Ditgi, Ttwigi and Pihagi: Stepping, Jumping and Dodging in Taekwondo

MASTKD ESPAÑOL

Movement in Taekwondo is not limited to offensive or defensive techniques. Advancing, retreating, changing direction, jumping and avoiding an attack also have their own specific terminology.

As part of its educational guide based on Kukkiwon’s Taekwondo Textbook, MASTKD presents three fundamental groups: Ditgi, Ttwigi and Pihagi.

Taekwondo Terminology: An Educational Guide Based on Kukkiwon’s Taekwondo Textbook

Ditgi: stepping

Ditgi is the term used to group the different forms of stepping and footwork. Kukkiwon’s material establishes seven main designations and nine specific applications.

Naeditgi: forward step

Du Bal Naeditgi: two-feet forward step.
Dwitbal Naeditgi: rear-foot forward step.
Balbutyeo Naeditgi: skipping forward step.
Apbal Naeditgi: front-leg forward step.

Doradatgi: turning step

90° Dwidora Datgi: 90-degree backward turning step.
90° Apdora Datgi: 90-degree forward turning step.
135° Dwidora Datgi: 135-degree backward turning step.
135° Apdora Datgi: 135-degree forward turning step.

Other forms of stepping

Moditgi: diagonal step.
Mulleodatgi: backward step.
Yeopdatgi: side step.
Jajeungeoreum / Jajeunbal: quick, short steps.
Jejariditgi: stepping in place.
Jase Bakkwo Ditgi: switching stance while stepping in place.

These movements allow practitioners to adjust distance, angle and body orientation while preparing offensive or defensive actions.

Ttwigi: jumping

Ttwigi encompasses actions in which the body rises from the ground. Kukkiwon distinguishes four main forms:

Nopittwigi: high jump.
Ttwieoneomgi: jumping over an obstacle.
Ttwieodolgi: turning jump.
Meollittwigi: long jump.

A jump may be performed as an independent skill or combined with kicks, turns and other techniques. Correct execution requires coordination, balance, power and control upon landing.

Pihagi: dodging

Pihagi identifies actions used to avoid an attack through body movement, without necessarily performing a block.

Kukkiwon recognizes five forms:

Natchueo Pihagi: lower dodge.
Biteureo Pihagi: weaving.
Sugyeo Pihagi: ducking.
Jeotyeo Pihagi: back-leaning dodge.
Teureo Pihagi: rolling dodge.

Dodging changes the body’s position in relation to the trajectory of an attack. Its effectiveness depends on distance awareness, anticipation and the ability to recover a stable position.

A shared terminology for more precise teaching

Distinguishing between stepping, jumping and dodging helps practitioners understand that each action serves a different technical purpose.

Ditgi organizes movement across the training or competition area; Ttwigi incorporates elevation of the body; and Pihagi enables practitioners to avoid an offensive action through body movement.

The use of shared terminology promotes clearer instruction and facilitates communication among masters, coaches, practitioners and schools from different countries.

This content forms part of MASTKD’s educational project, developed with Kukkiwon’s authorization to publish the terminology contained in the supplied material from the Taekwondo Textbook (English Edition).

Previous chapter: Seogi and Junbijase: Stances and Forms of Preparation in Taekwondo