Taekkyon

Histoire

Taekkyon is a traditional Korean martial art with flowing, dance-like movements and a rhythmic stepping called pumbalgi. It was popular in Joseon-era Korea and was almost lost in the 20th century.

Master Song Duk-ki kept it alive, and it was designated an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Korea in 1983. In 2011 UNESCO listed taekkyon as intangible cultural heritage.

Le saviez-vous ?

• Taekkyon uses mostly kicks, sweeps and trips, often aimed to unbalance rather than injure.
• Its rhythm and knee bending make it look like a dance.
• Taekkyon influenced the high kicking style of taekwondo.

Glossaire des techniques

Pumbalgi

triangular rhythmic stepping

Gyeot chigi

side sweep

Gwigwan

high kick to the head

Figures clés

• Song Duk-ki (1893–1987) — last master of the old tradition, who saved taekkyon

Sources: UNESCO — Taekkyeon · Korean Taekkyon Association