Taekwondo Meaning: Unlocking the Common Taekwondo Korean Words

Tyrone Staben
Jun 3
3 min read

Updated: Jun 9

If you've ever sat through a taekwondo class and wondered why the instructor uses Korean terms like "Charyot" or "Kyong-rye," you're not alone. These taekwondo Korean words are more than just commands—they're integral to the taekwondo meaning and philosophy. They instill discipline, respect, and a sense of global community, connecting students worldwide through a shared language. Let’s dive into where these taekwondo Korean words come from and explore the most common phrases you’ll hear in every dojang.

The Essence of Taekwondo Meaning

The term "taekwondo" is a combination of three Korean words:

Tae (태): Meaning "foot" or "to strike with the foot"
Kwon (권): Meaning "fist" or "to strike with the hand"
Do (도): Meaning "the way" or "discipline"

Together, they encapsulate the taekwondo meaning as "the way of the foot and fist," emphasising both physical prowess and moral integrity (1).

Common Taekwondo Korean Words and Their Significance

Understanding taekwondo Korean words can enhance your or your child's learning experience and help us gain more respect of the taekwondo meaning. Here are ten commonly used terms to get us started:

Charyot (차렷): Attention—signals readiness and respect.
Kyong-rye (경례): Bow—a gesture of respect towards instructors and peers.
Jumbi (준비): Ready—prepares the student for the next action.
Kiyap (기합): Shout—used to focus energy and intimidate opponents.
Dobok (도복): Uniform—symbolises purity and discipline.
Dojang (도장): Training hall—the sacred space for practice.
Sa-bum-nim (사범님): Instructor—a title of deep respect.
Poomsae (품새): Pattern/Form—a sequence of techniques central to training.
Kyorugi (겨루기): Sparring—practical application of techniques.
Chagi (차기): Kick—a fundamental movement in taekwondo (2).

Counting Words in Korean

To learn about counting in Korean, we’ve already got you covered with our handy reference here: https://www.mozhdehmartialarts.club/korean-taekwondo-terminology

Also check out this video to hear these numbers said aloud:

Common Korean Hand Blocks (Makki) and Their Taekwondo Meaning

Arae Makki (아래 막기): Low block—used to defend against attacks aimed at the lower body.
Momtong Makki (몸통 막기): Middle block—blocks strikes targeting the torso or midsection.
Eolgul Makki (얼굴 막기): High block—protects the head and face from overhead attacks.
Anuro Makki (안으로 막기): Inner block—redirects attacks inward using the outer forearm.
Bakkuro Makki (밖으로 막기): Outer block—deflects incoming strikes outward from the body (2).

Kicking (Chagi) Strikes in Korean

Of course all of our kicks also have taekwondo Korean words. We’ve listed these here to help you understand the taekwondo meaning and execution of these strikes.

The Role of Taekwondo Korean Words in Learning

Incorporating taekwondo Korean words into training sessions does more than preserve tradition—it enhances learning. Research indicates that consistent use of specific commands can improve technique acquisition and retention, helping our students learn faster and remember for longer (3). The repetition of these terms helps students internalise movements and concepts, making their practice more effective and reinforcing the taekwondo meaning.

Bringing Taekwondo Meaning to Life

Every time you hear or say a taekwondo Korean word, you’re not just communicating—you’re embodying the taekwondo meaning. Whether it’s the sharp “Kiyap!” that powers your kicks or the respectful “Kyong-rye!” that starts and ends each class, these words are the punctuation marks of your training. By learning and using taekwondo Korean words, we keep the art alive and authentic, no matter where we train. If you’re in the Melbourne area and want to learn more about the taekwondo meaning, or experience the art in a class, check out our dojang, Mozhdeh Martial Arts.

References:

Wikipedia. (2025). Taekwondo. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taekwondo
High Kick Taekwondo. (2025). Taekwondo Terminology. https://www.highkicktkd.com/taekwondo-terminology
Larson, C. A., & Surber-Berro, M. R. (2006). The effects of observational feedback and verbal cues on the motor learning of an aimed reach-and-point task. Pediatric physical therapy : the official publication of the Section on Pediatrics of the American Physical Therapy Association, 18(3), 214–225. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.pep.0000226745.72669.fe