Taekwondo Commands Explained

Taekwondo commands are essential for maintaining structure, discipline, and safety in training. These Korean-language instructions guide students through techniques, sparring, and forms while honoring the art's roots. Here’s what you need to know:

• Basic Commands:

  • Charyut (Attention) and Kyungnet (Bow) show respect at the start and end of class.
  • Joon Bi (Ready) and Sijak (Begin) signal readiness and action.
  • Kalyeo (Stop) and Baro (Return) ensure safety during sparring.
  • Shiuh (Rest) and Kihap (Shout) support focus and power.

• Why Korean?
  Using Korean terms unifies practitioners worldwide and respects Taekwondo’s origins.

• How to Learn:
  Consistent practice, correct pronunciation, and applying commands in forms, sparring, and group exercises help build muscle memory, focus, and confidence.

Mastering these commands is key to improving skills and embracing Taekwondo's discipline. Ready to start? Focus on basic commands first and practice regularly!

Taekwondo Basic: Taekwondo Commands in Korean

Common Commands and Meanings

Understanding Taekwondo commands is key to maintaining discipline and effective training. Here’s a breakdown of some essential commands and their meanings.

Charyut and Kyungnet

Charyut (차렷) instructs students to stand at attention with feet together and arms at their sides. Kyungnet (경례) means "bow" and follows Charyut, showing respect to instructors and fellow students. At Authentic Taekwondo and Kickboxing, these commands are used at the start and end of every class, creating a respectful training environment.

Now, let’s move to the commands that signal readiness and action.

Joon Bi and Sijak

Joon Bi (준비) means "ready" and tells students to assume a ready stance - feet shoulder-width apart, fists at waist level. Sijak (시작) translates to "begin" and signals the start of an activity, whether it’s an exercise or a form.

Kalyeo and Baro

Kalyeo (갈려) means "stop" and is used to immediately halt any action. Baro (바로) translates to "return" or "recover", instructing students to go back to their starting position. These commands are vital for maintaining safety and coordination, especially during sparring.

Chose and Kihap

Shiuh (쉬어) translates to "rest" or "relax", allowing students to break from the attention stance. Meanwhile, the kihap is a shout that conveys confidence and determination, often used to enhance focus and power during practice at Authentic Taekwondo and Kickboxing.

Training-Specific Commands

Taekwondo training relies on specific commands to maintain order and ensure safety during different activities. These commands structure the learning process, making it easier for students to focus and improve. Here's how they are used in sparring, forms, and self-defense.

Sparring Commands

In kyorugi (sparring), instructors use short, clear cues to start and stop rounds or signal pauses. These commands help maintain control and safety during practice. Frequent use of these cues ensures students react quickly and follow safety measures, whether in training or competitions.

Form Commands

When practicing forms, instructors guide students with detailed commands to move through each sequence correctly. These instructions emphasize smooth transitions, proper stances, and consistent techniques, helping students improve their balance and coordination.

Self-Defense Commands

At Authentic Taekwondo and Kickboxing, self-defense training incorporates specific cues to guide movements and resets. These commands make it clear when to execute techniques and when to reset, ensuring practice remains effective and safe in a welcoming environment ^[1].

Learning Command Basics

Getting the hang of Taekwondo commands takes consistent practice and attention to detail. Over time, this helps build muscle memory.

Regular Practice

The key to recognizing and responding to commands is repetition. At Authentic Taekwondo and Kickboxing, students incorporate commands into every session until they feel natural. Start small - focus on two or three basic commands like charyut (attention) and kyungnet (bow). Use these commands during forms to create a connection between the words and the actions they represent.

Correct Pronunciation

Pronouncing commands clearly is essential for effective communication. Since Korean commands include sounds that might not exist in English, it’s important to focus on a few specific areas:

• Use proper breath control when delivering commands.
• Pay attention to which syllables are emphasized.
• Carefully listen to your instructor’s pronunciation.
• Practice saying commands at varying volumes while keeping them clear.

For longer commands, break them into smaller parts (e.g., kyung and net) to ensure you’re saying them correctly.

Command Usage

Knowing when and how to use commands can improve your training. Commands vary depending on the type of activity and serve specific purposes. Here's a quick breakdown:

These basics will help you apply commands effectively in different training situations.

About Taekwondo and Kickboxing

Programs for All Ages

Training programs are available for everyone, from preschoolers to adults. These classes cover Taekwondo, Kickboxing, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (BJJ), and Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), with sessions tailored to different age groups and skill levels. Starting as young as 3 years old, students develop skills and values through consistent practice.

Core Values in Training

Training sessions focus on more than just physical skills - they help instill values that can be applied outside the dojo. The structured environment emphasizes personal growth through key principles:

How to Start

New students can kick off their training with a free trial class. This introductory session covers basic commands, simple movements, and expert guidance in a welcoming atmosphere. One parent shared:

"In just a few short months, I've seen my child develop incredible discipline, focus, and self-confidence. The class strikes an ideal balance between teaching valuable life skills and fostering a love for the sport" ^[1]

After the trial, students can join a four-week introductory program, which includes a uniform. This setup ensures beginners feel confident and ready to dive into training while learning foundational techniques in a supportive setting.

Summary

Taekwondo commands play a key role in maintaining order, discipline, and safety during training. These Korean-language instructions act as universal cues, ensuring consistency across practice sessions.

Learning basic commands like charyut (attention), kyungnet (bow), and sijak (begin) is crucial for building a solid training foundation. Practicing these commands regularly helps students develop:

• Muscle memory: Quick and accurate responses to verbal instructions
• Mental focus: Enhanced concentration during drills and routines
• Cultural awareness: A deeper connection to Taekwondo's Korean roots

Clear pronunciation of commands is equally important. It ensures smooth transitions and precise movements during sparring and demonstrations, where timing and coordination are critical.

These commands are more than just words - they guide class structure, enforce discipline, and promote safety. Whether you're working on basic stances or advanced forms, understanding and responding to commands correctly is key to improving your skills and embracing the discipline that Taekwondo demands.

For beginners, mastering these basics builds confidence and prepares them for more advanced training. The consistent use of commands fosters a sense of readiness and assurance in every practice session.