Korean-English Tae Kwon Do Dictionary
"Parts of Speech"
The words in this dictionary are classified as one of the following: Numbering, applied part, target, method or type. This refers to how the word is used in the names of basic techniques. The words are spoken in the order listed above to describe a certain technique. Multiple words from one category can be used, so long as they don't contradict each other ("pakot yup" or "outward side" is allowed, but "ahn pakot" or "inward outward" is obviously not allowed).
Ah Ray: Low. Target. Low actions are generally directed at or below the waist.
Ahn: Inward. Method. An inward motion comes from the side in toward the middle of the body.
Al Gool: High. Target. High actions are generally directed in the neck and head region.
Ap: Front. Method. Front actions are directed straight in front of the body.
Chagi: Kick. Type. Kicks involve striking with some part of the foot.
Chigi: Strike. Type. Strikes are generally not punches (coming straight out from the body), and are usually performed with either the edge of the hand or the back of the hand.
Doong: Back. Method. This is an old term for back, replaced with "Dweet".
Dweet: Back. Method. Back actions are performed either with the back of an applied part (as in "backfist strike") or to the rear (as in "back kick").
Gi Rugi: Punch. Type. Punches are performed with a fist formed by rolling the fingers into the palm and tucking the thumb over the second knuckles of the fingers (so that it doesn't hang out and catch on things). Punches usually come from the hip and thrust straight ahead or to the side.
Jewmock: Fist. Applied part. This is simply a term for the fist.
Joochoom: Horse? Method. This is a term used to describe the side stance, indicating that the legs and knees are spread as if straddling a horse.
Kawduraw (Dul): Double. Numbering. This is an old term used to indicate that two applied parts are used in the technique. This term was replaced with "Dul", the Korean word for "two".
Koobi: Stance. (no type) This refers to a starting and stopping position of the feet, hips and shoulders and a the focus of the eyes during a technique. There is a page dedicated to describing the various stances.
Mocki: Block. Type. The primary goal of a block is to deflect or redirect a blow directed at some portion of the body, although they may also be used as strikes under applicable circumstances. Blocks are usually performed with a long limb such as the forearm or shin.
Moom Tong: Middle or body. Target. Middle actions are aimed toward the middle of the body. Middle blocks usually cover the solar plexus and chest, while middle strikes (including kicks, punches and other strikes) usually target the solar plexus or floating ribs.
Oligi: Stretch. Type. Stretches are done during practice of the basic techniques to prepare for high kicks.
Pakot: Outward. Method. Outward motions generally start in the middle of the body and push out to the side, away from the center.
Pon Doll: Crescent. Method. Crescent motions move in a semi-circle before striking the target, usually sweeping up and over an obstacle. "Pon doll" sounds like the word "pendulum". These motions are usually performed with the foot, as in inward- and outward-crescent sweeps and kicks.
Sogi: Stance. (no type) This is just another word for Koobi, used perviously in the term for side stance (Joochoom Sogi).
Sonnal: Knife-hand. Applied part. The knife-hand is formed by straightening the fingers and flattening the hand as much as possible and tucking the thumb in against the side of the hand. The edge of the hand opposite the side of the thumb is considered the knife-edge of the hand and is the side primarily used for strikes and blocks.
Toll Yoe: Round. Method. Round motions usually involve spinning the body somehow and moving applied parts in a circle.
Yup: Side. Method. Side actions are aimed out to either side instead of straight in front of the body.
Back to TKD menu