The World Taekwondo Headquarters has responded favorably to an initiative presented by MASTKD, granting the international media outlet five-year authorization to use terminology material from the English edition of its Taekwondo Textbook. The project aims to expand access to technical knowledge and contribute to more consistent Taekwondo instruction worldwide.

MASTKD raised the need to bring Taekwondo’s technical terminology closer to instructors, athletes, and practitioners from different countries through organized, accessible content supported by an internationally recognized source.

The initiative has now received a formal response

Following an internal review of the request, Kukkiwon issued an official letter addressed to MASTKD and provided an excerpt from the “List of Taekwondo Skills” included in the Taekwondo Textbook (English Edition).

Five-Year Authorization

The letter, issued on July 16, 2026, grants MASTKD permission to use the attached terminology material for a period of five years.

As a condition of use, every publication must clearly acknowledge the Taekwondo Textbook (English Edition), published by Kukkiwon, as the original source.

The authorization applies exclusively to the terminology material provided. Any use of the Kukkiwon logo, Corporate Identity, or other visual brand elements requires a separate review and approval process.

This framework will allow readers to distinguish clearly between the original technical source and the journalistic, educational, and editorial work developed by MASTKD.

From the Textbook to an International Educational Platform

The document provided by Kukkiwon organizes Taekwondo skills into 16 major technical families, accompanied by their romanized Korean names, English equivalents, utilized skills, and supplementary names.

These families include:

• Seogi: stance.
• Junbijase: ready stance.
• Makgi: blocking.
• Jireugi: punching.
• Jjireugi: thrust.
• Chigi: striking.
• Chagi: kicking.
• Ditgi: stepping.
• Ttwigi: jumping.
• Pihagi: dodging.
• Nakbeop: breakfall.
• Kkeokgi: joint-lock.
• Neomgigi: take down.
• Milgi: pushing out.
• Ppaegi: pull away.
• Japgi: grasping.

Using this material as its documentary foundation, MASTKD will develop a series of educational articles in English and Spanish, organized by technical areas and connected through a central reference guide.

The project will help readers understand the original nomenclature, reduce confusion across countries, and provide instructors and students with an accessible reference for teaching and learning.

MASTKD as a Bridge Between Kukkiwon and the World

The project also puts into practice the role that Kukkiwon President Yun Ung-suk attributed to specialized international media during his exclusive interview with MASTKD in Seoul.

“MASTKD serves as a communication bridge connecting Kukkiwon with the global Taekwondo family.”

President Yun also expressed Kukkiwon’s expectation that MASTKD can help share new values and visions for Taekwondo with practitioners and enthusiasts around the world.

That definition will now take tangible form.

MASTKD will not only report institutional developments but also bring technical knowledge originating from Kukkiwon closer to an international community united by the same martial art, yet shaped by different languages, traditions, and teaching practices.

One Central Guide and Six Thematic Chapters

The project will feature a main article serving as a permanent reference hub, connecting readers to six thematic chapters:

• Stances and preparation.
• Stepping, jumping, and dodging.
• Blocking techniques.
• Offensive hand and arm techniques.
• Kicking techniques.
• Control techniques, self-defense, and breakfalls.

Each publication will clearly distinguish terminology drawn from the Kukkiwon material from explanations and educational adaptations developed by MASTKD.

The purpose is not to replace instruction from qualified masters or impose particular translations. Instead, the initiative seeks to provide a documented resource that helps preserve original terminology, organize technical concepts, and promote more consistent communication throughout the international Taekwondo community.

A New Step for Specialized Taekwondo Journalism

Reporting on international Taekwondo involves more than publishing results, competition schedules, or institutional decisions. It also requires preserving knowledge, explaining the foundations of the martial art, and helping new generations gain access to them.

Through this project, MASTKD will expand its journalistic mission and take on a new educational challenge: transforming specialized technical information into an accessible resource for the global Taekwondo community.

The authorization granted by Kukkiwon marks the starting point.

MASTKD will now begin building a terminology platform designed to connect the technical authority of the World Taekwondo Headquarters with instructors, athletes, and practitioners across every continent.

Terminology source: Taekwondo Textbook (English Edition), published by Kukkiwon. Material used under written authorization granted to MASTKD on July 16, 2026.

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Official Letter

MASTKD shares below the official communication received from Kukkiwon as documentary support for this international educational initiative.

Official Letter

Caption: Official letter issued by Kukkiwon on July 16, 2026, granting MASTKD five-year authorization to use the attached terminology material from the Taekwondo Textbook (English Edition).

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