Meaning behind Poomse's
One aspect of Taekwondo is the Poomse (forms). These are similar to a floor exercize in gymnastics.
Walking a pattern like this, you show that you control your techniques, you show strength. Poomses
originate from the book 'I Ching', a Chinese oracle. The I Ching has 64 hexagrams, a combination of
two sets of three lines, closed or broken. The sets of three lines are called trigrams. The closed lines
represent Yang, the open lines Yin. The unity of Yin and Yang is called 'taich'i'. In the Korean
language, this is called T'ae-guk. This explains the term Poomse Taeguk. The eight trigrams together
are called Pal-gwe as in Poomse Palgwe...
Poomse Taeguk Ill Jang -- Heaven
(South, Father) The first Taeguk/Palgwe is the beginning of all Poomses. The associated
trigram represents Yang (heaven, light), therefore, this Poomse should be performed with the greatness of
Heaven.
Poomse Taeguk Yee Jang -- Lake
(South East, Youngest daughter) In the depths of the lake are treasures and mysteries. The
movements of this Taeguk/Palgwe should be performed knowing that man has limitations, but that
we can overcome these limitations. This should lead to a feeling of joy, knowing that we can control
our future.
Poomse Taeguk Som Jang -- Fire
(East, Second daughter) Fire contains a lot of energy. Fire helped man to survive, but on the other
hand had some catastrophical results. This form should be performed rhythmically, with some
outbursts of energy.
Poomse Taeguk Sa Jang -- Thunder
(North East, Eldest son) Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth. Thunder is
one of the most powerful natural forces, circling, gyrating. This Taeguk/Palgwe should be
performed with this in mind.
Poomse Taeguk Oh Jang -- Wind
(South West, Eldest daughter) Wind is a gently force, but can sometimes be furious,
destroying everything in it's path. Poomse Taeguk/Palgwe Oh Jang should be performed like the wind: gently,
but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement.
Poomse Taeguk Yuk Jang -- Water
(West, Second son) Water can move a mountain. The movements of this Poomse should be
performed like water. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river.
Poomse Taeguk Chil Jang -- Mountain
(North West, Youngest son) Mountains will always look majestic, no matter the size. This Poomse
should be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic and deserved to be
praised.
Poomse Taeguk Par Jang -- Earth
(North, Mother) The associated trigram of this Poomse is Yin: the end of the beginning, the evil
part of all that is good. Even in this darkness, there is still some light. Performing this
Taeguk/Palgwe, one should be aware that this is the last Taeguk/Palgwe to be learned, it also is the
end of a circle, and therefore it is also the first, the second etc...
Both Palgwe's and Taeguk's are numbered from one to eight. After this point, there is no longer a
difference between the patterns. The patterns below follow the Poomse Taeguks as well as the
Poomse Palgwes.
Poomse Koryo
Koryo (Korea) is the name of an old Korean Dynasty. The people from the Koryo-period
defeated the Mongolian aggressors. Their spirit is reflected in the movements of the Poomse
Koryo. Each movement of this Poomse represents the strength and energy needed to control the
Mongols.
Poomse Keumgang
The definition of Keumgang is "Too strong to be broken", or "diamond". The movements of the
Poomse Keumgang are as beautiful as the Keumgang-san (a Korean mountain) and as strong as
Keumgang-seok (diamond).
Poomse TaeBaek
The legendary 'Dangoon' founded a nation in Taebaek, near Korea's biggest mountain
Baekdoo. Baekdoo is a symbol for Korea. The definition of Taebaek is "lightness". Every movement in this
Poomse must not only be exact en fast, but with determination and hardness.
Poomse Pyongwon
The definition of Pyongwon is "stretch, vast plain": big, majestic. Poomse Sipjin
Sipjin stands for decimal. This Poomse represents the orderliness of the decimal system. It also
means the endless development and growth in a systematic order: stability.
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