A Simple Guide for Reaction Martial Arts Students
Korean terminology is an important part of traditional Taekwondo and is used regularly throughout our classes.
This page is designed as a reference for Reaction Martial Arts students, with the key terminology, patterns, meanings and techniques required as they progress through the colour-belt grades.
Use the sections below to revise terminology for your current grade and prepare for future progression.
General Taekwondo Terms
| Training Hall | Dojang |
| Training Suit | Dobok |
| Belt | Ti |
| Student | Jeja |
| Attention | Charyot |
| Bow | Kyungye |
| Ready | Junbi |
| Start | Si-Jak |
| Stop | Geuman |
| Low | Najunde |
| Middle | Kaunde |
| High | Nopunde |
| One | Hana |
| Two | Dul |
| Three | Set |
| Four | Net |
| Five | Dasot |
| Six | Yasot |
| Seven | Ilgup |
| Eight | Yodol |
| Nine | Ahop |
| Ten | Yeol |
Tenets of Taekwondo
The five tenets of Taekwondo are:
- Courtesy
- Integrity
- Perseverance
- Self-Control
- Indomitable Spirit
These principles are an important part of Taekwondo training and apply both inside and outside the dojang.
10th Kup – White Belt
Belt Meaning
White represents innocence, as the beginner has no previous knowledge of Taekwondo.
9th Kup – Orange Belt
Pattern
Chon-Ji
19 movements
Pattern Meaning
Chon-Ji means Heaven and Earth. It is interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history and is therefore the first pattern learned by the beginner.
8th Kup – Yellow Belt
Belt Meaning
Yellow represents the earth from which a plant takes root, symbolising the foundation of Taekwondo being laid.
Pattern
Dan-Gun
21 movements
Pattern Meaning
Dan-Gun is named after the legendary founder of Korea.
7th Kup – Yellow Belt / Green Tag
Pattern
Do-San
24 movements
Pattern Meaning
Do-San is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Ch’ang Ho (1876 -1938) who devoted his entire life to furthering the education of Korea and it’s independent movement.
6th Kup – Green Belt
Belt Meaning
Green represents the growth of the plant, symbolising the development of Taekwondo skills.
Pattern
Won-Hyo
28 movements
Pattern Meaning
Won-Hyo was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year of 686 AD.
5th Kup – Green Belt / Blue Tag
Pattern
Yul-Gok
38 movements
Pattern Meaning
Yul Gok is the pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yi I (1538 – 1584 AD) nicknamed the ‘Confucius of Korea.’ The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on a 38 degree latitude and the diagram represents ‘scholar’.
4th Kup – Blue Belt
Belt Meaning
Blue represents the heavens towards which the plant grows, symbolising continued development and maturity.
Pattern
Joong-Gun
32 movements
Pattern Meaning
Joong-Gun is named after the patriot An Joong-Gun who assassinated Hiro-Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-general of Korea, known as the man who played the leading part of the Korea-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in this pattern to represent Mr An’s age when he was executed at Lui-Shung prison (1910).
3rd Kup – Blue Belt / Red Tag
Pattern
Toi-Gye
37 movements
Patten meaning
Toi-Gye is the penname of the noted scholar Yi-Hwang (16th century AD), an authoruty on neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements of the pattern refer to his birthplace on the 37° latitude, and the diagram represents “scholar”.
2nd Kup – Red Belt
Belt Meaning
Red signifies danger, reminding the student to exercise control and warning opponents to stay away.
Pattern
Hwa-Rang
29 movements
Pattern meaning
Hwa-Rang is named after the Hwa-Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty about 600 AD. This group eventually became the actual driving force for the unification of the three Kingdoms of Korea. The 29 movement refer to the 29th Infantry Division, where taekwondo developed into maturity.
1st Kup – Red Belt / Black Tag
Pattern
Choong-Moo
30 movements
Pattern Meaning
Choong-Moo was the given name to the great admiral Yi’ Sun-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armored battleship (Kobukson) which was the precursor of the present day submarine in 1592 AD. The reason why this pattern ends up with a left hand attack is to symbolise his regrettable death, having no change to show his unrestrained potentiality checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to the king.
Black belt meaning
Opposite to white, therefore, signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwondo. Also indicates the wearers imperviousness to darkness and fear.
Need Help With Your Terminology?
Students are encouraged to ask their instructor if they are unsure about any terminology, pattern meaning or grading requirement.
This page is designed as a revision guide and should be used alongside regular training.