Walking into your first martial arts class can feel exciting, energizing, and perhaps a little unfamiliar. At Master Kwon's Tae Kwon Do in Severna Park, new students often notice right away that instructors and students communicate using both English and traditional Korean terms. Learning these words is a meaningful part of martial arts practice. It connects practitioners to the rich heritage of Taekwondo, instills discipline, and creates a universal language shared by martial artists worldwide. Whether you are watching your child step onto the mat for the first time or training as a teen or adult, understanding these basic Korean commands will help you feel prepared, focused, and right at home.
Essential Dojang Etiquette and Respect
Respect is the cornerstone of Taekwondo. From the moment students bow as they step onto the training floor, Korean terminology reinforces focus, humility, and mutual courtesy.
- Dojang (도장): The training hall or school where martial arts are practiced. It is treated as a space of respect, focus, and personal growth.
- Dobok (도복): The traditional Taekwondo uniform. Typically white, the dobok symbolizes a clean slate and equality among all students working toward their goals.
- Ti (띠): The belt worn around the waist, which signifies a student's current stage of progress and dedication.
- Charyeot (차렷): "Attention." You will hear this command whenever it is time to line up, stand tall with your heels together, hands at your sides, and bring your focus completely to the front of the room.
- Gyeong-nye (경례): "Bow." Students bow to their instructors, senior belt ranks, and training partners before and after every drill to show mutual respect.
- Sabumnim (사범님): "Instructor" or "Master." This title is used respectfully when addressing a certified martial arts teacher.
- Kamsahamnida (감사합니다): "Thank you." Practicing gratitude is woven into every lesson, reminding students to appreciate their teachers, training partners, and parents.
To learn more about the customs practiced during our training sessions, explore our guide on Taekwondo traditions and etiquette.
Ready, Set, Action: Class Commands
During training drills, forms practice, and conditioning exercises, instructors use standard verbal cues to keep the class synchronized, attentive, and safe.
- Joonbi (준비): "Ready stance." When an instructor calls joonbi, feet step shoulder-width apart, and hands rise to solar-plexus level before settling in front of the belt. It signals that your body and mind are calm, alert, and prepared for action.
- Shijak (시작): "Begin" or "start." This prompt signals students to start executing a technique, combination, or form.
- Geoman (그만): "Stop." Upon hearing this command, students immediately freeze and return to their starting position.
- Kalyo (갈려): "Break" or "pause." This command is commonly used during partner drills to pause action quickly and safely.
- Dorat (돌아): "Turn around." Often called during kicking lines across the mat when it is time to switch directions.
- Kihap (기합): The spirited martial arts yell. Ki translates to internal energy, and hap means to unite or focus. Shouting with intention tightens your core, delivers maximum power, and sharpens mental focus during strikes.
Counting in Korean (Hana to Yeol)
Counting together out loud builds lung capacity, rhythm, and unity among classmates. In Taekwondo, students learn native Korean numbers from one to ten:
- Hana (하나): One
- Dul (둘): Two
- Set (셋): Three
- Net (넷): Four
- Dasot (다섯): Five
- Yeosot (여섯): Six
- Ilgop (일곱): Seven
- Yeodeol (여덟): Eight
- Ahop (아홉): Nine
- Yeol (열): Ten
Striking, Kicking, and Defense Terms
As students practice fundamental movements and work toward advancing their rank, instructors regularly reference specific techniques in Korean:
- Makgi (막기): Block. Fundamental blocks protect different zones of the body, such as Arae Makgi (low block), Momtong Makgi (middle block), and Olgul Makgi (high block).
- Jireugi (지르기): Punch or thrust. A straight, centered punch delivered from a solid stance is often called Momtong Jireugi.
- Chagi (차기): Kick. Dynamic kicking techniques are the hallmark of Taekwondo. Key kicks include:
- Ap Chagi (앞차기): Front kick
- Dollyo Chagi (돌려차기): Roundhouse kick
- Yeop Chagi (옆차기): Side kick
- Dwi Chagi (뒤차기): Back kick
- Poomsae (품새): Pre-arranged forms or patterns of defense and attack movements against imaginary opponents. Practicing poomsae develops muscle memory, balance, and precision. You can explore how these patterns fit into rank progression in our overview of belt progress and advancement.
You Do Not Need to Know Korean to Get Started
If all of these new words feel like a lot to remember, do not worry! No previous experience or language skills are needed. At Master Kwon's Tae Kwon Do, instructors introduce terminology naturally through repetitive movement, demonstration, and positive reinforcement.
Students in our Children's Taekwondo classes, our preschool-aged Little Tigers, and our adult practitioners all pick up the vocabulary quickly simply by participating week after week. Families throughout Severna Park and neighboring Anne Arundel County communities like Arnold and Millersville find that learning these terms boosts listening skills, memory, and focus in school and daily life.
Experience Taekwondo in Severna Park
Are you ready to build confidence, fitness, and discipline in a positive, supportive environment? Master Kwon's Tae Kwon Do welcomes beginners of all ages to step onto the mat.
New students can get started with our special trial offer: 2 group trial lessons for $20. Visit our introductory start page to claim your trial lessons today, or give our school a call at (410) 421-5255. You can also visit us at 554D Ritchie Highway in Severna Park, MD 21146. We look forward to seeing you in class!