Taekkyon

{{Short description|Traditional Korean martial art}} {{Distinguish|Taekwondo}} {{Infobox martial art | logo = | logocaption = | logosize = | image = 270px | imagecaption = | name = Taekkyon | aka = Taekgyeon, Taekkyeon, Taekyun | focus = Self-defense with a focus on kicks, trips, throws in competitions | hardness = Light-contact (pushing hands)

Full-contact (strikes, kicks, throws, takedowns etc.) | country = Korea | parenthood = Subak | website = Four associations: * [http://www.koreataekkyon.com/ www.koreataekkyon.com] * [http://www.krtga.com/ www.krtga.com] * [https://www.taekyun.org/ www.taekyun.org] * [https://taekkyeon.net/ taekkyeon.net] * [https://wtkf.org/ wtkf.org] |formation=Documented since the 18th century}}{{Infobox intangible heritage | Name = Taekkyon | Country = Korea | ID = 452 | Region = APA | Year = 2011 (6th session) | List = Representative | Below = 100px | Note = UNESCO Cultural Heritage }} '''Taekkyon''' ({{Korean|hangul=택견; 태껸}}; {{IPA|ko|tʰɛk̚k͈jʌn}}), also spelled '''taekkyeon''', is a traditional Korean martial art. It is characterized by a fluid, dynamic footwork called ''pumbalbgi'', or "stepping-on-triangles". Taekkyon includes hand and foot techniques to unbalance, trip, or throw the opponent. In competitive taekkyon points are scored by throwing the opponent or landing kicks on their head. A taekkyon practitioner is called a "''taekkyon-kkun''". Practitioners, referees, and coaches wear taekkyon uniforms, which today are based on traditional garments such as the ''gouijeoksam'', or, depending on the school, the ''cheollik'' for competitions.

Since the twentieth century, taekkyon has come to be seen as a living link to Korea's past. As such, it has provided historical references for modern Korean martial arts and is often considered as the oldest martial discipline of Korea.<ref name="GREEN Thomas A. 2010 195">{{Cite book|title=Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation Vol. 2|last=GREEN Thomas A.|first=SVINTH Joseph R.|publisher=ABC-CLIO|year=2010|isbn=978-1-59884-243-2|pages=195}}</ref> It was almost wiped out during the Japanese occupation, before being rediscovered after the Korean War. It influenced the name and conceptualization of taekwondo.

Taekkyon was the first martial art listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Inscription of Taekkyon on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. |url=https://ar.yna.co.kr/view/PYH20111128094600885}}</ref> It is also the 76th Intangible Cultural Property of South Korea.<ref name="GREEN Thomas A. 2010 195" /><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.heritage.go.kr/heri/cul/culSelectDetail.do?VdkVgwKey=17,00760000,33&pageNo=5_2_1_0|title=Taekkyon on the Cultural Heritage Administration Web Page}}</ref><ref name="auto">{{Cite web|url=https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/taekkyeon-a-traditional-korean-martial-art-00452|title=UNESCO - Taekkyeon, a traditional Korean martial art|website=ich.unesco.org}}</ref>

== History == The earliest written source of the term appears during the reign of King Jeongjo (1776&ndash;1800) of the Joseon dynasty, in the book ''Jaemulbo'' (also ''Manmulbo''), which included an entry about a 2nd-century Book of Han reference of contests of unarmed combat. In this entry, author Lee Sung-Ji extended a 3rd-century annotation of this reference to say that such competitions were like the ''taekkyon'' of his time:<ref>{{in lang|ko}} Lee Yong-bok (이용복): "Taekkyon Research" (''택견연구'') {{ISBN|8971930748}}. Seoul: Hakminsa Publishing, 2001</ref>

:"Byeon: Byeon is hand to hand combat (Subak), competing in a martial game, ''like today's Taekkyon.''"

The word ''Taekkyon'' is written in Hangul, which denotes its connection with the common people while the rest is written in Hanja.

Song Deok-gi (1893-1987) who was the main source of the taekkyon revival after the occupation, wrote in the preface of his only book: "It cannot be said for sure when and how Taekkyon came into existence, but until the end of the Korean kingdom, certain people did Taekkyon together."<ref>{{in lang|ko}} Song Deok-Gi (송덕기) and Bak Jong-gwan (박종관): ''The traditional martial art taekkyon'' (전통무예 택견). Seoul: Seorim Munhwasa Publishing 1983. {{ISBN|89-7186-209-2}}. {{ISBN|89-7186-001-4}} (Set)</ref>{{Infobox Korean name/auto |hangul=택견; 태껸 |ipa=tʰɛk̚k͈jʌn }}[[File:Korean painting-Daekwaedo.jpg|thumb|Yu Suk (1827-1873) ''Daekwaedo''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=(Korean Studies Promotion Program Achievement Portal |url=http://waks.aks.ac.kr/subject.aspx?dataID=42439}}</ref> It shows matches of ssireum and taekkyon.]]

