Korean Traditional Martial Arts – Kyulyun Taekyun Class on July 19
- zone tp
- Jul 4
- 4 min read
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Taekyun is a traditional martial art that features flexible and rhythmical combat techniques, with an emphasis on kicking.
As a traditional Korean martial art, Taekyun is the only unarmed martial art in Korea to be listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage.
❗ The difference between Taekyun and Taekwondo
Taekyeon is a traditional Korean martial art that appeared in literature in the late 18th century (around 1770) and is believed to have originated before the Joseon period, with roots in the Goryeo and Three Kingdoms eras. It features smooth footwork and techniques called taejil, focusing on throwing or subduing opponents rather than striking. In contrast, Taekwondo emphasizes powerful, precise kicks for scoring points through direct contact. While Taekkyeon preserves ancient Korean martial traditions, Taekwondo was systematized in the mid-20th century as a modern sport and martial art.
It blends martial arts, folk games, and dance, with a strong emphasis on etiquette.
How about learning the beautiful traditional Korean martial art directly from a Grand Master?
Let's begin😎
The Kyulyun Taekyun Association was founded by a group of university students who had learned Taekyun from Song Deok-ki, the first officially recognized holder of Taekyun skills. Initially formed under the name "Taekyun Preservation Society" to commemorate Taekyun's designation as an Important Intangible Cultural Heritage, the association aims to preserve and promote Kyulyun Taekyun while contributing to the development of national culture. As one of the major Taekyun organizations in Korea, it is actively working to pass down and spread Kyulyun Taekyun. The association also teaches other traditional Korean martial arts, such as Hopaesool, which uses the hopae (a traditional ID tag from the Joseon Dynasty), as part of its efforts to preserve and promote Korea’s martial heritage.
Kyulyun Taekyun refers to a team-based, continuous-match style of competition where groups of 5 to 15 participants take turns fighting, and the winner continues to face the next challenger. Although its exact origins are unknown, it is believed to have been widely practiced since long ago, as passed down by the first officially recognized Taekyun master—referred to as the last Taekyun practitioner of the Joseon Dynasty. Traditionally, participants would represent their villages, competing for honor. Its intense yet artistic style of fighting reflects Korea's unique cultural identity. Unlike many modern sports that emphasize the outcome of winning or losing, Kyulyun Taekyun is a communal cultural activity, focused on participation, enjoyment, and unity. It is designated as Important Intangible Cultural Heritage No. 76 and is nationally protected as a traditional sport with a long history.
Now it's time to experience and enjoy the vibrant Korean culture of Taekyun through hands-on learning! In this program, you'll receive direct instruction from Grandmaster Ki-Hyun Do, who studied under Song Deok-gi—the last Taekyun master of the Joseon Dynasty—and Master In-Moo Hwang, who has helped systematize and promote Taekyun in the modern era. The class includes an orientation, traditional etiquette, and practice of Taekyun's fundamental movements. Participants will also enjoy a light-foot-tapping match(Instep-stepping sparring), learning the basics of this unique martial art. This program not only offers a meaningful opportunity to learn Korea’s traditional martial art but also teaches techniques useful for self-defense, making it a valuable skill for the future.
Thanks to its unique rules, Taekyun is known as a martial art with relatively low risk of injury. It was widely practiced in times when protective gear didn’t exist, so the rules were designed to ensure it could be enjoyed safely. For example, striking the torso with the foot or kicking hard in a single motion is not allowed. These kinds of restrictions help make Taekyun enjoyable without serious concerns about injury.
Let’s begin by learning the basic movements of Taekyun: Pumbalbgi and Hwalgae Heundeulgi. Pumbalbgi involves bending and straightening the knees in a rhythmic motion, a movement commonly seen in traditional Korean dances and mask performances. The footwork follows the shape of the character “品 (pum),” stepping along the corners of a triangle. Hwalgae Heundeulgi is a swinging motion of both arms like a pendulum, in the direction of body movement, to maintain balance. It’s most effective when done together with Pumbalbgi, so it’s important to practice both movements thoroughly.
Taekyun's basic kicking technique is called Bokjang Jireugi, which involves pushing or kicking the opponent’s chest or abdomen with your foot. To avoid injury, you must push rather than strike the torso,and is often seen in matches. Be careful not to hurt yourself or your partner as you learn this technique. You’ll also learn Hwalgae Ppurigi, a basic hand technique. Although it doesn’t involve direct contact, it creates a breeze in front of your opponent’s eyes. This motion is similar to flicking water off your hand—stretch your arm and snap it forward using the strength of the back of your hand. Though it may feel more like a dance than a martial art, its light and swift execution showcases the essence of Taekyun.
Lastly, you'll wrap up the class with an Instep-stepping sparring. In this game, you use the Pumbalbgi to try to step on your opponent’s feet. It’s a safe yet thrilling way to engage in a lighthearted match. While it can be an effective tactic in real competitions, it also serves as an enjoyable activity for beginners to try out Taekyun. Use this time to review the techniques you've learned.
At the end of this class, you'll receive a certificate issued under the name of a nationally certified Grandmaster. The only thing you need to prepare is one simple thing: comfortable clothing suitable for practicing Taekyun!
Date: Jul 19th 3–4:30PM
Location: 4F, 37 Insadong 7-gil, Jongno-gu, Seoul
Registration link: https://www.kxplore.com/shop_view/?idx=123
