Bowen Secondary School Taekwondo Club (Singapore)

Title

Poomsae

Geup

Description

B1

Initiate

Combined Basic Movement

White 10

Basic

Foundation 1

B2

Basic Taegeuk

White 9

Basic

Foundation 2

1

Student

Taegeuk Il Jang

Yellow 8

The general meaning of this form and associated trigram is Yang, which represents Heaven and Light. The first Taegeuk form is the beginning of all pumsaes, the “birth” of the martial artist into Taekwondo. This pumsae should be performed with the greatness of Heaven.

2

TaegeukYi Jang

Yellow 7

The associated trigram of this pumsae represents the Lake.The movements of this Taegeuk/Palgwe are aimed to be performed believing that man has limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. The Lake and its water symbolize the flowing and calm nature of the martial artist. This form is to reflect those attributes.

3

Taegeuk Sam Jang

Green 6

This trigram represents Fire.Fire contains a lot of energy. The symbol behind the fire is similar to the symbolism of the water in that both can aid and both can destroy. This form is intended to be performed rhythmically, with some outbursts of energy to reflect fire’s rhythmic and energetic dualism.

4

Taegeuk Sa Jang

Green 5

This trigram represents Thunder. Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth, thus, thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces. This pumsae is associated with power and the connection between the heavens and earth. This pumsae is intended to be performed with power resembling the Thunder for which it is named.

5

Taegeuk O Jang

Blue 4

The trigram associated with this pumsae represents Wind.Wind is a gentle force, but can sometimes be furious, destroying everything in its path. As such, it is intended that this pumsae is performed like the wind: gently, but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement. The performer and audience should be aware of the duality of the form.

6

TaegeukYook Jang

Blue 3

The trigram associated with this pumsae represents Water.The movements of this pumsae are intended to be performed like water; flowing, powerful and cleansing. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river, sometimes powerful like a waterfall. The water is to symbolize calm and cleansing, while also possessing the attribute of being violent and destructive.

7

Taegeuk Chil Jang

Brown 2

The trigram associated with this pumsae represents a Mountain.The symbolism behind the mountain is the indomitable and majestic nature that all mountains possess. This pumsae is intended to be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic due to their unconquerable nature.

8

Taegeuk Pal Jang

Brown 1

The trigram associated with this pumsae represents the Earth. The associated trigram of this pumsae is Yin. Yin, here, represents the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. This being the last of the pumsae Taegeuk, it represents the end of the circle and the cyclic nature of the Earth.

9

Assistant Instructor

Koryo

Black 1^st Dan

Koryo, or Goryeo, is the name of an old Korean Dynasty. The people from the Goryeo defeated the Mongolian aggressors. It is intended that their spirit is reflected in the movements of the pumsae Koryo. Each movement of this pumsae represents the strength and energy needed to control the Mongols.

10

Keumgang

Black2^nd Dan

Keumgang means “diamond,” symbolizing hardness. Keumgang is also the name of the most beautiful mountain in Korea, as well as the Keumgang warrior, named by Buddha. Thus, the themes of hardness, beauty, and pondering permeate this pumsae.

11

Taebaek

Black 3^rd Dan

The legendary Dangun founded a nation in Taebaek, near Korea’s biggest mountain Baekdoo. Baekdoo is a known symbol for Korea. The definition of the word taebaek is literally “lightness”. Every movement in this pumsae is intended to be not only be exact and fast, but with determination and hardness resembling the mountain Baekdoo, the origin of the nation of Korea.

12

Instructor

Pyongwon

Black 4^th Dan

The definition of Pyongwon is “stretch, vast plain.” The name carries with it a connotation of being large and majestic.

13

Sipjin

Black 5^th Dan

Sipjin stands for ten symbols of longevity, which are Sun, Moon, Mountain, Water, Stone, Pine tree, Herb of eternal youth, Turtle, Deer, and Crane. This pumsae represents the endless development and growth by the basic idea of the ten symbols of longevity and the decimal system.

14

Jitae

Black 6^th Dan

This pumsae is derived from the meaning of the earth. All things evolve from and return to the earth, the earth is the beginning and the end of life, as reelected through the Yin and Yang.

15

Master

Cheonkwon

Black 7^th Dan

Cheonkwon literally means ’sky’. In the pumsae, the sky symbolizes the ruler of the universe. According to belief, it is mysterious, infinite and profound. The motions of Cheonkwon are full of piety, vitality and reverence.

16

Hansoo

Black 8^th Dan

This pumsae is derived from the fluidity of water which easily adapts within nature. The symbol of the water repeats itself many times throughout all pumsae, hyeongs, and in martial arts in general.

17

Grandmaster

Ilyo

Black 9^th Dan

The state of spiritual cultivation in Buddhism is called ‘Ilyo‘ which means ‘oneness’. In Ilyo, body and mind, spirit and substance, “I” and “you” are unified. The ultimate ideal of the martial art and pumsae can be found in this state. It is a discipline in which every movement is concentrated on leaving all materialistics thoughts, obsessions and external influences behind.