Taegeuk Sa Jang symbolizes the "Jin", one of the 8 divination signs, which represents "the thunder", meaning great power and dignity. Sa Jang introduces double-knife-block, spear-hand-strike, palm-block, back-fist, side-kick, outward-middle-block, high-knife-block / knife-hand-strike combination and slipping foot techniques.
To your right is a video demonstrating Taegeuk SA Jang from 3 basic angles, front, back, and the side.
Some movements in SA 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: I have seen the spear hand strikes done three different ways, low and to the groin area, to the mid-section (sternum) or higher to the trachea/throat section. Also 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, 7 punches, 1 keup.
Step 1
Start in the ready or "Joon Bi" stance, turn left 90 degrees into left back stance, execute left double knife hand middle block
Step 2
Step up to right front stance, execute right hand spear finger strike. Simultaneously place your left hand palm down under your right elbow (palm down block)
Step 3
Turn right 180 degrees into right back stance, execute right double knife hand middle block
Step 4
Step up to left front stance, and execute left hand spear finger strike. Simultaneously place your right hand palm down under your left elbow (palm down block)
Step 5
Turn left 90 degrees into left front stance and execute a right hand knife hand strike, left hand knife hand left block
Step 6
Right front kick into a right walking stance, after landing execute a left hand middle punch
Step 7
Execute a left side kick
Step 8
Execute right side kick into right back stance, simultaneously, execute a double knife hand block
Step 9
Turn left 270 degrees (counter clockwise) into a right back stance and execute reverse inside block
Step 10
Right front kick (don't move forward), right foot back to original position, execute a right hand outside block
Step 11
Turn right 180 degrees into a left back stance, right hand reverse inside block
Step 12
Left front kick (don't move forward), left foot back to its original position, left hand outside block
Step 13
Turn left 90 degrees, execute right hand knife hand strike, at the same time left hand knife hand high block
Step 14
Right front kick into right front stance, right hand inside block
Step 15
Turn left 90 degrees into a left walking stance and execute left hand outside block
Step 16
Keep both feet fixed, right hand middle punch
Step 17
Turn right 180 degrees into a right walking stance, right hand outside block
Step 18
Keeping both feet fixed, left middle punch
Step 19
Pivot on right foot, move left foot into a left front stance and execute left outside block. Keep both feet fixed and execute right and left middle punches
Step 20
Step up into a right front stance and execute right outside block. Keep both feet fixed. Execute left and right middle punches 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.
