Every individual technique in Widae Taekkyeon originates from three foundational body-mechanic principles. These principles are the absolute roots of force generation within the martial art. Integrated with the directionality of Pum-balg-gi and Hwalgaetjit, they are inherently embedded in every single application.
Gum-seul-reu-gi — The continuous, fluid kinetic methodology of bending and extending the lower body, centered on the hip joints. It acts as the absolute baseline foundation for Pum-balg-gi, all footsteps, and tactical body movements.
Heori-jae-gi — The dynamic snap and whipping rotation of the waist, which generates dynamic power. Operating in perfect complementarity with Gum-seul-reu-gi, it injects highly explosive force into the techniques.
Eokke-bul-lim — The precise structural framing and angling of the shoulder girdle, scapula, arms, and hands (collectively known as Hwalgae), ensuring that the core power generated from the torso is seamlessly transferred to the hands. It serves as the governing grand principle for Hwalgaetjit and the root of upper-body force.
Based on these three core principles, the twin maternal frameworks (母體) of Pum-balg-gi and Hwalgaetjit emerge. These two frameworks function precisely like the vowels of the Korean alphabet (Hangeul), embedding themselves into every individual technique. Meanwhile, specific applications such as Sonjit (hand strikes) and Baljit (kicks) act like the consonants of Hangeul, interlocking with the vowels to formulate a complete, singular technique. Despite the vast and comprehensive scope of the martial art, the fact that every single movement unfolds consistently within this structural system defines the structural integrity and internal consistency of Widae Taekkyeon. This rigorous framework allows practitioners to logically explore and expand new techniques within the established system.
The scope of Widae Taekkyeon training is structured as follows, with each category operating in fluid combination with the others. Learning the entire process of engaging the opponent (Gyeonugi), setting up baits (Eoreugi), and creating tactical openings constitutes the overarching grand framework of training, developing the ability to execute these techniques through the seamless principles and flow of Pum-balg-gi and Hwalgaetjit. Sonjit and Balgiljit do not merely stop at delivering percussive impacts but are engineered to strip away the opponent's center of gravity. While disrupting the opponent's balance via Taejil grappling, the movement flows directly back into strikes, joint locks, or position controls. Described in modern combat sports terminology, a striking setup flows naturally into grappling, and grappling transitions take place directly on the kinetic trajectories of striking; this organic, multi-dimensional link between categories is the defining hallmark of Widae Taekkyeon.
| Terminology | Description |
|---|---|
| Pum-balg-gi | The most fundamental technique and footwork of Taekkyeon. The name is derived from stepping precisely along the geometric shape of the Hanja character 'Pum' (品). Utilizing Gum-seul-reu-gi to shift the center of gravity, practitioners master the science of distance management, angle manipulation, and space domination. Since the operational methods dynamically diversify based on the opponent's relative position, practitioners simultaneously learn distance perception, technical directionality, and tactical positioning. Includes Joongshim-balggi, Galjija-balggi, Dwit-pum-balggi, and Samyeon-balggi. |
| Gyeo-nu-gi | The combat stances of Taekkyeon. Practitioners master four signature combat postures: Bon-se, Godae-se, Paljang-gigi, and Samyeon-se, learning the defining strategic flows and technical trajectories of Hwalgaetjit that initiate from each stance. It represents a ready-state designed to simultaneously manage defense, check the opponent, and deploy technical execution. For instance, Bon-se is a flow deployed with the centerline open while checking the left and right flanks, whereas Paljang-gigi is a flow that unfolds from wrapping the body, mimicking the motion of crossing one's arms. In modern combat terminology, Bon-se can function similarly to a Long Guard to High Guard, while Paljang-gigi executes the tactical role of a Philly Shell Guard. |
