Korean Terminology
Our terminology is mostly based on the Korean language, from their traditional art of Tang Soo Do. Using this common terminology reinforces our global martial arts brotherhood. It is said to help break down political and geographic barriers, allowing us to train at any school, with any instructor from any country.
Numbers
Traditional Korean
Used for counting in order, such as during basics and exercises.
- One – 하나 – ha-na
- Two – 둘 – dool
- Three – 셋 – seht
- Four – 넷 – neht
- Five – 다섯 – da-suht
- Six – 여섯 – yuh-suht
- Seven – 일곱 – eel-gop
- Eight – 여덟 – yuh-duul
- Nine – 아홉 – ah-hope
- Ten – 열 – yuhl
Listen to the numbers on Youtube
Sino-Korean
Used for form names, as well as to signify rank or level.
- One – il
- Two – Ee
- Three – Sam
- Four – Sa
- Five – Oh
- Six – Yuk
- Seven – Chil
- Eight – Pahl
- Nine – Gu
- Ten – Sihp
Stances (Jaseh)
- Attention Stance – Chari-yut
- Bow – Kyung Net
- Ready Stance – Choon-bi
- Front Stance – Chun Gul Jaseh
- Back or Fighting Stance – Hu Gul Jaseh
- Side Stance – Sa Ko Rip Jaseh
- Horse-straddle Stance – Keemo Jaseh
Salutations
- Senior Student – Sun-bae-nim
- Junior line: Hubae
The following instructor designations are specific to our school:
- Instructor (1st thru 4th degree) – Sa-Boem-Nim
- Master (5th thru 6th degree) – Kwan-Ji-Nim
- Grandmaster (7th degree and higher) – Kwan-Jang-Nim
Note: The following instructor designations are standard across many other schools:
- Instructor (1st thru 3rd degree) – Kyo-Sa-Nim
- Master (4th thru 6th degree) – Sa-Boehm-Nim
- Grandmaster (7th degree and higher, or Founder) – Kwan-Jang-Nim
Commands / Objects
- Bow – Kyung-net
- Turn – Tir-ah
- Begin – Si-jak
- Return to Ready Stance – Baa-Row
- Relax or Rest – Shee-yoe
- Yell – Ki-hap
- Thank You (end of class salutation) – Kam-Sah-Ham-Ni-Da
- Uniform – Do-Bok
- Training Area – Do-jang
Terminology Building Blocks
- Maki = Block
- Kon Kyuk = Strike or Punch
- Chagi = Kick
- Dan = Level or Rank
- HaDan = Low Level
- SangDan = High Level
- ChoongDan = Middle Level
Tang Soo Do Technique Terms
- Hadan Maki: Low Block
- Sangdan Maki: High Block
- Ahneso Phakuro Maki: Inside-Outside Block
- Phakeso Ahnuro Maki: Outside-In Block
- Hadan Kon Kyuk: Low Punch
- Sangdan Kon Kyuk: High Punch
- Choongdan Kog Kyuk: Middle Punch
- Hadan Soodo Maki: Low Knife Hand Block
- Ahneso Phakuro Chagi: Inside-Out Crescent
- Phakeso Ahnuro Chagi: Outside-In Crescent
- Ahp Cha Nut Gi: Front Thrust Kick
- Dullyo Chagi: Round Kick
- Yeop Podo Chagi: Side Kick
Additional Study for Advanced Students