(SU) =WATER
"Be formless... shapeless,
like Water.
If you put water into a cup,
it becomes the cup.
You put water into a bottle;
it becomes the bottle.
You put it into a teapot;
it becomes the teapot.
Water can flow, and it can crash.
Be water, my friend..."
Bruce Lee
~Fighting philosophy~
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| The meaning of coloured belt patterns... |
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Basic Pattern
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Begining of a new journey |
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White Belt
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Basic pattern is designed to familiarise new students to the use of basic Taekwondo moves. Each fundamental movement, in most cases, represents an attack or defence against a particular target area or an imaginary opponent or opponents. The basic pattern consists of low, body and face blocks, single middle section punches, basic front kicks, and long stance.
Through constant practice of the basic pattern concentrating on the direction and rotation of the form, the attack and defence moves become a conditioned reflex movement. Once the basic pattern is mastered, the student then begins to physically apply the basic skills learned in poomsae Taeguek Il Jang.
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Taeguek Il Jang
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Symbolises Heaven and has 16 movements |
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The first Taeguek is the beginning of all poomsaes. This poomsae represents the source of creation by presenting the most basic techniques. It, therefore, is the foundation from which the other poomsaes build. The associated trigram represents Yang (heaven), therefore, this poomsae should be performed with the greatness of Heaven.
Heaven is beautiful, peaceful, serene and balanced. It is full of majesty and grandeur. Taeguek Il Jang is the embodiment of this balance and perfection. Strong, precise and balanced movements characterise this pattern.
See member's section for poomsae illustration.
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Taeguek EE Jang
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Symbolises Lake and has 18 movements |
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In the depths of the lake are treasures and mysteries. The movements of this Taegeuk should be performed knowing that man has limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. This should lead to a feeling of joy, knowing that we can control our future. A lake is fluid and strong throughout its mysterious depths.
Deep stances, powerful techniques and fluid transition from movement to movement characterise this poomsae. Taeguek Ee Jang represents a frame of mind which is serene and gentle, yet, firm within, the state from which true virtue smiles. This Taeguek consists of movements that are made softly yet firmly with control.
See member's section for poomsae illustratiom.
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Taeguek Sam Jang
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Symbolises Fire and has 20 movements |
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This Taeguek represents fire and sun, and their characteristics of warmth, enthusiasm, and hope. Like fire, this poomsae is filled with changing bursts of power connected with a continuous flow of motion. Fire contains a lot of energy. Taeguek Sam Jang is the embodiment of fire’s fury.
Burning fire gives man light, warmth, enthusiasm and hope. Explosive kicks, lunges and double punches characterise this pattern. This taeguek should be performed rhythmically, with some outbursts of energy, vitality and passion.
See member's section for poomsae illustration.
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Taeguek Sa Jang
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Symbolises Thunder and has 20 movements |
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Thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces, circling and gyrating. Thunder, combined with lightning, evokes fear and trembling but reminds us that danger, like a thunderstorm, passes as suddenly as it comes, leaving blue sky, sunshine and rain freshened air in its wake.
Taeguek Sa Jang teaches us to act calmly and bravely in the face of loud and terrifying dangers, real or imagined, knowing that they, too, shall pass. This Taeguek should be performed with this in mind.
See member's section for poomsae illustration.
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Taeguek Oh Jang
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Symbolises Wind and has 20 movements |
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This poomse expresses the principle of wind. Wind is a gentle force Symbolising a humble state of mind. However, there are such winds as the typhoon, the hurricane and the tornado that are furious, destroying everything in it's path. Taeguek Oh Jang should be performed like the wind: gently, but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement.
The wind teaches humility and good-natured actions. Like a gentle breeze, Taeguek Oh Jang is simple and yet like a storm, it is strong and powerful. Taeguek Oh Jang should be performed as gentle breezes, slow yet graceful, then strong and fast like hurricanes.
See member's section for poomsae illustration.
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Taeguek Yuk Jang
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Symbolises Water and has 19 movements |
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This poomse represents water. Water is liquid and formless. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river. Water never loses it's nature, it always flows downwards and, in time, can wear away the hardest granite.
Water can move a mountain and the principles behind this Taegeuk show us that we can overcome difficulties and hardships if we go forward with self confidence. Like water, this form is gentle yet destructive. It teaches that man, when faced with a challenge, can overcome it by persistence and unwavering belief. Taeguek Yuk Yang should be performed with a flowing motion, steadily through the techniques.
See member's section for poomsae illustration.
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Taeguek Chil Jang
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Symbolises Mountain and has 25 movements |
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This Taeguek teaches us to move only when it is necessary to move - and then move rapidly - and stop suddenly and solidly, standing like a rock. A mountain is stable and cannot be moved and will always look majestic, no matter the size.
Taeguek Chil Jang teaches commitment to notion and to immobility, for one must not waver. This poomsae should be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic and deserved to be praised.
See member's section for poomsae illustration.
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Taeguek Pal Jang
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Symbolises Earth and has 27 movements |
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The associated trigram of this poomsae is Yin: the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. The earth is receptive, gentle and nurturing. It signifies the infinite concentration of UM energy (UM is a passive, receptive force). The Earth hugs and grows everything. It nurtures in silence and in strength.
It teaches us the importance of the life force within ourselves and to respect life in all forms. Performing this Taeguek, one should be aware that this is the last Taeguek to be learned, it also is the end of a circle, and therefore it is also the first.
See member's section for poomsae illustration.
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Cho Dan Bo
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Provisional Black Belt |
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The Cho Dan Bo belt represents the mature plant. The Cho Dan Bo student is a candidate for Black Belt and now must prepare for the final step in the first life cycle.
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