| Eo-reu-gi | Tactical engagements initiated from combat stances, designed to deceive, lure, suppress, or strike the opponent as hands begin to interlock. Comprehensively, it corresponds to the concept of Setups—encompassing all movements aimed at pressuring, baiting, and faking the opponent—while the primary Eo-reu-gi movements that initiate directly from Gyeonugi can be defined as Openers. The core objective of Eo-reu-gi is to engineer an ideal situation for the devastating primary techniques to follow. It is highly diverse, unbound by rigid forms or specific bodily extremities, and constitutes the tactical core of Taekkyeon alongside Gyeonugi. |
| Son-jit (Hand Frameworks) | The comprehensive application of hand and arm techniques. Initiating from percussive strikes utilizing the fists and palms (Jang), it expands into advanced pushing, pulling, and violent grabbing methods. It is operated in an organic continuum with Hwalgaetjit; an offensive strike is designed to destabilize the opponent's center of gravity, and specific Sonjit applications are applied directly within Taejil grappling slams. Includes Kochim-chigi, Myeon-chigi, Jaegal-neotgi, Dokki-jil, Angyeong-jaebi, and Teok-geori. |
| Bal-gil-jit (Leg Dynamics) | The comprehensive application of foot and leg techniques. Starting from lower-body impacts and strikes, it expands into advanced hooking, sweeps that disrupt balance, and heavy shoving kicks that throw the opponent off-center. Since it includes maneuvers that trip and slam the opponent like Naksi-geori, the modern combat concept of a Sweep falls directly into this category. Unlike modern martial arts, it completely erases the boundary between striking and grappling, seamlessly locking into Pum-balg-gi and core body mechanics. Includes Mureup-chigi, Neun-jireugi, Godeun-balgil, Anjjang-dari, Bakjjang-dari, Ttan-juk, Bal-ttagui, Yetbeop-dokkibal, Jangdae-geori, Naksi-geori, and Maem-dolgi. |
| Tae-gi-jil | The advanced grappling, throwing, and takedown art of Taekkyeon. The expression 'Tae-ji-chida' is etymologically derived from the violent threshed impacts of slamming grain bundles against a wooden threshing frame, pointing directly to high-amplitude throws designed to smash an opponent into the ground. It shares a vast array of techniques with Ssireum (traditional Korean wrestling) and includes specialized variations utilizing the clothing or belts. Built heavily upon Pum-balg-gi and Hwalgaetjit, it forms a fluid continuum with hand and leg strikes. In modern combat sport terminology, it fully encapsulates Throws (where only the opponent lands), Takedowns (where both go down), and Sweeps (tripping via the feet). Includes Kal-jaebi, Naksi-geori, Gongjoong-geori, Melppang-geori, Deolmi-jaebi, Mok-mujang, and Maem-dolrigi. |
| Geo-deo-nae-gi | Defensive upper-body frameworks that deflect, parry, or catch the opponent's hand and leg strikes, instantly re-routing the force to establish a highly advantageous counter-attack. Rather than acting as a static block, it serves as the vital structural setup for immediate counters, training the practitioner to naturally enter a counter-striking flow. In modern combat terminology, Geo-deo-nae-gi against hand strikes maps directly to Parrying, while its application against leg strikes corresponds to a Kick Catch. There are over 12 distinct methodologies of Geo-deo-nae-gi. |
| Mak-eum-dari | Lower-body interception and checking systems that utilize one's own legs to obstruct and counter the opponent's incoming leg strikes. The primary objective is to control the opponent's lower-body offensive vectors using the lower extremities and instantly bridge into a counter-throw or trip, with Pum-balg-gi mechanics playing a vital role. In modern combat sports, it corresponds precisely to a Kick Check or evasion using the legs. There are approximately 17 distinct movements, including Mak-eum-dari, Mureup-olryeo-jaegi, Baldeung-geori, and Eong-deong-chigi. |
