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
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- JANG: Heaven 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.
