Question: Dear Master Kim; I bought Complete Taekwondo Poomsae book . In the book, at page 39 master Sang H. Kim shows how to perform reverse middle punch. As my thought reverse punch means punch opposite with front stance. I'm not sure the book may have got a mistake or I learn the wrong form at my taekwondo school. Could you please let me know this question? Thi Nguyen

Answer from Sang H. Kim:

Thanks for your inquiry. It is a very good question. I do not make up terminology since the textbook I wrote is about WTF (the World Taekwondo Federation) Taekwondo Poomase (form). Here is my explanation:

In Japanese Karate, reverse punch (gyaku-zuki) is a punch with the hand on the same side as the rear foot. The ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) uses the same terminology as the Japanese does.

However, in WTF Taekwondo, reverse punch (Bandae Jirugi) is a punch with the hand on the same side as the front foot whereas straight punch (Baro Jirugi) is a punch with the hand on the same side as the rear foot. This is reversal of the term that the other two styles use.

It is a bit confusing, but that is the way different styles use the same words for different purposes. We humans are often complicated but the most important thing is doing the technique itself properly. Names are just names. They shouldn't hinder your performance. Of course, you should know the different usage of the terms. Hope this clarifies your question. I wish you all the best in your training!

Sincerely,

Sang H. Kim