Taekkyon was documented for the first time in the West by anthropologist Stewart Culin in his book ''Korean Games'', written in 1895.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://archive.org/details/koreangameswith01culigoog|title=Korean games with notes on the corresponding games of China and Japan|first=Stewart|last=Culin|date=December 1, 1895|publisher=Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania|via=Internet Archive}}</ref> In the 1921 book ''Haedong Jukji'' (''East Sea Annals'') by Choe Yeong-nyeon, taekkyon is called "flying leg technique".<ref>{{in lang|ko}} Lee Yong-bok (이용복): ''Taekkyon'' (택견). Daewonsa Publishing, Seoul 1995, S. 14 f.</ref> Taekkyon was widely practiced during the Joseon period. Two versions existed at the time: one for combat application used by militaries, the other as a game, very popular among lower classes alongside ssireum (Korean wrestling). Both combat sports were often seen at festivals, attended by all social classes. For example, during the Dan-O-Festival, a tournament called ''Gyeoll-yeon-Taekkyon'' was held. Players who beat five opponents consecutively could take a rest and re-enter the tournament again later.<ref>{{in lang|ko}} Lee Yongbok (이용복): ''Taekkyon, a Korean Martial Art'' (한국무예 택견). Seoul: Hakminsa Publishing 1990.</ref>

Taekkyon's popularity declined as Neo-Confucianism became widespread among the elite and it underwent a long period of decline toward the end of the Joseon Dynasty.<ref>{{Cite web |title=THE AVAILABLE EVIDENCE REGARDING TAEKKYON AND ITS PORTRAYAL AS A TRADITIONAL KOREAN MARTIAL ART |url=https://oak.go.kr/repository/journal/18661/NRF003_2012_v15n2_341.pdf}}</ref> At the dawn of the 20th century, it was only practiced around the capital city of Hanyang (Seoul), in the district of Jongro. The subsequent Japanese occupation prohibited gatherings of people and indigenous fighting techniques, which nearly made the art extinct.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2011|title=UNESCO page on Taekkyon|url=http://www.unescoicm.org/eng/notice/qna.php?ptype=view&idx=7287&page=1&code=qna_eng|access-date=2021-09-18|website=www.unescoicm.org}}</ref>

After the Korean War there was only one surviving master: Song Deok-gi, who was part of the last generation that received a traditional education under the tutelage of renowned Master Im Ho (1870's?~1920's?).<ref>{{Cite web|title="From the age of 12, he [Song Deok-Gi] started to properly learn taekkyon with another 10 children of his age from 'Master Im Ho' who was the most well known taekkyon-kkun [practitioner] of that time."|url=https://www.taekyun.org/en/grand-master|website=Kyulyun Taekyun Website}}</ref><ref>These dates should be considered approximate as no official records have been found. The commonly cited dates (c. 1871 – c. 1927) are scholarly reconstructions and compromise based on (sometimes contradictory) oral history from his disciples.</ref> After the passing of his master, Song had maintained his practice in secret throughout the Japanese occupation. The style he practiced was called {{transliteration|kr|Widae}} (high-village) after his village of Sajik. Song was critical in the preservation of taekkyon due to his link to pre-war teachings. After a martial arts demonstration given for then-president Syngman Rhee's birthday, he was revealed to the public on 26 March 1958 and became known as the "Last Taekkyon Master of the Joseon Dynasty".<ref>{{Cite web |last= |title=Korean Studies Promotion Program Achievement Portal |url=http://waks.aks.ac.kr/subject.aspx?dataID=42439}}</ref>

Nonetheless, taekkyon did not enjoy a sudden resurgence, faced with lack of interest from the general public and competition from modern martial disciplines. Despite sporadic interest by taekwondo figures<ref>{{Cite web |last=DO |first=Ki-hyun |title=At that time many Korean people liked Taekwondo, and they had heard that Taekwondo had come from Taekkyon. In trying to find the source, they came across my teacher [Song Deok-gi]. Around 1960s, many Taekwondo players were trying to research Taekkyon like this. |url=https://monkeystealspeach.com/interviews-of-masters/taekkyon-master-ki-hyun/ |website=monkeystealspeach}}</ref> (such as Park Chul-hee, Kim Byeong-su, Im Chang-su...),<ref>{{Cite web |title=송덕기에게 배운 수련자는 (...) 1958년에 박철희, 1961년에 김병수, 1971년 임창수, (...) 등이 있다. |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0059123 |website=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture}}</ref> taekkyon remained relatively obscure.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The years following that were rather uneventful. Limited public instruction was resumed, but it met mostly with apathy and rejection from the martial arts community. Few seemed interested in an art that had been dormant for such a long time while other styles had spread throughout the world |url=http://www.parandeul.co.kr/taek_overview.htm |website=Parandeul}}</ref> Lee Jun-seo and Ko Yong-woo,<ref>{{Cite web |title=고용우가 1969년에 송덕기에게 수련 받았다는 사실도 확인된다 |url=https://encykorea.aks.ac.kr/Article/E0059123 |website=Encyclopedia of Korean Culture}}</ref> the two earliest known students of Song (and current leaders of the Widae Taekkyon Preservation Association)<ref name=":3">{{Cite web |last=Kim |first=Yong-Man |date=2018 |title=택견이 이칭(異稱)에 대해서 조선의 마지막 국가무형문화재 제76호 택견기능보유자 송덕기(1893~1987)로부터 1969년~1985년까지 택견을 사사(師事)받고, 특히 1983년부터 집중적으로 2년간 이준서(前, 송덕기의 윗대택견 국가전수장학생)와 함께 사사받은 고용우(1952년 1월 13일生, 미국 로스앤젤레스 거주)에 대해서 태견(김정윤, 2003)은 "송덕기는 고용우가 가장 태견을 마음에 들게 한다"고 기록하고 있다. 그는 구술채록(2013년 2월 10일, 미국 로스앤젤레스 커피숍)에서 택견의 이칭에 대해서 다음과 같이 진술하였다. |url=http://m.mooye.net/a.html?uid=14462 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210506161841/https://m.mooye.net/a.html?uid=14462 |archive-date=2021-05-06 |access-date=2019-06-08 |website=Mooye}}</ref> started their training during that period.

