TAEGEUK FORMS / POOMSE / POOMSAE EXPLAINED
Taegeuk Il Jang represents the symbol of "Keon", one of the 8 Kwaes (divination signs), which means the "heaven 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.
Taegeuk Yuk Jang symbolizes the "Kam", one of the 8 divination signs, which represents water, meaning incessant flow and softness. Yuk Jang introduces a hand-edge-block from outside inward, round-house-kick, upper-middle-block and open-palm-block in addition to at-ease stance.
Taegeuk Ee Jang symbolizes the "Tae", one of the 8 divination signs, which signifies the inner firmness and the outer softness. Taegeuk Ee Jang introduces the rising block, also known as high-block and utilizes the front-kick more frequently than in Taegeuk Il Jang.
Taegeuk Chil Jang symbolizes the "Kan", one of the 8 divination signs, which represents the mountain, meaning ponder and firmness. Chil Jang introduces the hand-edge-block from the inside outward, hand-assisted block, covered-fist-block, knee strike, middle-trunk-push-block, cross-fist-middle-punch, hand-blade cross underneath blocking, target strike, side punch and such stances as tiger stance and horse riding stance.
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.
Taegeuk Pal Jang symbolizes the "Kon", one of the 8 divination signs, which represents "Yin" and earth, meaning the root and settlement and also the beginning and the end. This is the last of the 8 Taegeuk forms, which may enable the trainees to undergo the Dan (black belt) promotion test. Pal Jang introduces the double-middle assisted outer-block, jumping kick, and elbow turning strike.
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.
Koryo poomse symbolizes "seonbae" which means a learned man, who is characterized by a strong martial spirit as well as a righteous learned man's spirit. The spirit had been inherited through the ages of Koryo
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.
