Just 40 minutes south-west of Jeonju sits one of Korea’s largest and most impressive temples, Geumsansa. Located next to Moak Mountain in the rural countryside of Jeollabuk-do, this temple showcases both natural beauty and man-made wonders. Founded in 599 AD, Geumsansa grew into a major Buddhist monastery until most of the temple was destroyed byContinue reading “Exploring Korea: Geumsansa Temple”
Tag Archives: Mudo KMA
The Target Elbow Strike
Korean: Palgup Pyojeok Chigi This is one of the most common elbow strikes in Taekwondo poomsae. Unfortunately, it is also one of the most overlooked and misunderstood elbow strikes. Although similar to the round elbow strike in the way that it is delivered, this elbow strike is typically only executed with the rear elbowContinue reading “The Target Elbow Strike”
The Round Elbow Strike
Korean: Palgup Dollyeo Chigi The round elbow strike travels along much the same path as a roundhouse kick and relies heavily on hip rotation in order to generate power. The hips should begin to rotate first and, as energy is transferred throughout the rest of the body, the feet should pivot and the knees shouldContinue reading “The Round Elbow Strike”
Exploring Korea: Gyeonghuigung Palace
Gyeonghuigung is Seoul’s silent palace. Smaller in size and historical significance when compared to the four main palaces in Seoul (Gyeongbokgung, Changgyeonggung, Changdeokgung, and Deoksugung), this palace is often overlooked by tourists and Koreans alike and is frequently omitted from travel guides. This does not however mean that you should avoid visiting. Gyeonghuigung is actuallyContinue reading “Exploring Korea: Gyeonghuigung Palace”
The Outward Elbow Strike
Korean: Palgup Yeop Chigi / Meonge Chigi This technique can be executed as one single elbow strike, a reinforced elbow strike, or as a pair of outward elbow strikes. When executed as a double elbow strike, two simultaneous outward elbow strikes are performed almost as though you are gripping something with both of your handsContinue reading “The Outward Elbow Strike”
July 2022 Taekwondo Promotion Test
On Saturday, July 16th, 2022, four students were tested and promoted to their next rank in Kukki Taekwondo. Jonathan Collins, Maverick Martinez, John Gasca, and Jaime Gasca all passed their test and were promoted to 9th Geup Yellow Belt in Taekwondo. We are very proud of all the students who tested and we congratulate themContinue reading “July 2022 Taekwondo Promotion Test”
Jongmyo Shrine
Jongmyo Shrine in Seoul, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the place where the memorial tablets of the kings and queens of the Joseon Dynasty are housed. King Taejo had Jongmyo Shrine constructed in 1394 and the shrine was continuously expanded throughout the rest of the Joseon dynasty’s history. Although a victim to Japanese invasionContinue reading “Jongmyo Shrine”
Exploring Korea: Imjingak & The DMZ
Imjingak, located on the Imjin River near the city of Paju, is a park along the border between South Korea and North Korea. For South Koreans citizens, this is as close to North Korea as you can get. From the observation deck here, you can see across the Imjin River to the DMZ and evenContinue reading “Exploring Korea: Imjingak & The DMZ”
Downward Elbow Strike
Korean: Palgup Naelyeo Chigi 팔굽내려치기 This is a simple yet highly versatile elbow strike and is particularly effective for grappling and ground fighting. This elbow strike begins with an expansion of the upper body and relies on the dropping of one’s body weight along with the contraction of the upper body to generate mostContinue reading “Downward Elbow Strike”
Upward Elbow Strike
Korean: Palgup Ollyeo Chigi 팔굽올려치기 This elbow strike is easy to learn and, provided that you understand its versatility, is simple to use in a self-defense situation. Just how easy is it to learn and use? Imagine diving into a swimming pool. Upon returning to the surface of the water, chances are that yourContinue reading “Upward Elbow Strike”
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