Overview
ITF Taekwon-Do uses standardized reference heights to ensure that techniques are performed consistently regardless of the height of the practitioner or the opponent. These reference heights describe where the attacking or blocking tool finishes in relation to the practitioner's own body, not the opponent's body. This system creates uniform technique, simplifies instruction, and allows students of all sizes to perform movements according to the same technical standard.
It is important to distinguish reference heights from body sections. Although they are closely related, they are not the same concept.
Body sections
The body is divided into three imaginary sections. These sections identify where techniques are intended to attack or defend.
Body sections reference
| Section | Korean | Area |
|---|---|---|
| High Section | Nopun Bubun | Above the neck. |
| Middle Section | Kaunde Bubun | Between the shoulders and the umbilicus. |
| Low Section | Najun Bubun | Below the umbilicus. |
Reference heights
Reference heights define the final position of the attacking or blocking tool on the practitioner's own body. These heights are used when naming techniques such as high punch, middle block, or low kick. Because they are based on the performer's body rather than the opponent, they remain consistent regardless of who is performing the technique.
Reference height standards
| Reference Height | Korean | Reference Point | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| High | Nopunde | Eye level | The attacking or blocking tool aligns with the practitioner's eyes. |
| Middle | Kaunde | Shoulder level | The attacking or blocking tool aligns with the practitioner's shoulders. |
| Low | Najunde | Umbilicus level | The attacking or blocking tool aligns with the practitioner's umbilicus (navel). |
How reference heights apply
The same three reference heights apply to attacks, blocks and kicks, although the exact definition differs slightly depending on the type of technique.
- Attacks: The attacking tool finishes at eye level, shoulder level or umbilicus level.
- Blocks: The fist or fingertip of the blocking tool finishes at eye level, shoulder level or the blocking contact is made at the level of the intended low target.
- Kicks: The attacking foot finishes at eye level, shoulder level or umbilicus level.
Reference heights are not target heights
A common misconception is that a high, middle or low technique refers to the opponent's body. In ITF Taekwon-Do, these terms describe the final position of the technique relative to the practitioner performing it. For example, a middle punch finishes at shoulder level, regardless of whether the opponent is taller or shorter. This allows practitioners of different heights to perform techniques consistently while adapting naturally to the opponent during application.
Exceptions
Most ITF Taekwon-Do techniques use relative reference heights based on the practitioner's body. However, Special Techniques used in board breaking competitions are measured using absolute height from the ground. For example, Flying High Kick events commonly require adult male competitors to reach approximately 250 to 260 centimetres depending on the event regulations. In these cases, the measurement is an objective physical height rather than a body reference.
Summary
Remember the distinction:
- Body sections (Bubun) describe areas of the body.
- Reference heights (Nopunde, Kaunde, Najunde) describe where the technique finishes relative to the practitioner.
Using these standardized references ensures consistent technique, accurate terminology, and uniform performance across all practitioners regardless of height.