Korean Martial Arts Terms

Korean martial arts have their roots as far back as 37 B.C. During the reign of the Goguryeo dynasty empty-handed fighting was a common pastime for young men. Currently Korean martial arts such as hapkido, kuk sool won and taekwondo are practiced around the world. Although these martial arts may seem daunting to a newcomer, learning a few basic terms used to discuss Korean martial arts can make them much easier to understand.

  1. Dojang

    • The word "dojang" is taken from a portmanteau of the Korean words "do," meaning art, and "jang," meaning "place." A "dojang" is therefore a place where one practices their art. Although the word originally came from an area in which Buddhists meditated, in martial arts the "dojang" is a formal training hall for practice. The term is equivalent to the Japanese word "dojo" or the Chinese "wu guan." A traditional dojang is often decorated with the awards its participants have won and iconography relating to Korea itself.

    Dobok

    • The dobok is the standard attire worn by those who practice Korean martial arts, similar to the gi in Japanese martial arts. "Do" is Korean for "art" and "bok" means "clothing" thus a "dobok" translates as "the clothes one wears for their art." The official dobok of the World Taekwondo Federation are usually black or white and have a v-neck on them. Dobok are traditionally made from cotton although in the 21st century it is also common to see them made from a cotton-polyester blend.

    Muyedobotongji

    • The Muyedobotongji, sometimes known as Muye Dobo Tongji, was a book commissioned by King Jeongjo of Korea in 1789. Written by Yi Deokmu and Pak Jega, its title translates as "The Illustrated Manual of Korean Martial Arts." King Jeongjo commissioned the book as a result of a need to revive Korea's martial arts tradition during a period of foreign invasion. The book was heavily influenced by the Chinese military manual "Ji Xiao Xin Shu" and mainly focuses on sword and horse-based martial arts.

    Kwan

    • The word "kwan" translates into English as "hall" but in Korean martial arts the term is used to mean a group or clan of martial artists who follow the same leader. The word is used in a similar fashion to the Chinese term "guan." Between 1944 and 1946 the "Original Five Kwans" of taekwondo were formed. These were Song Moo Kwan, Chung Do Kwan, Moo Duk Kwan, Chang Moo Kwan and Yun Moo Kwan. A number of other important kwans have been formed in the years since.