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| Poomse of Taekwondo |
The Taegeuk and Palgwe forms of Taekwondo are paradigms of the martial art. They contain the basic
physical movements and also the philosophical thoughts from which the art was derived.
The words Taegeuk and Palgwe essentially represent the same thing, the universe. They are derived from
the Jooyeok, the Book of Changes. In the Book of Changes the universe is divided into eight
subsequent combinations derived from the major forces, um and yang (Korean for yin and yang). Each
combination is represented by a symbol called a trigram, because it contains three lines. The lines of the
trigram can be broken (um or negative principle) or solid (yang or positive principle). The number of possible
combinations of a trigram consisting of three lines, broken or solid is (2^3=8) eight, thus the eight universal principles the
Taegeuk and Palgwe represent.
The eight trigrams are arranged in a circle, around the symbol for um and yang, so that opposite pairs are across from one
another. This represents the relationship that the trigrams have for one another, not opposites but, rather "interdependant
polarities" that compose the universe.
Keon is the first trigram and it represents the creative forces, heaven and light. Tae represents the concept of joy, often
associated with a lake. Ri is the symbol of fire and clarity. Jin is symbolized by the arousing thunder. Seon, the gentle but
powerful wind. Gam, flowing water. Gan means stubborn and mountain. Finally, Gon the receptive earth. All together these
concepts and symbols represent the balance of all nature. In the training of Taekwondo as well as in life we all hope to find
the balance. The poomse carry with them not only the physical movements but also the meaning of Taekwondo.
In executing the poomse, there are four elements that are considered; direction, pattern, stance and technique.
physical movements and also the philosophical thoughts from which the art was derived.
The words Taegeuk and Palgwe essentially represent the same thing, the universe. They are derived from
the Jooyeok, the Book of Changes. In the Book of Changes the universe is divided into eight
subsequent combinations derived from the major forces, um and yang (Korean for yin and yang). Each
combination is represented by a symbol called a trigram, because it contains three lines. The lines of the
trigram can be broken (um or negative principle) or solid (yang or positive principle). The number of possible
combinations of a trigram consisting of three lines, broken or solid is (2^3=8) eight, thus the eight universal principles the
Taegeuk and Palgwe represent.
The eight trigrams are arranged in a circle, around the symbol for um and yang, so that opposite pairs are across from one
another. This represents the relationship that the trigrams have for one another, not opposites but, rather "interdependant
polarities" that compose the universe.
Keon is the first trigram and it represents the creative forces, heaven and light. Tae represents the concept of joy, often
associated with a lake. Ri is the symbol of fire and clarity. Jin is symbolized by the arousing thunder. Seon, the gentle but
powerful wind. Gam, flowing water. Gan means stubborn and mountain. Finally, Gon the receptive earth. All together these
concepts and symbols represent the balance of all nature. In the training of Taekwondo as well as in life we all hope to find
the balance. The poomse carry with them not only the physical movements but also the meaning of Taekwondo.
In executing the poomse, there are four elements that are considered; direction, pattern, stance and technique.
The first element is direction and is simply the direction the student faces. In Figure 1, the student is in the center of a clock.
To the front of the student is 12o'clock, back is 6o'clock, right is 3o'clock and left is 9o'clock. This clock method is used on
the form descriptions to convey direction.
To the front of the student is 12o'clock, back is 6o'clock, right is 3o'clock and left is 9o'clock. This clock method is used on
the form descriptions to convey direction.
The second element is the pattern of the form. The pattern is the area the practitioner follows on the floor while executing the
poomse. In Figure 2 the student stands at the beginning of the basic Taeguek pattern. At the end of the form the student will
have moved along the black lines and returned to the starting position.
The third and fourth elements are related in that they are the movements, which make up the form. Stance refers to the
positioning of the feet and body. [ie. Front Stance, Defensive Stance] Technique is the blocking, striking or kicking method
used.
Not only is the student required to memorize the proper direction, pattern, stance and technique but also to display them
with the proper balance and power in a consistent rhythm This takes hours of practice and can be a lifetime challenge of
Taekwondo.
poomse. In Figure 2 the student stands at the beginning of the basic Taeguek pattern. At the end of the form the student will
have moved along the black lines and returned to the starting position.
The third and fourth elements are related in that they are the movements, which make up the form. Stance refers to the
positioning of the feet and body. [ie. Front Stance, Defensive Stance] Technique is the blocking, striking or kicking method
used.
Not only is the student required to memorize the proper direction, pattern, stance and technique but also to display them
with the proper balance and power in a consistent rhythm This takes hours of practice and can be a lifetime challenge of
Taekwondo.
The Taeguk - Palgwe Poomse (forms)
Poomse Il Jang - Heaven Taeguk 1 - Palgwe 1
( 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 Yi Jang - Lake Taeguk 2 - Palgwe 2
( 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 Sam Jang - Fire Taeguk 3 - Palgwe 3
(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 Sa Jang - Thunder Taeguk 4 - Palgwe 4
(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 Oh Jang - Wind Taeguk 5 - Palgwe 5
(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 Yook Jang - Water Taeguk 6 - Palgwe 6
(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 Chil Jang - Mountain Taeguk 7 - Palgwe 7
(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 Pal Jang - Earth Taeguk 8 - Palgwe 8
(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...
Poomse Il Jang - Heaven Taeguk 1 - Palgwe 1
( 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 Yi Jang - Lake Taeguk 2 - Palgwe 2
( 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 Sam Jang - Fire Taeguk 3 - Palgwe 3
(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 Sa Jang - Thunder Taeguk 4 - Palgwe 4
(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 Oh Jang - Wind Taeguk 5 - Palgwe 5
(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 Yook Jang - Water Taeguk 6 - Palgwe 6
(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 Chil Jang - Mountain Taeguk 7 - Palgwe 7
(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 Pal Jang - Earth Taeguk 8 - Palgwe 8
(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...
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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.
there is no longer a difference between the patterns. The patterns below follow
the Poomse Taeguks as well as the Poomse Palgwes.
| This site is supported and maintained as community service of Israel Combat Arts and Amateur Combat Sports Association Inc Copyright 2006 Amateur Combat Sports Association Inc. All Rights Reserved webmaster@vegastaekwondo.com |
Clicking on the Taeguk form will allow you to view a Real Audio video of the form
hosted on the Kukkiwon website. Clicking on the Palgwe form will allow you to view
a Windows Media Player video of the form courtesy of Master Mac's HanMooDo
Taekwondo.
You must have REal Audio Player and Windows Media Player installed to view both videos.
hosted on the Kukkiwon website. Clicking on the Palgwe form will allow you to view
a Windows Media Player video of the form courtesy of Master Mac's HanMooDo
Taekwondo.
You must have REal Audio Player and Windows Media Player installed to view both videos.