| Hwal-gaet-jit | The definitive core upper-body framework built upon Eokke-bul-lim, expanding across striking, clinch wrestling, feints, parries, throwing setups, and joint locking. It is engineered based on physical structures and trajectories that maximize force efficiency, and can be defined as the core kinetic pathway of the practitioner's power. Its motion paths apply universally across all technical domains, serving as the twin maternal source of basic Taekkyeon movement alongside Pum-balg-gi. The 12 signature Hwalgaetjit flows possess an interconnected, seamless continuum. |
| Sin-ju · Gwa-si · Yong-jeop | The advanced joint manipulation, submission locking, and pinning protocols of Taekkyeon. Sinju (伸肘) focuses on hyperextending the elbow joint, mapping directly to modern Armbars or Armlocks. Gwasi (誇示) refers to hyper-rotating and locking the opponent's joints to entirely suppress them, literally meaning "to demonstrate dominant power," which corresponds beautifully to Judo's Osaekomi-waza (Pins/Hold-downs). Yong-jeop (鎔接) is a specialized close-quarter grappling protocol meaning "to weld/fuse," where a practitioner sticks heavily to the opponent's back like a cicada to execute strangulations or chokeholds. Because Sinju, Gwasi, and Yong-jeop completely encompass joint locks, pins, and chokes, they map perfectly to modern Submissions and Position Control. This advanced, spectrum-like system operates in a highly complex mix with grappling slams and striking. |
| Taekkyeon Mugo-chum | The ritualistic dance that expresses the deep spiritual world of Taekkyeon, executed by connecting the continuous flows of Hwalgaetjit and Balgiljit. Because it is performed to the heavy rhythms of a traditional drum beat led by a Gosu (鼓手, traditional drummer) much like Pansori, it is named 'Mugo-chum' (Martial Drum Dance). Consisting of a total of 12 madangs (chapters), it represents the ultimate pinnacle phase where a practitioner's combative body movements have sublimated into absolute mastery. |
For a microscopic breakdown of the complete technical matrix, please refer to the Curriculum Page.
The techniques of each structural phase are strictly mastered through three distinct training formats:
Solo Performance (Dan-dok Seyeon) — Foundational training dedicated to mastering the exact structural form, mechanics, and principles of a technique in isolation.
Partner Drills (Maju-daegi) — Facing an active partner to apply techniques within structured, pre-determined rules. The rule sets dynamically scale based on the practitioner's individual rank progression.
Sparring (Gyeoru-gi) — Full free-form live combat where all technical domains—including hand strikes, kicks, grappling slams, and traps—are fully permitted. Victory is determined by completely dominating the opponent into a 3-Point Position (a state where three or more parts of the opponent's body touch the ground simultaneously), with judges comprehensively evaluating clean strikes, technical execution, and tactical aggressiveness.
The Widae Taekkyeon Association operates a highly systematic ranking and promotion framework stretching from the initial 9-Pum (品) to the highest Jeong-9-Pum (正9品). Each rank is achieved by training for a mandatory minimum duration and successfully passing a formal examination panel through solo execution and live partner drills.
| Rank Stage | Minimum Training Duration Required |
|---|---|
| 9-Pum | Granted immediately upon initial formal registration. |
| 8-Pum to 1-Pum | Minimum of 3 months per rank, with at least 20 official attendances. |
| Jeong-1-Pum to Jeong-2-Pum | Minimum of 1 to 2 years per stage. |
| Jeong-3-Pum to Jeong-4-Pum | Minimum of 3 to 4 years per stage. |
| Jeong-5-Pum to Jeong-7-Pum | Minimum of 5 to 7 years per stage. |
| Jeong-8-Pum to Jeong-9-Pum | Subject to rigorous review by the Special Grand Committee. |
Ranks from Jeong-3-Pum and above officially constitute the Instructor and Leadership Curriculum, awarded exclusively through a majority consensus vote of the Grand Evaluation Board.
The Widae Taekkyeon Association drives active transmission across multiple domestic centers in South Korea—including Seoul (Jongno, Yeongdeungpo, Yangcheon), Gyeonggi-do (Anyang, Ilsan in Goyang), and Busan—as well as international training bases spanning Los Angeles and Texas (USA), India, and Norway. For detailed scheduling and formal enrollment guides, please reach out directly to your local branch.
Official Global Portal: https://taekkyeon.net
International Registration Inquiries: https://open.kakao.com/o/snJOk0ih