Taegeuk Il Jang represents the symbol of "Keon", one of the 8 Kwaes (divination signs), which means the "heaven or sky and yang". As the "Keon" symbolizes the beginning of the creation of all things in the universe, so does Taegeuk Il Jang in the training of Taekwondo. This poomsae is characterized by its easiness in practicing, largely consisting of walking and basic actions, such as low-block, middle-block, middle-punch, and front-kick.
To your right is a video demonstrating Taegeuk IL Jang from 3 basic angles, front, back, and the side.
Even though this is the most basic form, exact movements in IL Jang can be interpreted differently by many instructors, so check with yours before using this video as a reference to learn the form.
For Example: the front snap 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. Also some may modify the stances so the form ends in the same place it begins. Most who perform the poomse will end up one step further back then where they started.
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, 2 kicks, 9 punches, 2 Ki-hups
Start - Step 2:
Begin from ready stance, swivel 90' to your left. This brings you into walking stance- left foot in front. As you turn do a left arm low block.
Step 3:
Step forward with your right foot into walking stance. While you step do a right arm middle section punch.
Step 4:
Step with your right foot and turn 180' to your right. This brings you into walking stance with your right foot forward. As you turn do a right arm low block.
Step 5:
Step forward with your left foot into walking stance. As you step do a left arm middle section punch.
Step 6:
Step 90' to the left with your left foot into front stance. Do a low block with your left arm.
Step 7:
Keep your feet where they are and do a right arm middle section punch.
Step 8:
Step your right foot up to the right side of your left foot and turn 90'to the right. You should end up in walking stance with your right foot forward. As you turn do an inwards middle block with your left arm.
Step 9:
Step forwards with your left foot into walking stance. As you step do a right arm middle section punch.
Step 10:
Swivel through to your left 180' so you end up in walking stance with your left foot forwards. While you turn do a right arm inward middle block.
Step 11:
Step forwards with your right foot into walking stance and do a left arm middle punch.
Step 12:
Step to the right with your right foot. Turn through 90' to end up in front stance with your right foot forwards. Do a right arm low block.
Step 13:
Keep your feet where they are and do a left arm middle section punch and Ki-hup!
Step 14:
Bring your left foot up in to the side of your right foot and swivel 90' to your left. You should be in walking stance with your left foot in front. Do a high block with your left arm.
Step 15-16:
Do a middle section front kick with your right leg to land the leg in front in walking stance. Do a right hand middle section punch.
Step 17:
Step with your right foot and turn to your right 180' to end up in walking stance with your right foot in front. Do a high block with your right arm.
Step 18-19:
Do a front kick with your left leg to land the leg in front in walking stance. Do a left hand middle section punch.
Step 20:
Now step your left foot round to turn 90' to your right into front stance. Do a left arm low block.
Step 21 - Finish:
Step forward into front stance with your right foot in front. Do a right arm mid section punch. Ki-hup!
If in class, wait for the command to return, then turn 180' to your left into ready stance.
