What is Taekkyon?

Taekkyon is a Korean traditional martial art which is based on various techniques such as moving arms playfully and proudly in a circular motion, swaying easily with body and tripping by foot, especially by peculiar steps which are called Pumbalgi in Korea.

Kyulyun Taekkyun Association

Kyulyun Taekkyun Association(KTA) is the governing by for Kyulyun Taekkyon which is a case study of Duk-ki Song, Taekkyun cultural inheritor. KTA has been promoting Kyulyun Taekkyun by organizing performance, seminar and events especially Taekkyun battle and madangnori(traditional outdoor performance). Our headquarters are established in 1983, and always proud of strengthening and continuing our traditional martial arts.

Korea Taekkyon Federation

With the objective of encouraging the development of the sport of Taekkyon, Korea Taekkyon Federation(KTF) is an incorporated association which is recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Starting with semi approval as a national federation by Korean Sport & Olympic Committee(NOCs of Korea) on January, 14th, 1991 and formal approval on February, 26th, 2007. KTF has been in charge of both leisure and elite sports since December, 1st, 2015 when Kore Taekkyon Federation and Korea Taekkyon Sports For All had united.

• Related Organizations

  Related Organizations에 대한 안내

  Name	Website
  Kyulyun Taekyun Association	https://www.taekyun.org
  Korea Taekkyon Federation	http://www.koreataekkyon.com

Characteristics

It has various characteristics such as flexible movements of hands and feet for attack and defence. Such skills as Pumbalgi(graceful steps), Hwalgaejit (a circular motion with arms) and Balchagi (an act of kicking) cause an opponent to be confused and lessen his or her attack. A fighter can also protect himself from an opponent's attack by decreasing the force of impact by basic graceful movements similar to that of a bird spreading and flapping it's wings. Unlike other martial arts in which 'Dan' or 'Geup' is used, they should use ‘Jjae’or ‘Dong’ in Taekkyon which shows us a hierarchical degree.

History

Taekkyon has been registered as an Intangible Cultural Asset No. 76 on June 1, 1983, and registered in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List on November 28, 2011.

Taekkyon is known as bare handed fighting and traditional culture handed down in Korean tradition.