Yes, taekwondo uses punches. The name itself means “the way of the foot and fist,” and every student learns punches (jireugi) and hand strikes (chigi) from the first class. Kicks score more and get more attention, but hand techniques fill the forms, one-step sparring, breaking and self-defense. In World Taekwondo (Olympic) sparring, punches are allowed only to the trunk protector, with a straight punch from a clenched fist, and score 1 point. ITF sparring allows punches to the head and body. This guide covers how to throw a proper punch, the Korean names of the main punches and strikes, the competition rules and how to train them.
| Korean words | Jireugi (지르기) = punch; chigi (치기) = strike |
|---|---|
| Basic punch | Momtong jireugi, a straight middle punch |
| Striking surface | The first two knuckles (index and middle finger) |
| World Taekwondo sparring | Straight punch to the trunk protector only; 1 point; no head punches |
| ITF sparring | Punches to the head and body allowed, with controlled contact |
| Where else they are used | Forms, one-step sparring, breaking and self-defense |
The rules
Can you punch in taekwondo sparring?
Yes, but the rules depend on the organization. The two main systems treat punches very differently.
| World Taekwondo (Olympic) | ITF | |
|---|---|---|
| Legal targets for punches | The colored area of the trunk protector | Head and body (front and sides) |
| Head punches | Not allowed; a penalty (gam-jeom) | Allowed with control |
| Valid technique | A straight punch with the knuckle part of a tightly clenched fist | Punches and some other hand techniques, depending on the organization |
| Points | 1 point for a valid punch to the body | Usually 1 point; a jumping hand attack to the head can score more |
| How punches are scored | By the judges; the electronic sensors score kicks | By the judges |
| Contact | Full contact with body protector | Semi-contact, with hand and foot pads |
Exact point values and allowed techniques vary between ITF groups and local tournaments, so check the rules for the event you are entering. More detail: taekwondo tournament rules, Olympic taekwondo and the taekwondo sparring guide.
Technique
How to throw a basic taekwondo punch
This is the traditional middle punch (momtong jireugi) taught in basics and forms.
Step 1
Make a fist
Roll the fingers tightly into the palm and fold the thumb across the index and middle fingers. Never tuck the thumb inside.
Step 2
Chamber at the hip
Start with the punching fist at the hip, palm up, elbow close to the body.
Step 3
Punch straight
Drive the fist straight to the target, turning it palm-down just before impact. Keep the wrist straight.
Step 4
Pull the other hand back
Pull the other fist back to the hip at the same moment. The two actions together add speed and power.
Step 5
Hit with two knuckles
Land on the knuckles of the index and middle fingers, at solar plexus height for a middle punch.
Step 6
Use the body
Turn the hips and tighten the core and fist at impact, then relax. Breathe out or kihap on the strike.
In sparring the hands stay up in a guard instead of chambering at the hip, and punches come straight from the guard, much like a boxing jab and cross. The basics are the same: a tight fist, a straight wrist, the body turning behind the punch and the other hand protecting the face.
For the stances you punch from, see taekwondo stances.
Punches
Taekwondo punch names (jireugi)
| Korean | Punch |
|---|---|
| Momtong jireugi (몸통지르기) | Middle punch, to the solar plexus |
| Eolgul jireugi (얼굴지르기) | High punch, to the face |
| Arae jireugi (아래지르기) | Low punch |
| Baro jireugi (바로지르기) | Reverse punch: rear hand, opposite the front leg |
| Bandae jireugi (반대지르기) | Lunge punch: same side as the front leg |
| Dubeon jireugi (두번지르기) | Double punch |
| Sewo jireugi (세워지르기) | Vertical punch, thumb side up |
| Chi jireugi (치지르기) | Uppercut |
| Dollyeo jireugi (돌려지르기) | Hook (turning) punch |
In sparring, coaches often use boxing names instead: the jab (front-hand punch) and the cross or straight (rear-hand punch). In World Taekwondo sparring only straight punches to the trunk protector count.