On June 1, 1983, ''taekkyon'' was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Asset by the Korean government, through the effort of Song's pupil, Shin Han-seung (1928-1987).

After two unsuccessful registration attempts, Shin, himself a physical educator,<ref>{{Cite web |title=문화훈장 보관문화훈장이 추서될 신한승은 지금의 경희대 전신인 신흥대학 체육과를 나와 아마추어 레슬링 국가대표까지 지낸 체육인이다 |url=https://www.yna.co.kr/view/AKR20121205053300005 |website=Yonhap News Agency}}</ref> created a modern training system by adapting methods from other martial arts and sports.<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |date=2008-08-28 |title=Learning Systems of Shin, Han-Seung's Taekkyeon (신한승택견의 학습체계) "Shin Han-Seong modernized Taekkyeon by borrowing training system of Judo, Fencing, Hapgido, Taekwondo, Karate." |url=https://ocean.kisti.re.kr/downfile/volume/kocon/CCTHCV/2008/v8n8/CCTHCV_2008_v8n8_235.pdf}}</ref> This new system introduced several innovations that were originally absent from the original taekkyon such as pre-arranged forms (''bonddae-boigi''), a formal ranking system and overall, a re-conception of taekkyon as a sanitized, modern sport.<ref name=":4" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=잘못된 택견의 문화재 지정. |url=https://mookas.com/news/7569 |website=Mookas}}</ref> While these efforts helped taekkyon gain official recognition, they also created a rift within the community between modernists and preservers.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2003 |title=국문초록 한국의 전통무예 택견은 1983년 6월 1일 중요무형문화재 제76호로 지정되었다. 초대 예능보유자 송덕기(1893~1987)와 신한승(1928~1987)이 작고하고 남겨진 이들의 제자들에 의해 1990년 초부터 택견의 전통성 시비에 대한 논쟁과 갈등이 빚어지고 있다. |url=https://kiss.kstudy.com/DetailOa/Ar?key=50141229 |website=Koreanstudies Information Service System}}</ref>

Following this honor, both Song Deok-gi and Shin Han-seung were given living national treasure status.<ref>Song Deok-Gi (송덕기) und Bak Jong-gwan (박종관): ''Taekkyon, a Traditional Martial Art'' (전통무예 택견). Seoul: Seorim Munhwasa Publishing 1983. Page 21.</ref> Taekkyon is one of two Korean martial arts to receive this recognition, the other being ''Ssireum''. Since then, taekkyon has enjoyed a renaissance with the establishment of university clubs, the opening of new schools, and active promotional efforts from the government and associations alike. The first contemporary taekkyon competition took place in Busan on June 30, 1985.<ref>{{cite web | url=http://koreataekkyon.com/taekkyon/tk_taekkyon/sub01/sub01_2.php#tab5 | title=대한택견회 소개 &#124; 대한택견회 }}</ref> thumb|276x276px|People who participated the first national Taekkyon competition.After more than 70 years of public disappearance, this competition was a landmark event that marked the return of taekkyon as an organized modern sport.<ref>{{Cite web |title=광복 60주년 기념, 현대 택견 경기부활 20년 기념 팡파레 |url=https://www.newswire.co.kr/newsRead.php?no=60606 |website=Newswire | date=27 June 2005 }}</ref> Song Deok-ki and Shin Han-seung demonstrated respectively ''mack-boigi'', and ''bonddae-boigi.'' Future leaders of taekkyon's modern associations, Lee Yong-bok (KTF), Jeong Kyung-hwa (KTTA) and Do Ki-hyun (KTA) were also in attendance.<ref>{{Cite web |title=[공지] 해방, 건국 이후 개최된 최초의 택견 대회는?(송덕기, 신한승, 이용복, 정경화, 도기현) |url=https://blog.naver.com/koreataekkyon/223373509020 |website=Traditional Korean Martial Arts}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=여덕 |title=여덕의 택견 이야기 |publisher=학민사 (Hakminsa) |isbn=9788971931806 |publication-date=2007-11-15}}</ref>

Shin Han-seung and Song Deok-gi died in 1987, twenty days appart.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shin Han-seung's obituary on 1987-07-03 |url=https://imnews.imbc.com/replay/1987/nwdesk/article/1792496_30248.html |website=MBC News}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Song Deok-gi's obituary on 1987-07-24 |url=https://imnews.imbc.com/replay/1987/nwdesk/article/1793330_30248.html |website=MBC News}}</ref> Following their passing, their Important Intangible Cultural Asset status was revoked.

