Taekwondo Counting in Korean
Introduction
Taekwondo is a Korean martial art that focuses on various aspects, including self-defense, discipline, and physical fitness. It is not only a sport but also a way of life for many practitioners around the world. To fully immerse oneself in the culture and traditions of taekwondo, it is essential to learn some basic Korean terminology, including counting. In this article, we will explore the importance of counting in taekwondo and provide a comprehensive guide on how to count in Korean.
The Significance of Counting in Taekwondo
Counting plays a crucial role in taekwondo as it helps practitioners maintain rhythm, timing, and synchronization during various exercises and techniques. It is also a way to foster discipline and concentration. By counting aloud, taekwondo students can train their minds to focus on the present moment, blocking out any distractions.
Counting Basics in Korean
Before diving into the specific counting terms, it is important to familiarize yourself with the Korean number system. The Korean counting system is based on units of ten thousand, thousand, hundred, and ten, similar to the Western system. However, it differs in pronunciation and structure.
Counting from 1 to 10 in Korean
1. 하나 (hana) - Pronounced "hah-nah" 2. 둘 (dul) - Pronounced "dool" 3. 셋 (set) - Pronounced "set" 4. 넷 (net) - Pronounced "net" 5. 다섯 (daseot) - Pronounced "dah-suh-ot" 6. 여섯 (yeoseot) - Pronounced "yeo-suh-ot" 7. 일곱 (ilgop) - Pronounced "il-gohp" 8. 여덟 (yeodeol) - Pronounced "yeo-deol" 9. 아홉 (ahop) - Pronounced "ah-hohp" 10. 열 (yeol) - Pronounced "yeol"
Counting from 11 to 20 in Korean
11. 열하나 (yeol-hana) - Pronounced "yeol-hah-nah" 12. 열둘 (yeol-dul) - Pronounced "yeol-dool" 13. 열셋 (yeol-set) - Pronounced "yeol-set" 14. 열넷 (yeol-net) - Pronounced "yeol-net" 15. 열다섯 (yeol-daseot) - Pronounced "yeol-dah-suh-ot" 16. 열여섯 (yeol-yeoseot) - Pronounced "yeol-yeo-suh-ot" 17. 열일곱 (yeol-ilgop) - Pronounced "yeol-il-gohp" 18. 열여덟 (yeol-yeodeol) - Pronounced "yeol-yeo-deol" 19. 열아홉 (yeol-ahop) - Pronounced "yeol-ah-hohp" 20. 스무 (seumu) - Pronounced "seu-moo"
Counting in Multiples of Ten
Counting in multiples of ten is essential in taekwondo, especially when practicing patterns or forms. Here are the Korean terms for multiples of ten:
30. 서른 (seoreun) - Pronounced "suh-reun" 40. 마흔 (maheun) - Pronounced "ma-hun" 50. 쉰 (swin) - Pronounced "swin" 60. 예순 (yesun) - Pronounced "ye-sun" 70. 일흔 (ilheun) - Pronounced "il-hun" 80. 여든 (yeodeun) - Pronounced "yeo-deun" 90. 아흔 (aheun) - Pronounced "a-hun" 100. 백 (baek) - Pronounced "baek"
Counting during Taekwondo Training
Counting is incorporated into various aspects of taekwondo training, such as warm-up exercises, kicks, punches, and even sparring. Here are a few examples:
Counting Warm-Up Exercises
When performing warm-up exercises, counting helps maintain a steady pace and ensures that each exercise is performed for an adequate duration. For example:
- Squats: 일 (il), 이 (i), 삼 (sam), 사 (sa), 오 (o) (One, two, three, four, five)
- Jumping Jacks: 하나 (hana), 둘 (dul), 셋 (set), 넷 (net), 다섯 (daseot) (One, two, three, four, five)
- Push-Ups: 하나 (hana), 둘 (dul), 셋 (set), 넷 (net), 다섯 (daseot) (One, two, three, four, five)
Counting Kicks and Punches
During training sessions, counting is used to keep track of the number of kicks or punches performed, ensuring equal training on both sides of the body. For example:
- Front Kicks (Ap Chagi): 하나 (hana), 둘 (dul), 셋 (set), 넷 (net), 다섯 (daseot) (One, two, three, four, five)
- Roundhouse Kicks (Dollyo Chagi): 하나 (hana), 둘 (dul), 셋 (set), 넷 (net), 다섯 (daseot) (One, two, three, four, five)
- Punches (Jireugi): 하나 (hana), 둘 (dul), 셋 (set), 넷 (net), 다섯 (daseot) (One, two, three, four, five)
Counting during Sparring
In sparring sessions, counting is essential to keep track of scoring techniques and time. Counting helps both competitors and referees stay informed and maintain fairness. For example:
- Scoring Techniques: 일 (il), 이 (i), 삼 (sam), 사 (sa), 오 (o) (One, two, three, four, five)
- Time: 십 (sip), 이십 (isip), 삼십 (samship), 사십 (saship), 오십 (oship) (Ten, twenty, thirty, forty, fifty)
Conclusion
Learning to count in Korean is not only important for taekwondo practitioners but also a way to appreciate the culture and traditions associated with the martial art. By mastering the basic counting terms, students can enhance their focus, discipline, and overall understanding of taekwondo. So, start practicing your Korean counting and embrace the full experience of taekwondo!