Poomse
(Forms) are patterns of pre-arranged Taekwondo moves, consisting of blocks,
strikes and kicks.While performing a
Poomse, the Taekwondo practitioner uses the techniques to fight off imaginary
opponents, attacking from multiple directions.
Each of the forms
(Taegeuk 1 - 8) and all Black Belt forms (Koryo to Ilyo) begin with defensive
blocking techniques that are followed by a counter attacks.
Each
Poomse is to be practiced so many times that it can be performed without any
thought (having to think of what the next move, direction or stance would be).
Only after practicing a form, hundreds of times, will the student begin to
understand its meaning.
Many books and videos on the market show slight
variations and outright errors of the poomsae (forms). The standard that
we choose to use here at Eastern Defensive Arts Academy are the video references
featured below. They are directed and verified for accuracy by 9th degree
Grandmaster Lee, Kyu-Hyun who is the Chairman of the Education Committee of the
Kukkiwon, and the President of the World Taekwondo Instructor's Academy.
Represents the creative force which inhabits all physical forces.
This form teaches us to be like the constantly changing
universe, creative, active and diligent. Students
should consider this concept as you perform this form, and allow it to
influence the styling of your movements.
Represents the principle of joyfulness and
manifests through a clear and relaxed mind full of positive thoughts. This form should be performed gently but forcefully, with
ease and fluidity. You should not be struggling
against you limitations, but living fully within them.
Represents enthusiasm in practice. Man needs fire to survive, however,
if uncontrolled, fire can have catastrophic results. Movements of this form
should emulate the qualities of fire, with a variety of quickness and
strength, while always maintaining complete control.
Represents thunder, and is expressed as bravery and steadfastness.
This principle suggests that in the face of danger and fear
we should act calmly and bravely.
Substance
without noise, the principle of Taegeuk 5 is represented by wind. Wind
changes directions and force without warning, therefore the principle of
the form is that of contrasts. The actions of this
form should at times be as gentle as a breeze, and at times as forceful as
a storm.
Represents
water. Liquid and formless, water flows around and absorbs
all things. With self-confidence we can overcome all
difficulties and hardships we encounter in life. Perform
this form with fluidity, and the understanding that each action is exactly
what is needed for the particular situation.
Taegeuk
7 represents mountain, stable and majestic. Learn
from the stability of a mountain and do not act in a hasty manner. You
must learn where and when to stop. Perform the form
with this in mind, and keeping all movement majestic and strong.
Taegeuk
8 symbolizes earth. The Earth is where the
force of heaven and light are realized into physical form. The earth is
that from which all life springs, matures, and dies. Taegeuk 8 is the last
round in your first step of training, and is a stepping stone to the way
of a black belt holder. Review the fundamental actions and concepts found
in the pervious forms. From this platform more advanced forms can be
studied.
Koryo is the name of an ancient dynasty in
the Korean peninsula. The English name of "Korea" originated from the name
of this "Koryo" dynasty with which was famed for the valiant spirit
of its people.
Koryo poomsae symbolizes "seonbae"
which means a learned person, who is characterized by a strong martial
spirit as well as a righteous spirit.
The word "Kumgang" has originally the
meaning of being too strong to be broken. What can break off every
stress of mind with combination of wisdom and virtue is called "Kumgang".
The Poomse "Kumgang"is named after Mount Kumgang, symbol of solidity. "kumgang"
also means "diamond", which has the properties of hardness.
Taebaek is the name of a mountain, and
means "bright mountain". This is where the founder of the nation of
Korea reined the country, and the bright mountain symbolizes sacredness of
soul and the thought of humanitarian ideal. There are numerous
sites known as Taeback, but Mt. Paektu, which has been typically known as
the cradle of Korea, is the backgound of naming the Taebek poomsae.
