|
I have come across an old
tape called "Taekwondo Part 1" which has some good tutorial patterns
sections on it, I
have not been able to find anything on the Internet that satisfies me
for helping to show students how some of the
patterns should be performed.
I have taken some small clips from this tape and had them turned into
mpg format
so they can be viewed on a computer. I have seen patterns
performed many different ways, but these show how
they should be performed
correctly.
I hope that I am not infringing any rights by doing this,
if I find this to be the case I will remove them immediately.
Click on the pattern
symbol to view clip
The word "Taeguek" comprises two Chinese characters: "Tae"
meaning 'joyfullness' and "Geuk" meaning 'eternity'.
Taegeuk
is the philosophical idea from which our views on life and the universe
are derived. It has no form, no
beginning, no ending. Nevertheless, everything
is embodied in, and has for its origin, Taegeuk.
Philosophical Meanings:
Taegeuk and Palgue patterns
Il Jang (Pattern 1)
Being the first pattern, its actions are associated with the first ofthe
eight Palgue which is called "keon". Keon is the creative force
which inhabits all physical forms. Keon is powerful and aggressive, and
it is represented by heaven and light.
Il Jang applies the principles of Keon to its form. The heavens giveus
rain, and light makes all things grow. Therefore, keon is the beginning
of everything on Earth and the source of its creation. Accordingly, these
pattern sets begin with keon, namely "the heavens".
As a student, you are urged to consider this concept as you perform this
first form, and allow it to influence the styling of your movements.
Ee Jang (Pattern 2)
Applies the principle of "Tae", meaning 'joyfulness'. Tae
is manifest through a clear and relaxed mind, full of positive thoughts.
This is a state in which one's mind is kept firm and appears gentle so
that smile and virtue prevail. Accordingly, the actions of this poomse
should be performed gently but forcefully.
Tae is a spiritually uplifting nature, but is not aggressive. It is serene
and gentle instead. In compliance with these characteristics then, the actions
of this form should be performed with ease and fluidity; without the sense
of struggling against your limitations, but nevertheless, living fully
within them.
Sarm Jang (Pattern 3)
Concerns actions applying the principle of "Ri", meaning 'fire'
or the 'Sun'. It is expressed through enthusiasm in practice. A burning
fire brings men light, warmth, enthusiasm, and hope. The movements of this
form must emulate the qualities of fire -- that of a flickering energy,
of unpredictable pace and styling, and of quiet followed by great excitement
and passion -- but continually moving, burning.
The sarm jang's actions, accordingly, should be performed with variety
and passion. Actions of hands, feet, and body are successively used in
defence. These actions help us attain briskness when we execute attacks.
The movements associated with this form demand a variety of quickness
and strength.
Sa Jang (Pattern 4)
Sa Jang is a series of actions applying the principle of "Jin".
Jin symbolizes 'thunder' (noise without substance), and is expressed as
bravery and steadfastness. Thunder and lightning are objects of fear and
trembling. This principle suggests that we should act calmly and bravely
even in the face of danger and fear.
Because Tae Kwon Do is comprised exclusively of virtuous actions, these patterns
express fear and trembling in the only way that virtue allows -- stoically,
as a passing thunderstorm which nourishes the soul. Virtue, therefore,
defines fear as courage.
This form, as a consequence, contains many postures that display composure
and strong balance such as blocks in combination with strikes, and front
kicks that require the performer to kick with force but immediately recover
into a back stance.
Oh Jang (Pattern 5)
Oh Jang is a series of actions applying the "Seon" principle
of Palgue.T his symbolises 'wind' (substance without noise). Wind changes
directions and force without warning. Therefore, the principle of the
pattern is one of contrasts; the gentle movements contrasting the violent.
Seon encompasses the characteristics of wind: gentle and strong;
yielding and penetrating; soothing and destructive; invisible, yet manifesting. The
concept of seon is of a subtle nature, but pure, without evil intent;
it isa state of being, the state of being like wind.
While there are such violent winds as typhoons, hurricanes and tornados,
the nature of wind is gentle. Seon symbolizes the humble state of mind.
It expresses repetitive good-natured actions. Actions proceed sometimes gently
and monotonously as breeze, but sometimes as forcefully as storms. These
differing manifestations of one essence must be balanced throughout the actions
of this poomse.
Yuk Jang (Pattern 6)
This pattern applies the principle of "Gam", or 'water'. Water is liquid and
formless. Water never loses its nature. It flows around and absorbs all things. The stone
dropped into the lake sinks through it without resistance, leaving the water untroubled.
It always flows downward. This principle teaches the lesson that we can overcome
difficulties and hardship if we go forward with self-confidence. No matter what troubles we
face or encounter in life, there exists no doubt of overcoming them as long as we retain
the qualities of acceptance, flow, and natural integrity.
This set of movements must be performed with fluidity, and the feeling that every action
is exactly what is called for to overcome the situation at each particular instant.
Actions of this pattern resemble the nature of water, such as the passing over of
disconnection through kicking.
Chil Jang (Pattern 7)
Chil Jang applies the principle of "Gan". Gan means "top stop" and
is usually symbolized by the immovable mountain. We must go forward when it is required and
stop when it is required, each at their appropriate instant. Moving and stopping should
match with time in order to achieve. A mountain never moves. Man should learn the stability
of the mountain, and not act in a hasty manner. Though fast actions seem fine, we should
know where and when to stop. This pattern reflects the need to combine movement and
non-movement in response to an attack.
The stability of the mountain is defined as the structural soundness which results from
having resolved one's ambition to touch heaven in the limitation of excellent form. This
resolution is of a noble and majestic character; thus, the image of the mountain.
The tiger stance (beom-seogi), in which most of our weight is settled on the back leg,
expresses this peculiar stability which also contains ambition and allows for freedom of
movement.
Pal Jang (Pattern 8)
Pal Jang is a series of actions applying the "Gon" principle of Palgue.Gon
symbolises 'Earth'. The Earth is that from which all life springs, matures, and dies.
Things take life from gon; they grow from it, drawing limitless energy from it. Gon is
defined as being completely receptive. Its metaphysics pure yang. The earth is where the
creative force of heaven and light (keon) is realized into physical form. The earth is
always wordless; it hugs and grows everything.
This pal jang is the gup-holder's last round of training, and a steppingstone to the
way of a Dan-holder. Here you review fundamental actions and concepts found in the
previous forms. This is the platform from which the more advanced patterns can be studied.
References:
World Tae Kwon Do Federation. Forms (Poomse). WTF.
Pu Gil Gwon. Taegeuk: The New Forms of TaeKwonDo. O'hara. |