After the death of the two masters, the Taekkyon community was definitively split by the establishment of more separate schools.<ref>{{Cite web |date=December 2003 |title=택견계의 갈등은 근본적으로 우대 택견과 아래대 택견의 차이에서 시작되었다. 우대 택견은 종로 등 궁궐에 가까운 지역의 택견으로 송덕기가 이었고, 아래대 택견은 문밖의 왕십리와 청계천 일대의 택견으로 신한승이 그 맥을 이었다. 본격적인 택견계의 갈등은 근대 택견의 전승자 송덕기와 근대 택견의 정립자 신한승의 사후에 남겨진 전승자들이 자신들의 입지와 처지에서 스스로의 부족함을 스승들의 덕과 위업으로 포장하기 위해 양보와 타협하지 않는데서 비롯되었다. |url=https://kiss.kstudy.com/DetailOa/Ar?key=50141229 |website=Koreanstudies Information Service System}}</ref> The followers of Song's teachings, represented by the Widae Taekkyon Preservation Association emphasize the preservation of traditional forms.<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Taekkyeon Federation |url=https://wtkf.org/?utm_source=chatgpt.com}}</ref>{{AI-retrieved source|date=March 2026|checked=no}} In contrast, the followers of Shin—whether his direct students or those inspired by his system—pursue a more sport-oriented approach and bringing the art to a global stage.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Korea Cultural Heritage Foundation |url=https://english.khs.go.kr/cha/idx/SubIndex.do?mn=EN}}</ref>

In November 2011, ''Taekkyon'' was recognized by UNESCO and placed on the Intangible Cultural Heritage List, honored as the first martial art on the list.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://en.unesco.org/courier/wang-luo-ban-xin-shi/cultural-heritage-common-both-koreas-traditional-wrestling-ssirum|title=Ssireum wrestling from North Korea and South Korea was jointly inscribed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity on 26 November 2018|website=Unesco.org|date=25 November 2018 }}</ref>

== Techniques == Taekkyon utilizes a wide variety of techniques including kicks, hands, knee, elbow strikes, pressure point attacks, throws, joint locks, headbutts and grapples.<ref name="Taekkyeon2">{{Cite web|title=Taekkyeon|url=https://blackbeltwiki.com/taekkyeon|website=Black Belt Wiki}}</ref> The whole body is used in each movement. Although taekkyon primarily utilizes kicking, punching, and arm strikes thrown from a mobile stance and does not provide a framework for groundfighting, it does incorporate a variety of different throws, takedowns, and grappling techniques. The main purpose of taekkyon is to catch the opponent off-guard by using the whole weight of the body and catch the opponent's attack off-balance before returning it against them.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Kim|first=Yeong Man|title=Combat Taekkyeon (실전태껸)|publisher=글샘|year=2021|isbn=9791188946617|language=Korean}}</ref>

The basic ''pumbalki'' footwork is geometric and at the core of all advanced movement. The movements of taekkyon are fluid with the practitioners constantly moving. One of its most striking characteristics is the motion called ''ogumsil'' or ''neung-cheong'': It is a constant bending and stretching of the knees, giving taekkyon a dance-like appearance. This motion is also used in the Korean mask dance talchum which gives them a similar flow. The art is like a dance in which the fighter constantly changes stance from left to right by stepping forward and backwards with arms up and ready to guard, blending arm movements with leg. Taekkyon does not make use of abrupt knee motions. The principles and methods used to extend the kick put more emphasis on grace and alignment for whole-body strength, as with the arm motions.

=== ''Pumbalki'' (footwork) === thumb|141x141px|Position of the steps in Pumpalki. The most unique feature of taekkyon is its triangular footwork called ''pumbalki'' or ''pum balbki'' (품밟기) which looks like a dance. The meaning of pumbalkki is "to step the ''pum''". ''Pum'' is the hanja 品, which means "goods" or "level" but it is used for its triangular shape rather than its meaning. Footwork is smooth and rhythmic and enables rapid shifting of the center of gravity. It has the effect of strengthening the waist and lower part of the body as well as harmonizing attack and defense. It is practiced in place, but in competition it involves continually advancing or retreating.

=== ''Hwalgaejit'' (deceptive arm movements) === ''Hwalgaejit'' looks like the movement of a bird's wings. Coming from the root ''hwalgae'', meaning "deceptive arm and leg movements resembling the movements of butterfly wings," the shoulders are expanded naturally and must flow harmoniously with the footwork. While improving the body's reflexes, responsiveness and balance, it also helps distract the opponent's attention before the counterattack. It is mainly used defensively to block or catch an opponent blow. ''Hwalgejit'' transfers power from the body to the arms in order to enhance power for quick action.

=== ''Baljil'' (kicks) === thumb|275x275px|''Nal-Chi-Gi'' Taekkyon was known for its kicking techniques so ancient chronicles referred to it with poetic names such as "one-hundred godlike flying leg skills" (''baek gisintong bigaksul''), "leg art" (''gak sul''), or "flying leg skills" (''bi gak sul'').<ref>{{Cite book|last=Choi|first=Yeong-nyeon|title=East Sea Annals (해동죽지)|year=1921|language=Korean}}</ref> Modern taekkyon schools teach a variety of kicks, low, medium, and high, as well as jumps. Sweeps with straight forward low kicks using the ball of the foot and the heel and flowing crescent-like high kicks. There are many kicks that move the leg outward from the middle, which is called ''gyeot chigi'', and inward from the outside using the side of the heels and the side of the feet. The art also uses tricks like inward trips, wall-jumping, fake-outs, tempo, and slide-stepping.

