Taekyun, The Only UNESCO Recognised Martial Art On Earth. The Oldest Complete Korean Martial Art

Taekyun is a traditional Korean martial art first explicitly recorded during the Joseon Dynasty. Taekyun is characterized by fluid, dynamic foot movement called "pum balgi" or Stepping-on-Triangles.

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Dating back at least six-hundred years in its current form, Taekyun is excellent for the development of general fitness, strength and agility, suitable for rehabilitation from and the prevention of certain injuries, and has uniquely dynamic footwork and kicks, making it beautiful to watch. Taekyun training may incorporate a high degree of sparring as well as a vast array of techniques – with grappling, striking, kicking, throwing and wrestling, Taekyun has something for everyone.

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Taekyun contains many kinds of techniques, including hand and leg techniques as well as joint locks, throws and head butts. The whole body is used in each movement. Taekyun teaches a great variety of kicks, especially low kicks, knees, jumps. The basic steps are geometric and at the core of all advanced movement. All movements are natural to the human body.

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The movements of Taekkyon are fluid with the practitioners constantly moving. One of its most striking characteristics is the motion called gumsil or ogeum jil: It is a constant bending and stretching of one's knees, giving the art a dance-like appearance. Taekkeyon does not make use of abrupt knee motions. The principles and methods used to extend the kick put more emphasis on grace and alignment for whole-body strength, as with the arm motions.