Taekkyeon – Korean Martial Arts Style
Taekkyeon is a Korean martial arts focused on low kicks, leg sweeps, trips, pushes, etc. Taekkyeon is also characterized by rhythmic and almost dance-like movements.
This ancient Korean martial arts style is much older than the better known Korean martial arts of Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do.
Taekkyeon Training
According to Taekkyeon Korea, Taekkyeon training consists of Apetgauri (warm-up & stretching), Gibongauri (basic techniques), Holsaegim (combinations), Matdaegauri (pre-arranged two man training) and Kyorugi (free style fighting).
Taekkyeon Techniques
According to Korean Tourism Organization, the following are common techniques used in Taekkyeon:
Foot Techniques
- Front kicks with the top of the foot
- Spinning the body and kicking with the arch of the foot
- Kicking outside in
- Jumping and kicking
- Spinning the body and kicking with both hands on the floor
- Slapping the opponent’s face with the sole of the foot
Hand Techniques
- Pushing the opponent by the neck
- Jabbing the opponent with the wrist on his/her chest or neck
- Pulling the opponent by the leg after getting him/her down on the floor by a kick
- Striking the opponent’s neck using the heel of the hand
- Thrusting one’s fingers into the opponent’s eyes
Miscellaneous Techniques
- The Hwalgaejeotgi technique, which consists of waving both arms to confuse the opponent’s vision or pre-empt an attack
- The yelling of Ikkeu (Eikkeu)
Taekkyeon Documentary
References
- Taekkyeon Korea, What is Taekkyeon?, http://www.taekkyonkorea.com/event/engtk/, Added – 12/18/13
- Korean Tourism Organization, Taekkyeon, http://english.visitkorea.or.kr/enu/CU/CU_EN_8_2_7.jsp, Added – 12/18/13