=== ''Sonjil'' (strikes) === Renowned for the variety of its kicks since ancient times, taekkyon features numerous striking techniques. These target all areas of the body and utilize every part of the arm — including the forearm, elbow, edge of the hand, back of the hand, and fingertips. Techniques must be executed in coordination with the ''pumbalki'' so that the springing power can be transferred to the upper limbs. The palm or fist is most often used to strike.

Though hand techniques had been used for self-defense until the Widae style, the three modern schools only teach it at an advanced level as part of ''yetbeop taekkyon''.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Word for word, the term yetbeop (옛법) means "old method" and refers to dangerous techniques that are forbidden in competition (...) For this reason, these techniques are prohibited for young students and reserved for mature practitioners. This is to prevent dangerous misuse while preserving this ancestral cultural knowledge. Translated from french |url=https://cftk.fr/le-taekkyon/yetbeop-taekkyon/ |website=Centre Français du Taekkyon_(Korean Taekkyon Federation)}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Yetbeop is a set of techniques that are highly valuable as self-defense but are forbidden in Taekyun match. Yetbeop Taekyun is best characterized by its use for self-defense through diverse martial arts techniques such as various strikes, locks, and throws utilizing your entire body |url=https://en.masterhwangytk.com/ |website=Website of Master Hwang In-mu_Kyullyun Taekyun Association}}</ref> thumb|247x247px|''Ttanjuk'' followed by a ''muleupchigi'' knee strike

=== ''Taejil'' (throws) === Taekkyon uses techniques for throwing the opponent either forward or backward. Once the opponent is unbalanced, the user can follow with either a throw or a trip. The important thing is to use the opponent's own power to counterattack.

=== ''Ttanjuk'' (joint locks) === ''Ttanjuk'' are techniques for locking and twisting an opponent's joints.

== Competitive taekkyon == [[Image:Korean martial art-Taekkyeon-01.jpg|thumb|180px|''Taekkyon Competition'' held for Hi! Seoul Festival on April 28, 2007]] Taekkyon bouts have evolved into a modern sport and tournaments are held by the three modern schools (KTF, KTTA, KTA) across Korea and it is also an authorized discipline in Korea National Championships. When taekkyon is practiced in competition, it uses a limited subset of techniques, focusing on grappling and kicking only. Points are scored by throwing (or tripping) the opponent to the ground, pushing them out of the ring, or kicks to the head. There are no hand strikes or headbutts, and purposefully injuring your opponent is prohibited. The head kicks are often quite sharp, but usually not full force, and fighters may not attempt to wear the opponent down with body blows as in boxing or Muay Thai. Matches are sometimes decided by the best of three falls—the first fighter to score two points wins. However, different modern associations employ slightly different rules.

== Organizations ==

=== Korea Taekkyon Federation === The Korea Taekkyon Federation (KTF), sometimes called ''Daehan Taekkyon'', is the largest and most developed taekkyon association globally.<ref> {{Cite book |last=한 |first=병철 |title=고수를차아서 "Searching for the masters" |publisher=뿔미디어 |year=2012 |isbn=9791131539279}}</ref> Founded in 1991 and based in Seoul Olympic Park it was led by Lee Yong-bok (1948-) until 2015. Originally an 6th Dan in taekwondo, he taught himself taekkyon with a brief stint studying under Song Deok-gi and Shin Han-seung.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rubbeling |first=Hendrik |title=Taekkyon – Wie Wasser und Wind |publisher=Norderstedt |year=2017 |isbn=978-3744896818}}</ref>

The KTF holds a unique official status as the only taekkyon organization recognized by the Korean government's Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and has been a member of the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) since 2007. This official role allows it to act as both the national and international governing body, organizing events like the Korean National Sports Festival,<ref>{{cite web |date=11 October 2022 |title=Taekkyeon debuted as an official event at the National Sports Festival for the first time... |url=http://www.mooye.net/20441 |access-date=21 March 2024}}</ref> World Martial Arts Masterships,<ref>{{Cite web |title=World Martial Arts Masterships |url=http://www.mastership.org/home_eng/main.php}}</ref> Sports for All Festival<ref>{{Cite web |title='택견 천하' 다시 경기도 품으로…3년 만의 왕좌 |url=https://www.kyeonggi.com/article/20251019580111}}</ref> and running government-recognized Sports Instructor Courses.

