Gyeogpa
격파

Breaking is one of the demonstrative aspects of many martial arts, including Kukkiwon Taekwondo. The breaking of hard objects such as boards can show the spirit, technical proficiency, power and accuracy of the practitioner.

Breaking is an expression of Taekwondo’s power as well as the mental fortitude of those who practice it.

Breaking Stance
Gyeogpa Seogi
격파 서기
“G’yuhg-Pah Suh-Gee”

The stance one takes prior to beginning a break. Typically the feet are one foot length longer per side compared to a standard Riding Stance with the fists placed in a middle guard position. Must be performed with a ferocious kihap.

Horizontally Turning Break
Galo Dola Gyeogpa
가로 돌아 격파
“Gah-Loh Dohl-Ah G’yuhg-Pah”

A break which contains a minimum of 360° of rotation in the air and strikes the target in the horizontal plane.

Examples:

  • 540° Hook Kick

  • 720° Tornado Kick

Vertically Turning Break
Sela Dola Gyeogpa
세로 돌아 격파
“Say-Lah Dohl-Ah G’yuhg-Pah”

A break where the body rotates on a vertical axis prior to striking the target.

Examples:

  • Jumping Flip Kick / Flash Kick

High Jumping Break
Nopi Ttwieo Gyeogpa
높이 뛰어 격파
“Nohp-Ee Twee-Uh G’yuhg-Pah”

A break which uses the assistance of an object or other people to launch into the air and hit a target too high to reach otherwise.

Examples:

  • Assisted Tornado Kick

  • Assisted Spinning Hook Kick

Far Jumping Break
Meolli Ttwieo Gyeogpa
멀리뛰어 격파
“Muhl-Lee Twee-Uh G’yuhg-Pah”

A break which involves jumping forward a long distance in order to reach the target.

Examples:

  • Flying Side Kick

  • Flying Back Kick

Jumping Over Break
Ttwieo Neomeo Gyeogpah
뛰어 넘어 격파
“Twee-Uh Nuhm-Uh G’yuhg-Pah”

A break which involves jumping over an object or person in order to reach the target.

Examples:

  • Jump Over Side Kick

Multi Target Break
Yeoleo Pyojeog Gyeogpa
여러 표적 격파
“Yuh-Luh P’yuh-Juhk G’yuhg-Pah”

A break which involves hitting multiple targets in one leap or with rapidly successive techniques.

Examples:

  • Multi-direction break

  • Single line up break

Power Break
Wilyeog Gyeogpa
위력 격파
“Wee-L’yuhg G’yuhg-Pah”

A break which is intended to display one’s striking power by destroying targets such as boards, roof tiles or marble.

Examples:

  • Fist Skill Break

  • Bottom Of The Heel Break

  • Ridge Hand Break

Creative Break
Changjag Gyeogpa
창작 격파
“Chahng-Jahg G’yuhg-Pah”

A break which uses a highly difficult technique that doesn’t fit into other breaking categories.