Taegeuk Sam Jang symbolizes the "Ra", one of the 8 divination signs, which represent "hot and bright". This is to encourage the trainees to harbor a sense of justice and ardor for training. Sam Jang introduces knife-hand-strike and knife-block along with back-stance. This form is characterized by successive block and strike actions, and continued punches. Emphasis is placed on counter attacks against the opponent's strikes.
To your right is a video demonstrating Taegeuk SAM Jang from 3 basic angles, front, back, and the side.
Some movements in SAM 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 single knife block to middle section punch transition seems to vary quite a bit. We have interpreted this to be blocking a punch then grabbing the wrist to pull them in to your middle section punch. Also 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.
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, 14 punches, 1 keup.
Step 1
Start in the ready or "Joon Bi" stance, turn left 90 degrees, left low block
Step 2
Right front kick, right punch, left punch
Step 3
Turn right 180 degrees into right walking stance, right low block
Step 4
Left front kick into left front stance, left punch, right punch
Step 5
Turn left 90 degrees, into a left walking stance, right hand knife strike to the neck
Step 6
Step forward into right walking stance, left hand knife strike to the neck
Step 7
Move left foot into a horse riding side stance, simultaneously execute a left side, knife hand block to the left
Step 8
Step down to left front stance and execute a right hand middle punch
Step 9
Move left foot to a side horse riding stance and execute a right hand, knife block to the right side
Step 10
Step down to right front stance and execute a left hand middle punch
Step 11
Turn left 90 degrees, right inside block
Step 12
Step forward into right walking stance, left outside block
Step 13
Turn right 270 degrees, left hand low block
Step 14
Right front kick into a right front stance, execute right punch and left middle punch
Step 15
Turn right 180 degrees, into a right walking stance, right hand ow block
Step 16
Left front kick landing in a left front stance, execute left and right middle punches
Step 17
Turn left 90 degrees into left walking stance, left hand low block, right hand middle punch without changing stance
Step 18
Step forward into right walking stance, right hand low block, left hand middle punch without changing stance
Step 19
Left front kick landing in a left walking stance, left hand low block, then execute right hand middle punch
Step 20
Right front kick landing in a right walking stance, right hand low block, left middle punch and yell keup! Bring Right leg back turning 180 degrees, facing to the front in a ready stance, ending at the same place you started.