The KTF has been instrumental in shaping the modern perception of taekkyon, promoting it as a non-violent folk-game focused on kicking techniques. With the support of the KSOC, the KTF has produced multi-lingual videos to standardize and disseminate taekkyon rules, referee guidelines, and training courses.<ref>A playlist of taekkyon videos in [https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD0dGQcCftO2Y_85EmrTEifndVC1vx0th&si=CxlU-b7hOi1FFTUo English]</ref>thumb|550x550px|Genealogy of the current schools of taekkyon

=== Widae Taekkyeon Association === The Widae Taekkyeon Association (also Widae Taekkyeon Preservation Society) or simply ''Widae Taekkyeon'' is based in Los Angeles and Seoul. It is led by Ko Yong-woo (1952-) and Lee Jun-seo (1962-), the two most senior students of Song Deok-gi<ref name=":3" /> and last preservers of the complete Widae form.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2015-05-08 |title="송덕기 선생에게 배우는 수련인은 많았으나, 송덕기 선생이 위대태껸의 기술을 정리하게 하고, 그 전승의 마지막 단계인 태껸무고춤 12마당을 전한 적전제자는 현재 고용우(미국 거주) 선생과 이준서 선생 뿐이다. 이 두분이 바로 임호, 송덕기 선생님으로부터 고스란히 전해져온 위대태껸의 본 모습을 지켜가고 있다." |url=https://www.inewspeople.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=6722 |website=inewspeople}}</ref> This association was established by Song Deok-gi and Lee Jun-seo in 1983. It maintains a purely traditional approach and does not teach the sport science innovations from the mid-1980s and does not hold competitions.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Kim|first=Young-Man|title=택견 근현대사 (Modern and Contemporary History of Taekkyon)|publisher=Kyobo Book Centre|year=2020|isbn=9791188946402}}</ref>

=== Korea Traditional Taegkyeon Association === The Korea Traditional Taekkyon Association (KTTA) is headquartered in Chungju, therefore sometimes referred to as ''Chungju Taekkyon''. The KTTA was established by two pupils of Shin Han-seung: Park Man-Yeob (1960-) and Jeong Kyung-hwa (1954-) who was given the title of "living national treasure of the second generation" by the Korean government in 1995. The KTTA was responsible for the recognition of ''Taekkyon'' as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cbinews.co.kr/news/articleView.html?idxno=78994|title=유네스코 세계문화유산 충주 택견의 갈 길|date=December 5, 2011|website=충북인뉴스}}</ref>

=== Kyulyun Taekyyun Association === The Kyulyun Taekyyun Association (KTA), based in Seoul, was established in 2000. The KTK is led by Do Ki-hyun (1962-) who mainly learned from Song Deok-gi after starting his training under Shin Han-Seung. The school is famous for organizing the Taekkyon Battle, one of the most prestigious tournaments of Korea, every year since 2004.<ref>{{Cite web|title=TK Battle Main Page|url=https://www.tkbattle.com/|website=www.tkbattle.com}}</ref>

== Ranks == Taekkyon did not have a formal ranking structure until the 1970s, when some organizations adopted ranking systems to modernize training. However, due to the fragmented nature of the Taekkyon community, there is no universal standard.

The Korea Taekkyon Association uses the Dan ranking system divided into Pum (품) and Dan (단) grades. Novices begin at 8th Pum and progress to 1st Pum, after which they move up the Dan levels from 1st Dan to 9th Dan, the highest grade.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Maître LEE Yong-bok (...) décide d'adopter les termes chinois dan et pum, issus du Wigigupum (圍棋九品). Ces termes, déjà utilisés dans le jeu de Go et d'autres arts martiaux, permettraient d'harmoniser les grades du Taekkyon avec ceux d'autres disciplines martiales. |url=https://cftk.fr/le-taekkyon/les-grades |website=Centre Francais du Taekkyon}}</ref>

Similarly, the Korea Traditional Taegkyeon Association uses Jjerae (째) or Dong (동) to indicate rank. Practitioners progress through the 12th Jjerae, which serves as the pre-Dan beginner stage, after which they advance into the Dan levels, starting with 1st Dong (1st Dan), 2nd Dong (2nd Dan), and so on.<ref>{{Cite web |title=‘째’나 ‘동’을 사용하여 택견의 위계 표시를 하는 것도 이색적이다. 12번째까지 있고 그 다음 한 동(1단), 두 동(2단) 순으로 올라간다. |url=http://www.postnews.kr/cpost_life/sub_read.asp?cate=23&BoardID=210#:~:text=%ED%83%80%20%EB%AC%B4%EC%88%A0%EC%97%90%EC%84%9C%20%EC%A3%BC%EB%A1%9C%20%EC%82%AC%EC%9A%A9%ED%95%98%EB%8A%94%20'%EA%B8%89'%EC%9D%B4%EB%82%98%20'%EB%8B%A8'%EC%9D%B4%20%EC%95%84%EB%8B%8C,%EC%82%AC%EC%9A%A9%ED%95%98%EC%97%AC%20%ED%83%9D%EA%B2%AC%EC%9D%98%20%EC%9C%84%EA%B3%84%20%ED%91%9C%EC%8B%9C%EB%A5%BC%20%ED%95%98%EB%8A%94%20%EA%B2%83%EB%8F%84%20%EC%9D%B4%EC%83%89%EC%A0%81%EC%9D%B4%EB%8B%A4. |website=Korea Post Magazine}}</ref>

Widae Taekkyon does not use a formal ranking system; practitioners’ skill levels are determined by the instructor, in line with its traditionalist approach.{{Citation needed|date=March 2026}}

