10th Kup Theory

A brief history of Taekwon-Do

Taekwon-Do was developed from the ancient Korean Art of Self Defence called Taek-kyon by General Choi Hong Hi. The present name of Taekwon-Do was adopted on 11th April 1955. Taekwon-Do was brought into the United Kingdom by Grandmaster Rhee Ki Ha in 1965 and the UKTA was founded in 1967.

Important info

It is important to know who your instructor is, and their title and grade. Your head instructor is Mr Jon Swaine VI (6th Dan). Remember, if at a grading you are asked the name of your instructor, you must always include their title i.e. Mr / Mrs / Miss etc., and their grade. You should also know the tenets and oath of Taekwon-Do by heart. As a beginner, take great care to follow the rules of the Dojang (training hall).

Belt colour

The colour of each belt carries significance in Taekwon-Do, and you will be expected to remember these throughout your training. For instance, white signifies innocence as that of a beginner student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do.

Series of movements

Four directional punch (Saju Jirugi)

Four directional block (Saju Makgi)

Terminology

Throughout your training, you will be expected to learn Taekwon-Do terminology. This is the language we use to describe each action and technique, and is the same all around the globe: you should be able to take part in a Taekwon-Do class anywhere in the world. While many of the words are Korean in origin, many of the terms do not have a literal translation that makes sense, so bear that in mind.

Stances

Attention stance - Chariot sogi
Parallel ready stance - Narani junbi sogi
Sitting stance - Annun sogi
Walking stance - Gunnun sogi

Sections

High - Nopunde
Middle - Kaunde
Low - Najunde

Front - Ap
Side - Yop
Back - Dwit

General techniques

Obverse punch - Baro jirugi
Reverse punch - Bandae jirugi
Block - Makgi
Kick - Chagi
Front-rising kick - Ap cha oligi

Numbers

1, Hanna
2, Dool
3, Set
4, Net
5, Tasut

6, Yasut
7, Ilgop
8, Yadul
9, Ahop

10, Yul
20, Seumul
30, Sorun
40, Mahun
50, Shin

60, Yasun
70, Ilhun
80, Yeodun
90, Ahun

Parts of the hand & foot

Forefist - Ap joomuk
Outer forearm - Bakat palmok
Inner forearm - An palmok
Ball of foot - Ap kumchi

Notes on stances and punching

When in a walking stance, whichever leg is in front governs whether it is a left walking stance or a right walking stance.

Obverse punch is when the hand that is punching is on the same side as the leg that is in front, e.g. left leg, left hand.

Reverse punch is when the hand that is punching is on the opposite side to the front leg, e.g. left leg, right hand.

Grading syllabus

The following techniques form part of your first grading requirements, and the examiner may ask you to demonstrate some or all of these:

Four directional punch. Saju jirugi.
Four directional block. Saju makgi.
Front-rising kick (10 times each leg). Ap cha oligi.
Single punch in parallel stance (10 punches). Narani so, ap jirugi.
10 press ups (male over 16's must do this on their forefists).
Walking stance, middle section, inner forearm block. Gunnun so, kaunde an palmok makgi.
Walking stance, middle section, obverse punch. Gunnun so, kaunde baro jirugi.
Walking stance, middle section, inner forearm block, reverse punch. Gunnun so, kaunde an palmok makgi, bandae jirugi.