Theory and philosophy of Taeguk Poomsae

Each poomsae has its own philosophical and spiritual meaning. This is reflected in the individual movements or in their expression. In the student poomsae, each one stands for a phenomenon in life. We would like to introduce you to this first. Taeguk originated from the 8 basic phenomena (palgue) (trigrams). Taeguk means greatness and eternity and has neither beginning nor end and stands for the origin of all being.

The following points are observed when performing the poomsae

  • Begin and end at the same point
  • Correct posture and line of sight
  • The muscles are neither relaxed nor tense
  •  Rhythmic movements
  • Execution without any stiffness
  • Correct use of strength
  •  Breathing and movements match each other
  • Balance and stability
  • Precise execution
  • Harmony and beauty
  • Calm charisma
    Source: http://tkd-d.com/en/theory/black-belt-poomsae.html

 

 Poomsae  Level Meaning Translation  Characteristic Actions
 TAEGUK   IL- JANG  7. Geup
Heaven, Light The creative strong 18
 TAEGUK   IE- JANG  6. Geup
Lake The cheerful  cheerful 18
 TAEGUK   SAM- JANG  5. Geup
Fire The liable   shining 24
 TAEGUK   SA- JANG  4. Geup
Thunder The exciting  exciting 24
 TAEGUK   OH- JANG  3. Geup
Wind The gentle immersive 20
 TAEGUK   YUK- JANG  2. Geup
Water The unfathomable  dangerous 23
 TAEGUK   CHIL- JANG 1. Geup
Mountain The stillness  dormant 25
 TAEGUK   PAL-JANG 1. Dan Earth
The receiving dedicated 24

Meaning of the eight student forms.

There are eight student forms (Taeguk). Taeguk ("Tae" = greatness; "Guk" = eternity) is the name given to the eight basic forms of Taekwondo, which are particularly propagated by the WTF and which are valid throughout the world. Eight basic ideas of East Asian philosophy are derived from Taeguk. In ancient Korea, they were known as the eight symbols of power. Four of them can be found in the Korean flag today. The movements of the Taeguk pooms follow the basic lines of the eight symbols.

TAEGUK (1.)   IL- JANGHeaven and light. From the sky comes the rain and the light of the sun, so that everything can grow and flourish. The sky symbolises creation, the beginning of existence.
 

TAEGUK (2.)  IE- JANG: Cheerfulness and happiness. In this state, a person has a stabilised inner strength that makes them appear balanced and calm. However, this inner strength can only be harboured by a person imbued with cheerfulness.
 

TAEGUK (3.) SAM- JANG: Fire. This is associated with warmth, light, hope and confidence. The movements should be performed dynamically and passionately.
 

TAEGUK (4.)  SA- JANG: Thunder and lightning. They are two forces of nature that symbolise unlimited strength and power. This form expresses calm and courage through purposeful and powerful movements.
 

TAEGUK (5.) OH- JANG: Wind. The storm is powerful and destructive, but the wind also has good qualities: it is gentle, spreads the seeds of plants in summer and disperses the clouds that hide the vital sunlight. Its movements are calm and even, but also powerful and stormy.
 

TAEGUK (6.)  YUK- JANG: Water. Like the water, the movements of this poomse flow into one another, unstoppable until the final technique.
 

TAEGUK (7.)  CHIL- JANG: Mountain. With this poomse you reach the highest student level. The symbol of this poomse means: "peak of a mountain". A person must have the stability of a mountain. Although quick actions and reactions are basic requirements in Taekwondo, you should know when and where to stop.
 

TAEGUK (8.) PAL-JANG: Earth. The earth is the mother of life. She not only brings forth life, but also ensures that it is preserved and developed. This is the last poomse, the final hurdle on the way to master grade, where the basic forms of movement are reviewed once again.
 

SEMINAR
POOMSAE
KYORUGI - SPARRING
SEMINAR TKD DEFENSE
AT THE TRAINING
TKD DEFENSE KUP EXAM