Taeguk (Taekwondo)
Encyclopedia
Taegeuk refers to a set of poomsae used to create a foundation for the teaching of Taekwondo. A pumsae, or form, is represented by 形 or 型 and is a detailed pattern of defense-and-attack motions and techniques used in traditional martial arts
. The word Taegeuk (the Korean pronunciation of Taiji
/T'ai Chi) refers to the important principle in east Asian Taoist
thought of the union of yin and yang
.
All students studying in WTF Kukkiwon
style must learn these forms, or Taegeuk, to advance to a higher belt level. There are eight Taegeuk forms, each one similar to the previous one, but each time with more complicated techniques to display the students' mastery of the techniques learned during lessons, as well as the ability to interconnect these techniques.
Each Taegeuk form symbolizes a specific state thought to be indicative of the belt the student currently holds, and is represented in WTF Taekwondo by trigrams similar to those found in the four corners of the South Korean flag.
In order to receive a black belt
, the student must perform all Taegeuk forms consecutively.
Each Dan (degree of black belt) also has its own associated form, required for belt testing. The first degree form for the WTF is called Koryo.
The Palgwe forms are a slightly older, somewhat similar supplemental group of WTF pumsae. There are eight Palgwe forms that also represent eight trigrams from I-Ching.
The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) has its own sequence of pumsae. They are named after figures from Korean history. The first nine, which are required for 1st degree black belt, are named after significant Korean historical figures or concepts: Chonji, Dangun
, Dosan, Wonhyo
, Yulgok, Junggon, Toegye, Hwarang
, and Chungmu.
Various schools sometimes insert one of a variety of other forms before the first taegeuk, taegeuk il-jang.
and/or instructor
, but the motions of the forms themselves do not require the bow, nor is it necessary in personal practice. Videos of the eight Taegeuk forms may be found here.
Martial arts
Martial arts are extensive systems of codified practices and traditions of combat, practiced for a variety of reasons, including self-defense, competition, physical health and fitness, as well as mental and spiritual development....
. The word Taegeuk (the Korean pronunciation of Taiji
Taiji
Taiji 太極 is a Chinese cosmological term for the "Supreme Ultimate" state of undifferentiated absolute and infinite potentiality, contrasted with the Wuji 無極 "Without Ultimate"...
/T'ai Chi) refers to the important principle in east Asian Taoist
Taoism
Taoism refers to a philosophical or religious tradition in which the basic concept is to establish harmony with the Tao , which is the mechanism of everything that exists...
thought of the union of yin and yang
Yin and yang
In Asian philosophy, the concept of yin yang , which is often referred to in the West as "yin and yang", is used to describe how polar opposites or seemingly contrary forces are interconnected and interdependent in the natural world, and how they give rise to each other in turn. Opposites thus only...
.
All students studying in WTF Kukkiwon
Kukkiwon
Kukkiwon , also known as World Taekwondo Headquarters, and home of the World Taekwondo Academy, is the official taekwondo governing organisation established by the South Korean government...
style must learn these forms, or Taegeuk, to advance to a higher belt level. There are eight Taegeuk forms, each one similar to the previous one, but each time with more complicated techniques to display the students' mastery of the techniques learned during lessons, as well as the ability to interconnect these techniques.
Each Taegeuk form symbolizes a specific state thought to be indicative of the belt the student currently holds, and is represented in WTF Taekwondo by trigrams similar to those found in the four corners of the South Korean flag.
In order to receive a black belt
Black belt (martial arts)
In martial arts, the black belt is a way to describe a graduate of a field where a practitioner's level is often marked by the color of the belt. The black belt is commonly the highest belt color used and denotes a degree of competence. It is often associated with a teaching grade though...
, the student must perform all Taegeuk forms consecutively.
Each Dan (degree of black belt) also has its own associated form, required for belt testing. The first degree form for the WTF is called Koryo.
The Palgwe forms are a slightly older, somewhat similar supplemental group of WTF pumsae. There are eight Palgwe forms that also represent eight trigrams from I-Ching.
The International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) has its own sequence of pumsae. They are named after figures from Korean history. The first nine, which are required for 1st degree black belt, are named after significant Korean historical figures or concepts: Chonji, Dangun
Dangun
Dangun Wanggeom was the legendary founder of Gojoseon, the first Korean kingdom, around present-day Liaoning, Manchuria, and the Korean Peninsula. He is said to be the "grandson of heaven", and to have founded the kingdom in 2333 BC...
, Dosan, Wonhyo
Wonhyo
Wonhyo was one of the leading thinkers, writers and commentators of the Korean Buddhist tradition. Essence-Function , a key concept in East Asian Buddhism and particularly that of Korean Buddhism, was refined in the syncretic philosophy and worldview of Wonhyo.As one of the most eminent...
, Yulgok, Junggon, Toegye, Hwarang
Hwarang
The Hwarang, or "Flower Boys"., were an elite group of male youth in Silla, an ancient Korean kingdom that lasted until the 10th century. There were educational institutions as well as social clubs where members gathered for all aspects of study, originally for arts and culture steeped mainly in...
, and Chungmu.
Various schools sometimes insert one of a variety of other forms before the first taegeuk, taegeuk il-jang.
Taegeuk Poomsae
Many schools require that form practice begin with a bow to the flagFlag
A flag is a piece of fabric with a distinctive design that is usually rectangular and used as a symbol, as a signaling device, or decoration. The term flag is also used to refer to the graphic design employed by a flag, or to its depiction in another medium.The first flags were used to assist...
and/or instructor
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
, but the motions of the forms themselves do not require the bow, nor is it necessary in personal practice. Videos of the eight Taegeuk forms may be found here.
| Belt level | Name | Symbol | Techniques introduced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8th Geup Kyu is a Japanese term used in martial arts, chadō, ikebana, go, shogi such as Japanese traditional culture, and academic tests and in other similar activities to designate various grades or levels or class of proficiency or experience... |
태극 1장 (Taegeuk Il-jahng) | ☰, "天", "건", "Universe" |
|
| 7th Geup | 태극 2장 (Taegeuk Ee-jahng) | ☱, "澤", "태", "Joyful" |
|
| 6th Geup | 태극 3장 (Taegeuk Sam-jahng) | ☲, "火", "이", "Fire" |
|
| 5th Geup | 태극 4장 (Taegeuk Sa-jahng) | ☳, "雷", "진", "Thunder" |
|
| 4th Geup | 태극 5장 (Taegeuk O-jahng) | ☴, "風", "손", "Wind" |
|
| 3rd Geup | 태극 6장 (Taegeuk Yuk-jahng) | ☵, "水", "감", "Water" |
|
| 2nd Geup | 태극 7장 (Taegeuk Chil-jahng) | ☶, "山", "간", "Mountain" |
|
| 1st Geup | 태극 8장 (Taegeuk Pal-jahng) | ☷, "地", "곤", "Earth" |
|
See also
- Korean martial artsKorean martial artsKorean martial arts are the martial arts that originated from Korea. Some well known Korean martial arts are hapkido, kuk sool won, and taekwondo. There has also been a revival of Korean sword arts as well as knife fighting and archery...
- KataKatais a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
- Karate kataKarate kataKata is a Japanese word describing detailed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs....
- Hyeong
- TaoluWushu (sport)The sport of wushu is both an exhibition and a full-contact sport derived from traditional Chinese martial arts. It was created in the People's Republic of China after 1949, in an attempt to nationalize the practice of traditional Chinese martial arts...