In continuing adventures of Not A Linguist Or Korean Expert, I’m going to keep heading down the road of getting all the Korean that is contained within our Introductory Packet (remember that folder I gave you your first day of class?) up on the blog. Today’s lesson, boys and girls, is the name of your rank and your form.
Just starting out? You probably have a white belt. Been here a while? Check the color of that purty sash-thingie at your waist. It’s your belt, and it’s not just flair. Your belt represents how long you’ve been training and corresponds to a rank. What’s your rank in Korean? Read on:
White belt – Hin dee
Yellow belt - Noh rahng dee
Blue belt – Chohng dee
Red belt – Hohng dee
Brown belt – Jah dee
Brown/Black belt – Dahn bo nim
If you have a black belt, well, I expect you know your rank in Korean (if not, I suggest learning it quickly). So, we’ll stick with the colored belts for today. So, what is your form called? First of all, learn the word “hyung.” It means form, and Steffen PSBN will tell you collectively to “Go practice hyung.” Or you might hear, “Hyung joon bee,” or “Forms, ready (or first) position.” Either way, impress him by knowing that he’s telling you it’s time to do forms. For your particular rank’s form, see below.
White belt – Ki Cho Hyung
Yellow belt – Choh Geup Hyung
Blue belt – Joong Geup Hyung
Red belt – Goh Geup Hyung
Brown belt – Dae Geup Hyung
Brown/Black belt – Goh Muh Hyung
Homework this week for students at Kuk Sool Won of St. Paul: learn your rank and form in Korean. I guarantee it will be asked on a quiz sometime in your future.
