Momtong-makgi in taekwondo: the forearm block at trunk height, inside and outside, use in Taegeuk Il Jang, typical mistakes and how poomsae judges score them.
The honest answer: momtong-makgi is the forearm block at trunk height, and it is one of the first techniques you learn in taekwondo because it appears in the first form (Taegeuk Il Jang). The glossary of the poomsae rules lists "momtong makki" and "momtong anmakki" as the middle block and "momtong bakkat makki" as the outer middle block [1]. Usually an-makgi moves from outside to inside and bakkat-makgi from inside to outside (practice, details vary by school).
Why so early? Because Taegeuk Il Jang is the first form of the world federation (8th gup) and, according to an overview, combines low, middle and high block, a middle punch and a front snap kick [2]. According to the rules Il Jang has 18 movements [1]. So you do not need to master many techniques, but those few cleanly.
And "cleanly" is measured: in poomsae scoring there are 4.0 points for accuracy. A small mistake costs 0.1 point, a serious mistake 0.3, for example if you show a high block instead of a low block (eolgul instead of arae makki) [1]. The gaze must follow the side of the action [1]. A block is therefore first of all a question of accuracy and posture.
The block has two faces. In the form it is posture and precision: stance, gaze, breath and line have to fit together before a judge gives you points. In partner training it becomes timing and distance, and that is where you later learn what a block really achieves. The two build on each other, which is why you start with the form.
Honest about practice: the block is no guarantee that you will catch a real strike. It teaches line, timing and body posture, which is the base for everything else. How long does it take? Expect a few weeks of training until the block looks clean and months until it runs automatically. That is experience, not a study.
You practise the forearm movement in slow motion: fist closed, wrist straight, elbow close to the body. Milestone: 10 clean repetitions per arm without the wrist bending.
In the walking stance you set the block to one side. The trunk stays upright, the hip turns slightly with it. Milestone: you hold the block in position for 3 seconds without the shoulder creeping up.
The gaze follows the side you block to. The rules score looking away as a serious mistake [1]. Milestone: you block 10 times left and right without losing your gaze.
Your coach shows you which variant occurs in your form (an-makgi or bakkat-makgi). They look different: from outside to inside and from inside to outside (practice). Milestone: you recognise in the mirror which variant you are showing.
You use the block in the form, with stance, turn and breath. The form runs on three lines with 180-degree turns [3]. Milestone: you run the form without stalling, and your block sits in the right place.
This guide explains and motivates; it does not replace supervised training or a coach.
Film your block from the front and from the side. Check whether your fist ends at the height of the solar plexus, not at face height. Two seconds of video show more than 20 glances in the mirror. Repeat this every few weeks and compare the recordings: you see progress that gets lost in everyday training. That is experience, not a study.
The forearm block at trunk height in taekwondo. There is an inside and an outside variant [1].
Taegeuk Il Jang combines low, middle and high block with a punch and a kick [2]. Your coach shows you the exact place, as details vary by school.
18 movements according to the poomsae rules [1].
Accuracy counts 4.0 points. Small mistakes cost 0.1, serious mistakes 0.3 points [1].
Not at the beginning. You practise alone first, with coach correction.
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