Ja Se Posture
Huh Rhee Waist
Pal Mok Wrist
Koop So Pressure Point
Oh Reun Right
Wen Left

Recommended Reading

50 Words: Key Concepts for Martial Arts and Character Education

Explore key concepts in martial arts and character education with this insightful book. Click the image above to purchase.

Forms in Korean

Black belts need to learn an entire form in Korean.

Taeguek Il Jang

Taeguek Ie Jang

Taeguek Sam Jang

Taeguek Sa Jang

Taeguek Oh Jang