Taegeuk Yook Jang

As a kid I had learned a bit of Kung Fu but neverA seriously. Few years ago when I first started learning taekwondo, I didn’t really think of myself as a martial artist, I didn’t feel like part of the martial arts community, nor did I see myself as a core part of my own taekwondo school. However, as I further learned the art, I began to understand how much more depth there is toA martial arts than just the basic physical execution.

Now, I do see myself as a known member of my school, I do see taekwondo as a martial art, and see a martial art as a way of life which does not neatly turn off when I leave the Dojang. The more I learn, the more I see how much more there is to know in order to understand taekwondo. More importantly though, I think that I am identifying the fact that taekwondo instead of being an activity is now a way of life for me.

Tonight father and son are going testing. Taegeuk Yook Jang — Water. 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. And so that you know, Blue (belt colour) is the colour of the sky and the heavens towards which we all aspire to. The natural direction of the growing plant is always upwards. Students at this level are reaching new heights of learning. And Red is the sign of danger and the colour of the setting sun. Those at this level have learned much but know very little.

Is the little guy ready? I think so. He’s just afraid of the boards (and yes, I do tell him boards don’t hit back and break easily with focus and concentration). Am I ready? We’ll find out tonight. :-)

Tags: Martial Arts

Category: Lifestyle