== Uniform == In the early days of taekkyon, practitioners wore their everyday clothing to train and compete. One item, the ''gouijeoksam'' (고의적삼), has been adapted by each school as a standardized uniform, with slight variations , most notably the school’s crest or blazon. For practical reasons in tournaments, the Daehan Taekkyon Association uses the ''cheollik'' (철릭), inspired by clothing from the Goryeo dynasty. At 1st and 2nd dan, it is black with white sleeves and an orange belt. Instructor ''cheolliks'' are color-coded by rank: dark green for 3rd–4th dan, navy for 5th–6th, fuchsia for 7th–8th, and black for 9th dan, who wear a silver belt.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Les couleurs du peuple, la tradition au bout du fil |url=https://cftk.fr/le-taekkyon/les-tenues/ |website=Centre Francais du Taekkyon}}</ref>

== Historical records on Taekkyon and street fighting == Medieval records mention that several street fighting games and techniques existed in Korea at the time, up until the twentieth century. Due to the elite's scorn and contempt for martial activities, ''Taekkyon'' came to be perceived as a fighting method for thugs and sometimes confused with such disciplines:<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=https://mookas.com/news/11305|title=[수박 이야기] 또 다른 탁견?|website=Mookas}}</ref> ''Sibak'' (시박),<ref name=":0" /> ''Pyeonssaum'' (편싸움),<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.culturecontent.com/content/contentView.do?search_div=CP_THE&search_div_id=CP_THE014&cp_code=cp0406&index_id=cp04060043&content_id=cp040600430001|title=Joseon-musa-yeongwoongjeon (조선무사영웅전) bare hand Pyeonssaum and Taekkyeon record}}</ref> ''Nalparam'' (날파람),<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://i.imgur.com/jaTY5Zr.jpg|title=1927's Korean Flag Fight, Gitssaum, a street fighting game with no-spin horizontal fist punching & shoulder-push for frontal punch}}</ref> ''Nanjanbaksi'' (난잔박시),<ref name=":1">{{Cite web|url=https://mookas.com/news/11150|title=[송준호 수박이야기] 여진족 무술! 타권(打拳)|website=Mookas}}</ref> ''Taegyeok'' (태격).<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://segye.com/view/20081112003370|title=성리학에 기반한 전통 무예 '태격'을 아십니까?|date=November 12, 2008|website=Segye Ilbo}}</ref> Some barehand techniques for street fighting are currently taught as part of the curriculum of the three modern schools as part of the ''yetbeop Taekkyon'' or "old style ''Taekkyon''".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mookas.com/news/8491|title=[도기현칼럼]옛법택견, 그 파괴 본능|website=Mookas}}</ref>

== Taekkyon and taekwondo== There is a common myth about ''Taekkyon'' being depicted as a kicking game as well as an "ancient version of taekwondo" in the public eye.<ref>{{Cite web |title=A common misconception is that Taekkyeon is an “ancient version of Taekwondo. |url=https://www.taekwondonation.com/taekkyeon-vs-taekwondo/ |website=taekwondonation.com}}</ref> This is mainly due to the spread of taekwondo as the national martial sport of Korea after the Korean War. Since then, taekkyon has been known to the general public mainly through association with taekwondo and rendition based on incomplete information via bits and pieces of records emphasizing its kicking techniques.<ref>"{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20110718132133/http://bunkaijutsu.com/2011/07/review-killing-art-untold-history-tae-kwon/ A Killing Art: The Untold History of Tae Kwon Do]}}" by Alex Gillis</ref> Even though the taekwondo establishment claims an ancient lineage through taekkyon, and even partially modeled its name on it,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.members.itkd.co.nz/reference/essays/6-broken_family.pdf|title=Nam and General Choi faced a dilemma as they could not teach the Koreans Karate and call it Taekkyon. Eventually they took the best of Tang Soo Do and added some Taekkyon. They needed a new name urgently but the President liked the name Taekkyon" (PDF). Thesis prepared for 4th dan granting requirements.|last=Lo|first=David|website=Thesis prepared for 4th dan granting requirements.}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=http://www.mastersmithama.com/tkd.html|title=the name Taekwondo was adopted for its similarity in name, to Taekkyon|website=Tae Kwon Do Chang Moo Kwan website|access-date=2019-06-09|archive-date=2021-05-08|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210508100652/http://www.mastersmithama.com/tkd.html|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://parksmartialarts.com/taekwondo/|title=Taekwondo Classes in Salisbury|website=Parks Martial Arts}}</ref> the two disciplines don't have much in common and taekkyon associations explicitly deny any link.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Unlike Tae Kwan Do, in Taekkyon, flying or spinning kicks weren't often used. Instead, low kicks to the shins or knees, sweeps and trips, and direct push kicks to the body were more common. |url=https://www.karateworldnj.com/taekkyon-folklore-or-the-grandfather-of-tae-kwon-do/ |website=Karate world}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Sungkyun CHO, Udo MOENIG, and Dohee NAM |date=2012 |title="In addition, the Taekwondo establishment maintains that Taekkyon is one of its predecessors. Taekkyon literature usually does not acknowledge having any relationship to Taekwondo, and the Korea Taekkyon Federation (Taehan Taekkyon Yonmaeng) denies any link." |url=https://oak.go.kr/repository/journal/18661/NRF003_2012_v15n2_341.pdf}}</ref>

