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In Taekwondo, blocking does not simply mean stopping an attack. A defensive action may also deflect, contain, separate, press or redirect a technique through different movements and contact surfaces.

As part of its educational guide based on Kukkiwon’s Taekwondo Textbook, MASTKD introduces the terminology associated with Makgi, the most extensive technical group covered in this series so far.

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

Makgi: blocking techniques

Makgi is the general term used to identify blocking actions. Kukkiwon organizes this group into 17 main designations and 42 technical applications.

The classification considers the direction of the movement, the area being protected, the contact surface and whether one or both limbs are involved.

Gawimakgi

Gawimakgi means scissors block. The arms perform different actions simultaneously, creating a position that resembles the opening of a pair of scissors.

Geodeureomakgi: supported block

In Geodeureomakgi, one limb performs the block while the other provides support or reinforcement.

Kukkiwon recognizes nine applications:

• Geodeureo Bakkanmakgi: supported outward block.
• Batangson Geodeureo Anmakgi: palm-hand supported inward block.
• Sonnal Geodeureo Bakkanmakgi: knife-hand supported outward block.
• Sonnaldeung Geodeureo Bakkanmakgi: back-of-knife-hand supported outward block.
• Arae Sonnal Geodeureomakgi: knife-hand low supported block.
• Arae Geodeureomakgi: low supported block.
• Anmakgo Anmakgi: staggered double inward block.
• Anpalmok Geodeureo Bakkanmakgi: inner-wrist supported outward block.
• Eolgul Anpalmok Geodeureo Yeommakgi: inner-wrist supported face-side block.

Geodeomakgi

Geodeomakgi is a deflecting block. Its primary purpose is to redirect the path of an attack rather than receive it directly.

Geumgangmakgi: diamond block

Geumgangmakgi combines two defensive actions performed simultaneously at different heights.

Kukkiwon includes two applications:

• Anpalmok Geumgang Bakkanmakgi: inner-wrist diamond outward block.
• Sonnal Geumgangmakgi: knife-hand diamond block.

Naeryeomakgi: downward block

Naeryeomakgi describes a defensive action directed downward.

Its two applications are:

• Araemakgi: low block.
• Sonnal Araemakgi: knife-hand low block.

Nulleomakgi: pressing block

Nulleomakgi controls or redirects a technique through a downward pressing action.

• Batangson Nulleomakgi: palm-hand pressing block.

Bakkanmakgi: outward block

Bakkanmakgi is performed toward the outside of the body. Kukkiwon distinguishes three applications:

• Sonnal Bakkanmakgi: knife-hand outward block.
• Anpalmok Bakkanmakgi: inner-wrist outward block.
• Eolgul Bakkanmakgi: face-level outward block.

Badamakgi: damper block

Badamakgi primarily uses the leg or foot to contain an offensive action.

Its two applications are:

• Ballal Badamakgi: sole-of-the-foot damper block.
• Junggangi Badamakgi: shin damper block.

Biteureomakgi: twist block

Biteureomakgi incorporates a twisting motion of the limb during the defensive action.

Kukkiwon recognizes three applications:

• Sonnal Biteureo Bakkanmakgi: knife-hand twisted outward block.
• Anpalmok Biteureo Bakkanmakgi: inner-wrist twisted outward block.
• Eolgul Sonnal Biteureo Bakkanmakgi: knife-hand twisted face-level outward block.

Anmakgi: inward block

Anmakgi directs the defensive action toward the inside of the body.

Its four applications are:

• Momtong Makgi: trunk block.
• Batangson Anmakgi: palm-hand inward block.
• Sonnal Anmakgi: knife-hand inward block.
• Arae Anpalmok Pyojeok Anmakgi: inner-wrist target low inward block.

Eotgeoreomakgi: crossing block

Eotgeoreomakgi uses crossed arms to protect different levels of the body.

Kukkiwon establishes four applications:

• Arae Eotgeoreomakgi: low crossing block.
• Arae Sonnal Eotgeoreomakgi: knife-hand low crossing block.
• Eolgul Eotgeoreomakgi: face-level crossing block.
• Eolgul Sonnal Eotgeoreomakgi: knife-hand face-level crossing block.

Yeommakgi: side block

Yeommakgi protects the body through a defensive action directed toward the side.

Its three applications are:

• Sonnal Yeommakgi: knife-hand side block.
• Arae Yeommakgi: low side block.
• Anpalmok Yeommakgi: inner-wrist side block.

Ollyeomakgi: upward block

Ollyeomakgi encompasses defensive actions directed upward.

Kukkiwon identifies three applications:

• Kkeureoolligi: lifting block.
• Eolgulmakgi: face block.
• Sonnal Eolgulmakgi: knife-hand face block.

Oesanmakgi or Oesanteulmakgi

Oesanmakgi, also known as Oesanteulmakgi, means single mountain block.

• Pyeonson Oesanmakgi: open-hand single mountain block.

Taesanmakgi or Santeulmakgi

Taesanmakgi, also known as Santeulmakgi, is the mountain block. Its configuration combines defensive actions in different directions to protect more than one area.

Hechyeomakgi: scatter block

Hechyeomakgi separates or disperses through movements projected outward from the center of the body.

Its five applications are:

• Arae Hechyeomakgi: low scatter block.
• Arae Sonnal Hechyeomakgi: knife-hand low scatter block.
• Anpalmok Hechyeomakgi: inner-wrist scatter block.
• Sonnaldeung Hechyeomakgi: back-of-knife-hand scatter block.
• Hechyeo Taesanmakgi: scattered mountain block.

Hwangsomakgi

Hwangsomakgi means bull-horn block. Its name describes the upward and symmetrical positioning of both limbs during the defensive action.

Much more than stopping an attack

The classification of Makgi demonstrates that Taekwondo’s defensive techniques do not follow a single model.

The direction of movement, height, contact surface, use of support and relationship with the incoming attack create technically distinct actions. Using the correct terminology enables more precise instruction and prevents different techniques from being grouped under one generic translation.

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

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

Terminology source: Kukkiwon, Taekwondo Textbook (English Edition).
Educational adaptation: MASTKD.

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