Taegeuk Oh Jang symbolizes the "Son", one of the 8 divination signs, which represents "the wind", meaning both mighty force and calmness according to its strength and weakness. Oh Jang introduces the downward-hammer-strike, hand to elbow-strike, turning elbow-strike and such stances as cross-stance, left-stance and right-stance. It's characterized by the successive blocks such as low-block and middle-block and also the kick to back-fist transition at the end.
To your right is a video demonstrating Taegeuk OH Jang from 3 basic angles, front, back, and the side.
Some movements in OH Jang are interpreted differently or changed for show and competition by many instructors, so check with yours before using this video as a reference to learn the form.
For Example: the front snap kicks and side kicks are typically done as high as you can do them instead of to the mid-section of your opponent. This is typical for demonstration purposes because it adds flare or shows the flexibility of the person performing it.
I try and stick with function versus show, so use this video only as a supplement to class time in order to remember the techniques and movements. Even though I have been practicing taekwondo for over 10 years, I never stop learning small details about each form. As a result I am always trying to improve the techniques I do and make them more accurate to their originally intended purposes.
20 Movements, 6 kicks, 0 punches, 2 keups.
Step 1
Start in the Ready or "Joon Bi" stance. Turn left into front stance, left low block
Step 2
Left foot comes back next to the right foot, left hand hammer fist downwards
Step 3
Turn right 180 degrees into right front stance, right hand low block
Step 4
Right foot comes back next to the left foot, right hand hammer fist downwards
Step 5
Advance forward into left front stance, left outside block, right back fist
Step 6
Right foot front kick into right front stance, right hand inside block, left back fist
Step 7
Left foot front kick into left front stance, left hand inside block, right back fist
Step 8
Advance right foot forward into right front stance, right hand back fist and keup!
Step 9
Moving left foot, turn 270 degrees (counter clockwise) to the left into right back stance, single knife hand middle block with left hand
Step 10
Step into right front stance, right elbow swing pulling with left hand
Step 11
Moving right foot, turn 180 degrees all the way to the right into left back stance, single knife hand middle block
Step 12
Step into left front stance, left elbow swing pulling with right hand
Step 13
Turn left 90 degrees into left front stance, left hand low block, right inside block
Step 14
Right foot kick into right front stance, right hand low block, left outside block
Step 15
Turn left 90 degrees into left front stance, left high block
Step 16
Right side kick landing on a right front stance, left elbow strike into right open hand
Step 17
Turn right 180 degrees into right front stance, right high block
Step 18
Left side kick landing on a left front stance, right elbow strike into open left hand
Step 19
Turn left 90 degrees into left front stance, left low block, right outside block
Step 20
Right front kick, hop forward and land in a cross legged stance while executing a right back fist to the nose. The right foot is flat and the left foot should be on the ball of foot, yell keup! Turn 180 degrees and face the front, ending at the same place you started.