== In popular culture == {{in popular culture|date=October 2025}}

=== Comics ===

* ''The God of High School'' (갓 오브 하이 스쿨): weekly online manhwa published on Webtoon since 2011. Adapted into an anime by MAPPA in 2020. The character Park Il-Pyo and his cousins use this fighting style under the name of "Ssamsu Taekkyon".<ref>{{Cite web |title=The God of High School |url=https://www.webtoons.com/en/action/the-god-of-high-school/list?title_no=66}}</ref> * ''Bridal Mask'' (각시탈): manhwa published in 1974. Adapted into TV series in 2012. The main character Lee Kang-To and his older brother use Taekkyon against their Japanese oppressors.<ref>{{Cite news|title=민족무술 '택견', 침략자에겐 '응징'을, 관객에겐 '뜨거움'을|work=www.incheonin.com/news/|url=http://www.incheonin.com/news/articleView.html?idxno=50716}}</ref> * ''Lookism'' (외모지상주의): weekly action/drama manhwa published by Park Tae-jun on Webtoon since 2014. An anime adaptation was released by Studio Mir in December 2022 on Netflix. The series features an extensive cast of characters and their respective martial art(s). Street Fighters like Yoon Kyung-heon (Jason Yoon in the English translation) from the faction Big Deal, and the so-called "Kings of Incheon" Na Jae-gyeon, his rival Seon Yu-jae and Ha Yoo-gang are noted users of the style.<ref>{{Cite web |title=1세대부터 1.5세대까지! 외모지상주의 강자들 순위 매겨봤습니다"(네이버 웹툰) |url=https://blog.naver.com/dksl18/223906026926}}</ref> * ''QUESTISM'' (퀘스트지상주의): another manhwa by Park Tae-jun and part of the PTJ Universe.<ref>{{cite web | title=PTJ Universe Connections &#124; Coconote | url=https://coconote.app/notes/be210f46-9e27-4a06-ab69-e77b72fce6a9 }}</ref> This weekly online manhwa has been published on Webtoon since 2021. The protagonist, Kim Su-hyeon, starts as a bullied geek before earning the System, a mysterious game-like interface that gives him quests to become stronger.<ref>{{Cite web |title=QUESTISM on Webtoon |url=https://www.webtoons.com/es/fantasy/omniscient-reader/list?title_no=2208}}</ref> In combat, the core of his fighting style, among other techniques, is "Yetbeop Taekgyeon," which he later masters in an advanced form known as "True Yetbeop Taekgyeon".<ref>{{Cite web |title=네이버 월요 웹툰 퀘스트장주의-등장인물 김수현 |url=https://blog.naver.com/didissc/223000400287}}</ref>

=== Movies ===

* ''Fighter in the Wind'' (바람 의 파이터): martial arts film released in 2004. Very loosely based on the life of Korean-born karateka Oyama Masutatsu (1923–1993), founder of the Kyokushinkai style. The film shows the young master practicing Taekkyon with his mentor and using it against a Japanese officer.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fighter in the Wind Movie Script|url=https://www.scripts.com/script/fighter_in_the_wind_3577|website=www.scripts.com}}</ref> * ''The Showdown'' (거칠 마루) Geochilmaru: martial arts film released in 2005. Eight fighters of different styles met online on a martial arts site challenge each other to decide who will face the webmaster and urban legend, the mysterious Geochilmaru.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The Showdown |url=https://www.criticker.com/film/The-Showdown/}}</ref> * ''The three Master Kims'' (김관장 대 김관장 대 관장): comedy released in 2007. The burlesque character of "Master Kim" played by actor Shin Hyun-joon turns out to be an expert in Taekkyon against gangsters terrorizing his district.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Three Kims |url=https://koreandrama.org/movie/three-kims/}}</ref>

=== Television series ===

* ''Warrior'': In episode 6 of the second season ("To a Man with a Hammer, Everything Looks Like a Nail"), a Korean fighter fights with Taekkyon.

* ''Undercover Miss Hong'' ({{Korean|언더커버 미쓰홍|labels=no}}): In episode 15 (“No Mercy”), the father of Hong Keum-bo is a practitioner of Taekkyon.<ref>{{Cite web |title=The seemingly ordinary couple unexpectedly displayed martial arts skills, revealing they first met as a taekkyeon master and a martial arts girl at a gym in the past, eliciting laughter. Their daughter, Hong Geum-bo(....), |url=https://www.chosun.com/english/kpop-culture-en/2026/03/08/56X7EPOLFNH3DBUMDDAKQ6HYGQ/ |website=The Chosun Daily}}</ref>

==See also== * Korean martial arts * Song Deok-gi * Korean culture * Chuojiao * Tan Tui

==References== {{reflist}}

== External links == {{Commons category}}

*[http://koreataekkyon.com Korea Taekkyon Federation] *[http://www.taekkyeon.org World Taekkyeon Federation] *[http://www.taekyun.org Kyulyun Taekkyon Association] *[http://www.krtga.com Korea Taekkyeon Association] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200807120414/http://krtga.com/ |date=2020-08-07 }} {{UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity/APA}}{{Korean martial arts}} {{Martial arts}}

{{DEFAULTSORT:Taekkyon}} Category:Korean martial arts Category:National Intangible Cultural Heritage of South Korea Category:Sports originating in Korea Category:Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity