Black Belt Questions

1 What is the difference between a thrust and a strike?
A thrust goes straight to a target, whilst a strike can come from any direction. Thrusts
are only performed using the fingers or the elbow.

2 How many coloured belt patterns have a release in them?
Three – Do-San, Joong-Gun, Hwa-Rang

3 How many coloured belt patterns have a back-fist strike in them?
Five – Do-San, Yul-Gok, Joong-Gun, Toi-Gye, Choong-Moo

4 Name five types of back-fist strike?
Front (as in no 3 three-step sparring)
Back (as in Toi Gye)
Downward (aiming for the shoulder)
Spinning (as in Do San)
Side (as in Choong Moo)

5 How many coloured belt patterns have a fingertip thrust in them?
Six – Do-San, Won-Hyo and Yul-Gok and Hwa Rang (middle straight),
Toi-Gye (low upset and high flat),
Choong-Moo (high flat)

6 Name three coloured belt patterns that start in Moa Sogi?
Won-Hyo (A), Joong-Gun or Toi-Gye (B), Hwa-Rang (C)

7 How do you create power?
Reaction force, waist/hip twist, speed, kinetic energy

8 What is the Korean word for ‘breaking’?
Gyokpa

9 What is the Korean term for consecutive kick and what does it mean?
Yonsok chagi. A consecutive kick is when two or more kicks are executed using the
same foot without lowering the leg to the floor.

10 What is the Korean word for combination kick and what does it mean?
Honap chagi. A combination kick is when both feet are used to execute two or more
kicks in succession while jumping or flying.

11 Name three kicks that use the heel?
downward (axe) kick (naeryo chagi)
reverse turning kick (bandae dollyo chagi)
hooking kick (golcha chagi)

12 Name five vital spots of the upper body?
philtrum (injoong)
mandibular joint (tok gwanjol)
point of jaw (mit tok)
eyes (angoo)
adam’s apple (gyol hoo)

13 Name five vital spots of the middle body?
sternum (hyung gol)
solar plexus (myong chi)
kidneys (kongpat)
floating ribs (nuk gol)
stomach /abdomen (bokboo)

14 Name five vital spots on the lower body?
coccyx (migol)
groin (sataguni)
instep (baldung)
knee (moorup)
shin (jong kwaeng-i)

15 Count to ten in Korean
1 Hanna 6 Yosaul
2 Dool 7 Ilgop
3 Seth 8 Yodoll
4 Neth 9 Ahop
5 Dasaul 10 Yoll

16 Why do we twist the fist to punch?
For power and penetration

17 What is the meaning of ‘Hwa-Rang’?
Flowering Youth
Hwa (Flower) Rang (Young man)

18 How many people are on the TAGB Committee?
Nine

19 Who are they?
Dave Oliver
Michael Dew
Don Atkins
Ron Sergiew
Paul Donnelly
Kenny Walton
Brian Towndrow
Gianni Peros
Jim Love

20 What are their titles?
Dave Oliver (Chairman of TAGB)
Michael Dew (Vice Chairman of TAGB and Chairman of BTC)
Don Atkins (National Secretary)
Ron Sergiew (Treasurer)
Paul Donnelly (Liaison Officer)
Kenny Walton (National Coach)

21 When was Tae Kwon-Do inaugurated?
Tae Kwon-Do was inaugurated in South Korea on 11 April 1955 by Gen Choi Hong Hi.

22 What year did Tae Kwon-Do come to Great Britain?
Tae Kwon-Do was introduced to Great Britain in 1967 by Master Rhee Ki Ha.

23 When was the TAGB formed?
The TAGB was formed in August 1983.

24 When was the BTC (British Tae Kwon-Do Council) formed?
The BTC was formed on 21 April 1988 and is recognised by the Sports Council (Sport
UK) as the only governing body for Tae Kwon-Do in the UK. The TAGB is a founder
member of the BTC.

25 When was Tae Kwon-Do International created?
Tae Kwon-Do International was created on 13 November 1993 and is a worldwide body
with representation on every continent. TKDI is a non political organisation open to all
styles of Tae Kwon-Do.

26 What is the significance of the year 2333BC?
The year the Holy Dan Gun founded Korea.

27 Who was Admiral Yi Sun Sin?
Admiral Yi was posthumously awarded the title of Choong Moo (man of loyalty and
chivalry) for his victories over the Japanese navy. In 1592 he invented the first
armoured battleship, known as the Kobukson.

28 Why does the pattern Choong Moo end in a left hand attack?
To symbolise Choong Moo’s regrettable death, having no chance to show his unrestrained
potential checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to the king, (he refused to
obey an order to intercept the Japanese fleet, which he knew to be a trap).

29 Who was Ahn Joong Gun?
Ahn Joong Gun was the patriot who assassinated Hiro Bumi Ito, the first Japanese
Governor General of Korea. He was executed at Lui Shung prison in 1910.

30 What is the significance of 29 movements in pattern Hwa Rang?
The 29 movements refer to the 29th Infantry Division where Tae Kwon-Do developed
into maturity.

31 What is the significance of the year 686AD?
It’s the year the noted monk Won Hyo introduced Buddhism into the Silla dynasty.

32 Who was Yi Hwang?
Yi Hwang was a 16th century authority on Neo-Confucianism, as stated in the pattern Toi
Gye – (his pen name).

33 Who was Ahn Ch’ang Ho?
Ahn Ch’ang Ho devoted his entire life to furthering the education of Korea and its
independence movement. His pseudonym was Do San.

34 What do the 38 movements in Yul Gok represent?
The 38 movements refer to Yul Gok’s birthplace on the 38o latitude.

35 What else does 38 signify in Yul-Gok?
It is the latitude that divides North and South Korea.

36 Who was Yi I?
Yi I was a great philosopher and scholar (1536-1584) who was nicknamed the ‘Confucius
of Korea’. His pseudonym was Yul Gok.

37 When would you use your toes to perform a kick?
You would perform a kick using your toes only if you were wearing shoes or footwear.

38 What is the difference between ‘dwit’ and ‘dung’?
Both mean ‘back’. Dung refers to a part of the body, e.g. ‘reverse’, as in sonkal dung
(reverse knifehand). Dwit refers to the direction, as in dwit palkup tulgi (back elbow
thrust).

39 What is the purpose of stances?
Stances help to develop strong leg muscles and provide a stable base from which to
execute techniques.

40 What is the difference between a back kick and a reverse side kick?
Nothing – they are both the same.

41 What is the Korean name for ‘grabbing knee kick’?
Butjaba moorup chagi

42 What is the blocking tool for ‘golcha makgi’?
Sonbadak (palm), then grabbing with bandal son (archand).

43 What is the blocking tool in ‘digutja makgi’?
Sonkal dung (reverse knife-hand) then grabbing with bandal son (archand).

44 What is the difference between back back-fist strike and side back-fist strike?
It is the direction of strike in relation to the body, i.e. towards the back or side.

45 How do you know if a stance is a left or right stance?
This is defined by whichever leg bears the most weight, or if evenly distributed,
whichever leg is forward.

46 What are the weight distributions for walking stance, low stance,
L-stance, X-stance and rear foot stance?
Walking stance and low stance (50:50)
L-stance (70:30)
X-stance and rear foot stance (80:20)

47 When you perform ‘anuro sonkal taerigi’ (2nd move in Won Hyo), what is the
other arm used for?
The extended arm is used to grab and pull the opponent in, as a reaction force. It is
also in the ready position to defend the body against another attack.

48 Green signifies a plant’s growth - what does the plant represent?
The student

49 Who introduced Tae Kwon-Do to the UK?
Grand Master Rhee Ki Ha (9th Dan)

50 What does ‘sun’ mean?
Straight

51 What is ‘doo palmok makgi’ used for?
It is a sweeping block where the rear arm supports the main blocking arm against a
heavy attack. The rear arm also protects the mid section and is in a position to perform
a low block against a second attack.

