Promotion from one geup to the next can proceed rapidly in some schools, since schools often allow geup promotions every two, three, or four months. Students of geup rank learn the most basic techniques first, and then move on to more advanced techniques as they approach first dan. Many of the older and more traditional schools often take longer to allow students to test for higher ranks than newer, more contemporary schools, as they may not have the required testing intervals. View Taekwondo belt levels »
Palm Heel Forward Strike
( 바탕손 앞치기 batangson-ap-chigi )
Difficulty Level: Advanced
Palm Heel Forward Strike ( 바탕손 앞치기 batangson-ap-chigi ) is a classic self-defence strike where the hand is pulled back to engage the base of the palm ( 바탕손 batangson ) in an upwards thrusting strike. This is particularly dangerous if applied to the base of the opponent's nose or chin and can result in death. This dangerous advanced technique is obviously banned in competition taekwondo.
Whether the hand is open or the fingertips are folded against the bottom knuckles, palm strikes hit with the bottom part of the palm ( 바탕손 batangson ), where the hand meets the wrist. The hand is held perpendicular to the wrist to avoid hitting the softer inner wrist tissue against the target. The bottom ridge of the palm ( 바탕손 batangson ) is a surprisingly solid striking surface, and can do just as much damage as a closed fist when utilized properly. Some studies have shown that a palm strike actually can produce more energy than a punch in most cases, with far less risk of injury to the striker's own hand. Also, it creates a few inches of additional distance between the striker and the target than a regular punch, thus picking up more momentum.
The palm strike is useful as it is thrown in a more relaxed manner than a clenched fist. This is because clenching the fist shortens the extensor muscles of the wrist which counter the action of flexor muscles of the wrist used in punching. Many martial arts teach to keep the fist clench relaxed until impact in order to maximize the speed of the punch.
* Please see a certified Master Instructor ( 사범님 sabeomnim ) for training. Proper guidance and instructions are needed to ensure safe training.
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Southeast Asian Games Championships
The Southeast Asian Games (also known as the SEA Games), is a biennial multi-sport event involving participants from the current 11 countries of Southeast Asia. The games is under regulation of the Southeast Asian Games Federation with supervision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia. For more information View Southeast Asian Games Championships »
This stance ( 서기 sogi ) is specifically focused on shifting weight to the back leg, as it offers much more control, and makes it easier to kick off the front leg. To perform the Back Stance ( 뒷굽이 dwi-kubi ), the body faces to the side, with the front foot facing forward and the front leg bent. The back leg is bent slightly and the foot is turned outwards perpendicular to the front foot making the letter "L" for this stance ( 서기 sogi ). When learning the Back Stance ( 뒷굽이 dwi-kubi ), it is helpful to use a mirror. For more information View Back Stance ( 뒷굽이 dwi-kubi ) »
Courtesy ( Ye Ui / 예의 ):"Showing courtesy to all, respecting others, having manners as well as maintaining the appropriate etiquette at all times, both within and outside the dojang (도장) (designated training area)."View Taekwondo Tenets »
