Tae Kwon Do Terminology

TAE ‘to kick’, KWON ‘fist’, DO ‘discipline/art’

Commands
English Korean (Pronounced)
1. Attention Cha-ryot
[Chair-REE-ut]
2. Ready Joonbi [June-BEE]
3. Finish/Return Barro [BAA-row]
4. Yell Ki-hop KEY-op
5. Bow Kyong-ye [Key-young-Ney

Counting
1. Hana 6. Yasot
2. Dul 7. Elgub
3. Set 8. Yodol
4. Net 9. Ahop
5. Dasot 10. Yol

Sparring Commands
English Korean (Pronounced)
1. Start (Begin) Si-jack [She-jack]
2. Stop Gu-mahn [Goo-maun]
3. Separate (Break) Kalyeo [Caa-LEE-o]
4. Continue Kae-sok [KAY-sock]

Tae ‘Great’     Geuk ‘Eternity’     Poomse ‘Forms’


Belt Color Korean Name Korean Number Name Meaning # of Hapkido
Yellow Tae Geuk 1 Il-Jong Keon ‘Universe/Heaven’ 8
The universe is constantly changing and so is the ultimate creative energy. Keon teaches us to be like the universe; creative, active and diligent.
Orange Tae Geuk 2 Ee-Jong Tae ‘Lake/Joy’ 6
Some joys are superficial, while others are lasting. Tae teaches us to look for the lasting joy that can be found in firm correctness, truth and learning.
Green Tae Geuk 3 Sam-Jong Ri ‘Fire/Sun’ 9
Just as fire clings to wood and sunlight clings to the earth, our light must cling to our ideals if others are to see it. It is interpreted as the creative passion. Ri teaches us to have strong faith and firm principles to adhere to in the conduct of life.
Lt. Blue Tae Geuk 4 Sa-Jong Jin ‘Thunder’ 8
Jin represents thunder, noise without stubstance. To some, thunder is frightening while to others thunder is joyful, especially if it heralds a renewing rain. Jin teaches us to learn proper understanding of things and as a result, you can remain calm and peaceful even in the face of danger.
Dk. Blue Tae Geuk 5 O-Jong Seon ‘Wind’ 7
Seon represents wind, substance without noise. The wind acts in invisible ways and achieves results even without being seen. A person can be like the wind by meditating on goals and constantly reinforcing them. Seon teaches us to use our minds as well as our bodies in all of our endeavors.
Purple Tae Geuk 6 Yuk-Jong Gam Water’ 7
Water is the weakest of all substances, though when moving it can wear down mountains. Water flows through and over everything in its path, absorbing and dissolving obstacles. Gam teaches us to be like water, constant, flowing and gentle but firm in our purpose.
Brown Tae Geuk 7 Chil-Jong Gan ‘Mountain’ 7
Nothing is more grand and noble than the mountain, the symbol of stillness and calm. Only when a person is at rest and peaceful can their true nature be seen. Literally translated it means ‘top stop’, suggesting the wisdom of knowing where and when to stop. Gan urges us to lose our vanity, selfish thoughts and yearnings, and in doing so attain ultimate freedom.
Red Tae Geuk 8 Pul-Jong Gon ‘Earth’ 8
Gon is last of the nature symbols. While the universe is the ultimate creative force, the earth is the ultimate receptive force, taking everything in, nurturing them and achieving great results through its nature rather than its effort. Gon teaches us to be receptive to the laws of heaven and nature, and to work with and through them, not against them.

Opposite Pairs: Keon/Gon, Tae/Gan, Ri/Gam, Jin/Seon