Yellow Belt

World Taekwondo Federation (WTF),A uses Poomses for patterns. 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.A The idea of harmony and balance is often represented with a Chinese term and symbol, Ying and Yang. This concept is represented by Uhm and Yang in Korea, as indicated by the blue and red circle on its national flag. One color represents a life force, while the other represents its directly opposing force. This concept of balance between two opposing forces (i.e. offense and defense, fast and slow, hard and soft, etc.) is the key of Taegeuk Poomse.

The word Taegeuk means the “grand eternity.” Taegeuk has no shape, no beginning or ending. It does contain the essence of everything, and thus everything ?_” from the cosmos, the world, and life ?_” derives from Taegeuk. This is the most profound Oriental philosophy that Taegeuk represents.A

In the chinese language, the unity of Yin and Yang is called ‘taich’i’. In the Korean language, the unity is called T’ae-guk. This explains the term Poomse Taeguk. The eight trigrams together are called Pal-gwe as in Poomse Palgwe.

Taegeuk Poomse are official WTF forms, and there are eight poomse ?_” Taegeuk Il Jang through Taegeuk Pal Jang. Each form signifies a different component of Taegeuk principle, but all of them are designed based on the concept of Uhm and Yang.

Practicing poomse involves performing with proper and appropriate breathing techniques, shifts in speed and control of power. One must also pay attention to mental focus, bodily balance, and each technique performed. To accomplish them all, both internal and external energies need to be properly managed. Needless to say, poomse requires a lot of regular practice and with proper instruction.

For my yellow belt, I had to learn Taeguk Il Jang (represents Heaven).A The first Taeguk is the beginning of all Poomses. Testing went well, and I am proud of myself to be receiving my yellow belt next week.

Tags: Martial Arts

Category: Offbeat