Student Info

Korean Vocabulary

In Songahm Taekwondo, many of the basic commands used during class are presented in Korean. These new and unfamiliar terms can feel intimidating for new students at first, but with time and practice they quickly become familiar and easy to use.

Below are the most common Korean words you’ll hear in ATA Taekwondo classes. Each term is written in the following format:

Korean Word (Phonetic Pronunciation) – English Meaning

Commands

• Charyeot (cha-REE-ot) – Attention
• Gyeong-nye (kyong-yeh) – Bow
• Junbi (choon-BEE) – Ready Position
• Si-jak (see-JAHK) – Begin
• Baro (BAH-roh) – Return to Ready Position
• Shi-ut (shee-UT) – At Ease / Rest
• Ki-hap (kee-HOP) – Yell

Terms

• Taekwondo (tie-kwon-doe) – The Way of the Hand and Foot
• Dobok (doe-bock) – Uniform
• Kamsahamnida (kahm-sahm-nee-dah) – Thank You
• Dojang (doe-jang) – Taekwondo School
• Songahm (song-om) – Pine Tree and Rock
• Sabumnim (sah-boom-nim) – Instructor

Songahm Taekwondo Oaths

At both the beginning and end of class, students recite an oath. We say these together because they reflect the core principles of Courtesy, Loyalty, Respect, Perseverance, Honor, Integrity, and Self-Control. These are not just words—they are values that guide ethical behavior and help students maintain the proper mindset for training and personal growth.

Kids, Teens & Adult Oath (Beginning of Class)

Sir!
I will practice in the Spirit of Taekwondo,
with COURTESY for fellow students,
LOYALTY to my instructor,
and RESPECT for my juniors and seniors, Sir!

Kids, Teens & Adult Oath (End of Class)

Sir!
I shall live with PERSEVERANCE
in the Spirit of Taekwondo,
having HONOR with others,
INTEGRITY within myself,
and SELF-CONTROL in my actions, Sir!