Joint Lock Techniques
Kkeokgi Kisul - 꺾기 기술

While it is primarily a striking focused martial art, Kukkiwon Taekwondo possesses techniques which are used to press or twist the joints of the opponent. In order to restrain an aggressor one may press or twist the opponent’s wrist, elbow, shoulder, ankle or knee.

Kkeokgi can be translated as “snapping” when referring to the bones and joints of an opponent.

Techniques are kept simple and are by no means meant to serve as a complete submission grappling system.

Pressing Joint Lock
Nulleo Kkeokgi
눌러 꺾기
“Nool-Luh Kuhk-Gee”

Pressing against the joint of an opponent while pulling a point of leverage in the opposite direction.

Tripping Joint Lock
Georeo Kkeokgi
걸어 꺾기
“Guhr-Uh Kuhk-Gee”

Using a joint lock to disrupt the posture and balance of an opponent before tripping their leg out from underneath them.

Knee Joint Lock
Mureup Nulleo Kkeokgi
무릎 눌러 꺾기
“Moo-Roop Nool-Luh Kuhk-Gee”

Using leverage to press against the knee of an opponent while pulling their ankle in the opposite direction.

Knee Bar
Niba
니바
“Nee-Bah Kuhk-Gee”

Using leverage to press against the knee of an opponent while pulling their ankle in the opposite direction.

Elbow Joint Lock
Palgup Nulleo Kkeokgi
팔굽 눌러 꺾기
“Pahl-Goop Nool-Luh Kuhk-Gee”

Using leverage to press against the elbow or shoulder of an opponent while pulling their wrist in the opposite direction.

Arm Bar
Amba
암바
“Ahm-Bah”

Using leverage to press against the elbow of an opponent while pulling their wrist in the opposite direction.

Wrist Twist & Lock
Sonmok Biteureo Kkeokgi
손목 비틀어 꺾기
“Sohn-Mohk Bee-Toor-Uh Kuhk-Gee”

Using leverage to twist an opponent’s wrist in one direction while you press their elbow in the opposite direction.

Elbow Twist & Lock
Palgup Biteureo Kkeokgi
팔굽 비틀어 꺾기
“Pahl-Goop Bee-Toor-Uh Kuhk-Gee”

Using leverage to twist an opponent’s elbow in one direction while you press their wrist in the opposite direction.

Double Wrist Lock
Kimura
기무라
”Kee-Moo-Rah”

A medial key lock. From any one of several positions, use both arms to entangle one of your opponent’s arms while twisting it to the outside or inside to control their elbow.

Also known as the Figure Four Arm Lock, the Americana or the 腕緘 Ude Garami.

When called a Kimura it is done so in honour of 木村 政彦 Masahiko Kimura (1917 - 1993), a Japanese Judoka who famously broke Hélio Gracie’s arm with the technique during a challenge match in 1949.

A staple of self-defense technique.