Strikes
Taekwondo hand strikes (chigi)
| Korean | Strike | Striking surface |
|---|---|---|
| Deung jumeok chigi (등주먹치기) | Backfist | Back of the first two knuckles |
| Me jumeok chigi (메주먹치기) | Hammer fist | Fleshy bottom of the fist |
| Sonnal mok chigi (손날목치기) | Knife-hand strike to the neck | Outer edge of the open hand |
| Sonnal deung chigi (손날등치기) | Ridge-hand strike | Thumb-side edge of the open hand |
| Batangson chigi (바탕손치기) | Palm-heel strike | Heel of the palm |
| Pyeonsonkkeut sewo tzireugi (편손끝세워찌르기) | Spear-hand thrust | Fingertips |
| Palkup chigi (팔굽치기) | Elbow strike | Point and forearm side of the elbow |
| Bamjumeok jireugi (밤주먹지르기) | Middle-knuckle punch | The raised middle knuckle |
None of these strikes score in World Taekwondo sparring. They are taught for forms, self-defense and breaking; knife-hand and palm-heel strikes are common breaking techniques. For more on breaking, see taekwondo board breaking, and for self-defense use, is taekwondo effective in a street fight.
Safety
Strikes to the throat, neck and eyes are practiced on pads or in the air, or with full control against a partner. Never use them at contact in class or sparring.
The Korean names for the hand surfaces (jumeok, sonnal, batangson and others) are listed in taekwondo terminology.
Mistakes
Common punching mistakes
- Thumb tucked inside the fist, which can break it on impact.
- A bent wrist, which can sprain on contact.
- Punching with the arm only, without turning the hips.
- Dropping the other hand instead of pulling it back or keeping it on guard.
- Locking the elbow hard at full extension.
- Winding up before the punch, which tells the opponent it is coming.
- Punching to the head in World Taekwondo sparring, which is a penalty.
Training
How to train your punches
Note
This is general information, not medical advice. Warm up first, use hand wraps or gloves on bags, and build up force gradually.
- Basics in the air: slow punches in a front or horse riding stance to groove the chamber, twist and pull-back.
- Bag work: a hanging bag builds power and lets you feel a straight wrist on impact.
- Focus mitts: a partner moves the mitts so you work on accuracy, speed and combinations.
- Technical sparring: light partner work at low intensity to practice timing and control.
- Shadow sparring: punch-kick combinations in front of a mirror to check guard and footwork.
- Forms and one-steps: both are full of punches and strikes done with exact form.
Punching bags are standard equipment for this kind of training. A solid bag, like those from Everlast, is a good fit for home practice. For mitt training, a decent pair of focus mitts, such as Valleycomfy’s, is enough to get started.
Related guides: one-step sparring, poomsae, taekwondo blocks and how to do a roundhouse kick, the kick most often combined with a punch in sparring.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Can you punch in taekwondo?
Yes. Punches and hand strikes are part of every taekwondo style. In World Taekwondo sparring, punches are allowed to the trunk protector only; ITF sparring also allows punches to the head.
Can you punch to the head in Olympic taekwondo?
No. Under World Taekwondo rules a punch to the head is a prohibited act and draws a penalty. Only kicks may score to the head.
How many points is a punch worth in taekwondo?
In World Taekwondo sparring, a valid punch to the trunk protector scores 1 point. In ITF sparring a punch usually scores 1 point, with more for some jumping hand attacks, depending on the organization.
What is a punch called in Korean?
Jireugi (지르기). A strike with another part of the hand or arm is called chigi (치기).
What part of the fist do you hit with?
The knuckles of the index and middle fingers, with the wrist straight and the thumb folded across the outside of the fist.
Why do you pull the other hand back to the hip?
Pulling one hand back as the other punches turns the hips and shoulders together, adding speed and power. It also trains the habit of grabbing or pulling an opponent in self-defense.
The short version
Taekwondo uses punches (jireugi) and hand strikes (chigi). Make a tight fist with the thumb outside, punch straight, turn the fist and hips, pull the other hand back and hit with the first two knuckles. In World Taekwondo sparring only straight punches to the trunk protector count, for 1 point; ITF also allows head punches. Train on bags and mitts, and practice open-hand strikes with control.