Momtong Jireugi
몸통 지르기
Literally: trunk punch
A straight fist strike to the torso, a WT taekwondo basic from white belt; in competition, a valid hit on the trunk protector scores one point.
Quick Facts
⚠️ Common Mistakes
A bent wrist on impact, which risks a sprain or a fracture, a loosely closed fist, a poorly chosen height and distance, and mistimed execution.
Katas containing this technique
About
Momtong jireugi (몸통 지르기), literally straight strike to the torso, drives the fist from the hip straight to the centre of the opponent's body: chest, sternum, stomach, or ribs. The power comes not only from the arm but from the rotation and drive of the whole body. The fingers must be tightly closed, the thumb tucked in, and the wrist aligned with the forearm; the strike aims to punch through and is accompanied by an exhale. The strike is taught from white belt, 10th gup, and already appears in the first form, Taegeuk Il Jang. It is used in gyeorugi sparring, in forms, in breaking, in self-defence, and in one-step training. Under the 2024 ISF rules, based on WT rules, a valid fist strike to the trunk protector scores one point.