52 What is ‘dollimyo makgi’ used for?
Circular block is a combined block against a low kick and middle attack. The block is
first used to scoop the attacking leg and throw the opponent off balance, then to block
a following middle attack.

53 What were the three kingdoms of Korea?
Silla, Baek Je and Koguryo.

54 When were the three kingdoms unified?
Silla conquered Koguryo and Baek Je unifying the three kingdoms in 668 AD.

55 When was the Yi Dynasty formed?
The Yi Dynasty was formed in 1392 AD after the fall of the Koryo Dynasty.

56 In ‘kaunde sun sonkut tulgi’ what techniques are you performing?
One arm is deflecting an attack and is then in a ready position to defend the body,
whilst the other is performing a straight fingertip thrust.

57 What is the difference between a twin forearm block ‘sang palmok makgi’ and a
double forearm block ‘doo palmok makgi’?
A twin block is a defence against two attackers, and a double block is a defence against
one attacker.

58 Name the different knife hand strikes you know?
knifehand side strike, (sonkal yop taerigi)
knifehand front strike (sonkal ap taerigi)
downward knifehand strike (naeryo sonkal taerigi)
inward knifehand strike (anuro sonkal taerigi)
outward knifehand strike (bakuro sonkal taerigi)

59 Name the different finger tip thrusts you know and possible target areas?
high flat fingertip thrust to the throat/eyes (nopunde opun sonkut tulgi)
middle straight fingertip thrust to the solar plexus (kaunde sun sonkut tulgi)
low upset fingertip thrust to the groin (najunde dwijibo sonkut tulgi)

60 General Korean – inward, upward etc
an inner
bakat outer
anuro inward
bakuro outward
wi upper
ollyo upwards
ap front
dwit back
bandae reverse
baro obverse
najunde low
kaunde middle
nopunde high
orun right
wen left
apro kaggi forwards
dwiyro kaggi backwards
dwiyro torro about turn
dolgi turn

61 In ‘Yul Gok’ when you perform the elbow strike, what is the hand you are
striking used for?
It is used to focus your attack and simulates holding the opponent’s head to which you
are striking.

62 Why is the palm facing up on a low section upset finger tip thrust?
If the hand is deflected upwards by the attacker (i.e. by a kick), it can be
rotated to perform a forefist punch. The hand will also not be in a position to be bent
backwards by a kick.

63 Why do we use inner and outer forearm to block with?
Because of the inherent strength and close proximity of the bone to the surface of the
skin, causing pain to the opponent on impact.

64 Name the different elbow strikes & thrusts you know?
front elbow strike (ap palkup taerigi)
side elbow thrust (yop palkup tulgi)
upper elbow strike (wi paluk taerigi)
back elbow thrust (dwit palkup tulgi)
straight elbow downward thrust (sun palkup naeryo tulgi)
double elbow strike (jau palkuk taerigi)

65 Name the kicks you know and the striking tool used?
front kick (ap chagi) ball of the foot
side kick (yop chagi) footsword
turning kick (dollyo chagi) ball of the foot or instep
back kick (dwit chagi) footsward
reverse turning kick (bandae dollyo chagi) heel
downward (axe) kick (naeryo chagi) heel
crescent kick (bandal chagi) footsword (outward) or sole of the foot (inward)
twist kick (bituro chagi) ball of the foot
pressing kick (noollo chagi) footsword
side pushing kick (yop cha milgi) footsword

66 What is the Korean name and purpose of double arc hand block?
Doo bandal son makgi – used as a checking block to the sternum or to block a thrown
object.

67 What is the Korean name and purpose of horizontal punch?
Soopyong jirugi - the purpose is to defend against two attackers, using a turning punch
(dollyo jirugi) for one coming at close range, and a side punch (yop jirugi) for the other
at a middle distance.

68 What is the Korean name and purpose of 9-Shaped Block?
Gutcha makgi – it is used to block a middle punch and to break the elbow joint.

69 What do the pattern interpretations mean to you?
Chon Ji – represents the beginning of human history – therefore whatever goals we
reach in our everyday life, we should not forget that we all started out as beginners.
Dan Gun – legendary founder of Korea – inspirational.
Do San – patriot who devoted his entire life to furthering the education of Korea and
its independence movement, thus showing indomitable spirit and loyalty to his country.
Won Hyo – introduced Buddhism into the Silla dynasty, therefore had the perseverance
and indomitable spirit to break with the traditional ideology of the time.
Yul Gok – philosopher and scholar who was nicknamed ‘Confucius of Korea’, challenging
the thinking of the time and showing his integrity in maintaining his beliefs.
Joong Gun - patriot who risked his own life by assassinating the Japanese Governor
General of Korea, therefore showed loyalty to his cause and his country.
Toi Gye – philosopher and scholar who was an authority on Neo-Confucianism, challenging
the thinking of the time and showing his integrity in maintaining his beliefs.
Hwa Rang – Flowering Youth Group who were instrumental in unifying the three
kingdoms of Korea, showing their loyalty to their king and country, and indomitable spirit
through their motto ‘never to retreat in war’.
Choong Moo – great admiral and inventor who died before he could achieve his full
potential constrained by his loyalty to king and country.
Kwang Gae – King Kwang Gae-T’o Wang, who was responsible for the recovery and
expansion of territories once owned by Korea, therefore shows indomitable spirit,
perseverance and loyalty to his subjects.
Pe Eun – great poet and scientist who showed loyalty to his king and country and gave
them inspiration through his poetry.
Ge Baek – known for his strict military discipline which might result in courtesy,
perseverance and indomitable spirit in the armies.

70 What is a pattern?
A pattern is a set of fundamental movements, mainly attack and defence, set in a logical
sequence to deal with one or more imaginary opponents. Patterns are an indication of a
student’s progress - a barometer in evaluating an individual’s progress.

71 Why do we perform patterns?
We practise patterns to improve our Tae Kwon-Do techniques, to develop sparring
techniques, to improve flexibility of movement, master body shifting, develop muscles,
balance and breath control. Patterns also enable us to acquire techniques which cannot
be obtained from other forms of training.

72 Why do we learn the interpretation of patterns?
The interpretation gives a pattern a meaning, each pattern is based on a historic moment
in Korean history, where legendary figures showed loyalty, dedication and even gave
their lives to make significant changes to their country. We learn interpretations of
patterns to gain inspiration from the events and people portrayed in the meanings.

73 Who is your regional representative?
Master Don Atkins, 7th Dan.

74 When did General Choi Hong Hi die?
15 June 2002. He was laid to rest on 17 June at Pyongyang.

75 What two further tenets would you suggest?
Loyalty and Humility, because loyalty to their cause has been demonstrated by the
patriots, scholars and philosophers in the meaning of the patterns. Humility is necessary
to avoid aggression and shows respect for others.

76 What is the formula for power?
Force = mass x acceleration (F = MA)
Kinetic Energy = _ x mass x velocity x velocity (KE = _ MV2)
The energy available in a technique depends on the mass and the square of the velocity.
Speed (velocity) is therefore more important than mass in promoting power. We cannot
change our mass, but we can increase our speed through training.

77 What is kinetic energy?
Energy from motion.

78 What does Moa Junbi Sogi ‘A’ represent?
Um Yang which means ‘opposites’ as in the hard and soft sides of Tae Kwon-Do or the
martial aspect vs the philosophical perspective.

79 Why do we perform ‘kyocha joomuk chookyo makgi’ (as in Joong Gun)?
To block a blow to the head and be in a position to grab the opponent or weapon with
both hands.

80 Why do we perform ‘kaunde sonkal taerigi’ in L-stance in Dan Gun (movement
18) but in sitting stance in Do San (movement 23)?
It depends on the direction of travel for the following move. In Dan Gun the next move
is forwards into nopunde ap joomuk jirugi, but in Do San, the side strike is repeated
along the same direction of travel.

81 Why do we pull our elbows down sharply in ‘sonkal daebi makgi’ and ‘palmok
daebi makgi’?
To create tension, ready to guard the body from an attack. Bringing the elbows down
sharply may also help deflect an oncoming attack.

82 What is Tae Kwon-Do?
Tae Kwon-Do is a Korean military martial art, developed by General Choi Hong Hi in 1955.
Loosely translated it means Foot Fist Art. ‘Tae’ means to jump, smash or kick with the
feet and ‘Kwon’ to punch, strike with the hand and ‘Do’ is a way of life – or a philosophy
to live your life by.

83 What are the components of Tae Kwon-Do?
Taek Kyon, Shotokan Karate and Subak.

84 What is Taek Kyon?
Taek Kyon was an early Korean form of self-defence. Tomb paintings dating back to
50BC show men practising forms known as Taek Kyon from which Tae Kwon-Do
developed.

85 What are the targets for ‘high flat fingertip thrust’?
Throat, eyes and philtrum.

86 Why do we practise patterns beyond 6th Dan?
To maintain balance and co-ordination and to continue to improve.

87 Why are the floating ribs a vulnerable target area?
Because they are only attached to the spine and are unsupported at the front/side, and
therefore weak.

88 What does Mikulgi mean?
Sliding.

89 Why do we perform a breaking test?
To demonstrate the power in the technique and to show commitment.

90 Why do we perform 1 step sparring?
To practise defence techniques in as realistic a way as possible, to practise speed and
reaction to an attack.

91 Why do Black Belts have additional black trim on their doboks?
The black trim is symbolic, as in ancient Korea the colour black signified the highest
position, i.e. royalty and the aristocracy.

92 How many coloured belt patterns have a bending ready stance in them?
Three - Won Hyo, Yul Gok, Choong Moo

93 What is the Korean for ‘turn’?
Dolgi

94 What is the Korean term for ‘waving kick’ and what is its purpose?
Doro chagi – to defend against a kick to the groin. It can also be used to stamp.

95 What is the Korean for the following?
head mori
arm pal
hand son
foot bal
chest gasum
eye angoo

96 What are ‘sonkal batang’ and ‘umji batang’?
‘Base of knifehand’ and ‘thumb ridge’

97 What could you tell someone who was interested in Tae Kwon-Do about the
TAGB?
The TAGB is the largest organisation of its type in Europe with over 450 clubs and
around 20,000 members. It has over 20 years’ experience as an organisation run with
the expertise of a longstanding Committee. The instructors are all experienced who use
a carefully worked out syllabus. It is a non-political organisation and in 1988 was a
founder member of the British Tae Kwon-Do Council.

98 What was the largest of the three kingdoms of Korea?
Koguryo.

99 What is the difference between the side punch performed in Won Hyo (third
move) and in Hwa Rang (fifth move)?
In Won Hyo, it is performed in fixed-stance moving only the front foot with a body shift
(milagi). In Hwa Rang it is performed in fixed-stance while sliding both feet forward
(mikulgi).

100 What is the Korean for ‘Tenet’?
Jungshin

101 What are the tenets of Tae Kwon-Do in Korean?
Courtesy Ye ui
Integrity Yom chi
Perseverance In nae
Self control Guk gi
Indomitable spirit Baekjul boolgool

102 What impact has Tae Kwon-Do had on your life?
There is no set answer for this question, the examiner is looking to understand your
personal motivations.

103 What does being a Black Belt mean to you?
There is no set answer for this question, the examiner is looking to understand your
personal motivations.

104 How would you say you have changed since your last grading?
There is no set answer for this question, the examiner is looking to understand your
personal motivations.

105 What is the difference between an inward block and an inside block?
Inward block refers to the direction of travel of the block, from the outside towards
the centre of the defenders body. Inside block refers to the part of the opponent’s
body that is blocked i.e. the block connects with the inside of the opponents arm or leg.

106 Why might you use knife hand to block rather than the forearm?
Using knife hand allows the defender to follow up the block with a grab if necessary.
The force of a block is also applied to a very small area, allowing the defender to injure
the opponent.

107 Is 4 directional punch ‘saju jirugi’ a pattern?
No, Saju jirugi is a fundamental exercise, not a pattern.

108 Which kicks can use the instep as a striking tool?
turning Kick dollyo Chagi
front kick ap chagi
twisting kick bituro chagi
45 degree kick beet chagi

109 Name the following parts of the arm in Korean (the examiner will
demonstrate)?
fore fist ap joomuk
side fist yop joomuk
back fist dung joomuk
palm sonbadak
knife hand sonkal
fingertip sonkut
fore knuckle fist inji joomuk
middle knuckle fist joongji joomuk
thumb knuckle fist umji joomuk
inner forearm an palmok
outer forearm bakat palmok
back forearm dung palmok
under forearm mit palmok
elbow palkup

110 What is the difference between side piercing kick and side thrusting kick?
Side piercing kick uses the foot sword as the striking tool and side thrusting kick uses
the ball of the foot.

111 What is the Korean term for wrist release?
Jappyosol tae

112 What is the difference between WTF and ITF style Tae Kwon-Do?
WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) style TKD concentrates on the sport side of Tae
Kwon-Do and is recognised as an Olympic sport. Competitors wear chest protectors but
no gloves and sparring is full contact with no punches allow to the head. The WTF is
actively supported by the South Korean government.
ITF (International Tae Kwon-Do Federation) style TKD concentrates on the self
defence aspect of Tae Kwon-Do. Competition sparring is semi-contact with punches and
kicks allowed to the head and body and competitors wear both gloves and feet padding.
Until recently the ITF was actively supported by the North Korean government.
TAGB style TKD is very similar to ITF, but the TAGB is an independent martial art
organisation.

113 What is the difference between turning punch ‘dollyo jirugi’ and angle punch
‘giokja jirugi’?
In turning punch the fist finishes in line with the centre of the body and in angle punch
the fist finishes in line with the opposite shoulder.

114 What is the significance of the colours in the Tae Kwon-Do International logo?
The colours white, yellow, green, blue, red and black represent all of the belt colours in
Tae Kwon-Do, which are based on the colours used in ancient Korea to indicate rank and
status.

115 What is the Korean term for wedging block and what is its use?
Hechyo makgi. This block is used to defend against twin fist vertical punch, or against
an opponent attempting to grab the throat with both hands.

116 When might you use crescent kick?
Bandal chagi uses the foot to block an attack and can be used if the arms are injured or
if the opponent is further away.

117 What is the Korean term for master and who can use this title?
Sahyun. Black belts ranked 7th and 8th Dan are entitled to use this title in recognition of
their extensive knowledge and experience of Tae Kwon-Do.

118 What is ‘sonbadak noollo makgi’ used for?
Palm pressing block is used to check a low section front kick. This block is always
accompanied by a palm upward block used to defend against a middle punch. It is often
performed in patterns as a conditioning exercise i.e. as a slow motion movement.

119 What is Confucianism?
Confucianism is the ethical system of the Chinese philosopher, Confucius who was born in
approximately 552BC. It is not a religion that is based on the worship of a supernatural
power, more a collection of teachings emphasising devotion to the family, morality and
the proper exercise of political power.

120 What is Neo-Confucianism?
Neo-Confucianism was developed in China around the 11th century AD and is essentially a
reinterpretation of Confucian teachings to incorporate metaphysical aspects i.e. the
nature of reality and man’s relationship with the universe. The most noted exponent of
Neo Confucianism was the 12th century Chinese philosopher Chu Hsi, but Yi I and Yi
Hwang of Korea also contributed many works