What is Taekkyeon?
Taekkyeon is a Korean traditional martial art which is based on various techniques such as moving arms playfully and proudly in a circular motion, swaying easily with body and tripping by foot, especially by peculiar steps which are called Pumbalgi in Korea.
Characteristics
It has various characteristics such as flexible movements of hands and feet for attack and defence. Such skills as Pumbalgi(graceful steps), Hwalgaejit (a circular motion with arms) and Balchagi (an act of kicking) cause an opponent to be confused and lessen his or her attack. A fighter can also protect himself from an opponent's attack by decreasing the force of impact by basic graceful movements similar to that of a bird spreading and flapping it's wings. Unlike other martial arts in which 'Dan' or 'Geup' is used, they should use ‘Jjae’or ‘Dong’ in Taekkyeon which shows us a hierarchical degree.
History
Taekkyeon has been registered as an Intangible Cultural Asset No. 76 on June 1, 1983, and registered in UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List on November 28, 2011.
Taekkyeon is known as bare handed fighting and traditional culture handed down in Korean tradition.