Courtesy: All students should attempt to practice the following elements of etiquette:
Integrity: In Tae Kwon-Do this term assumes a looser definition than that found in the dictionary. One must be able to define right from wrong, and have the conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt. Listed are some examples where integrity is lacking:
Perseverance: There is an old oriental saying “Patience leads to virtue; one can make a peaceful home by being patient for one hundred times.” Certainly happiness and prosperity are most likely brought to the patient person. To achieve something, whether a higher degree or the perfection of a technique, one must set a goal then persevere towards it. One of the most important factors in becoming a leader of Tae Kwon-Do is to overcome every difficulty by perseverance.
Self Control: This tenet is extremely important inside and outside the Dojang, whether practicing Tae Kwon-Do or in your personal life. A loss of self-control in free sparring can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. An inability to live and work within ones capability also shows lack of self-control.
Indomitable Spirit: It is shown when a courageous person and his principles are pitted against overwhelming odds. A serious student will at all times be modest and honest. If confronted with injustice, he or she will deal with the belligerent without fear or hesitation, with indomitable spirit, regardless of whosoever and however many the number may be.
White Belt: Represents the INNOCENCE of the beginner who does not yet have any knowledge of Tae Kwon-Do.
Yellow Belt: represents the EARTH in which the seed of Tae Kwon Do is planted, symbolising a student’s latent abilities.
Green Belt: Represents a GROWING SHOOT, symbolising the student’s abilities as they start to develop.
Blue Belt: Represents the HEAVENS or SKY towards which the shoot is reaching, as the student attempts to reach beyond competence to excellence.
Red Belt: Represents DANGER, a warning to the students to exercise self-control and for opponents to be aware.
Black Belt: Represents MATURITY, the opposite of the innocence of the white belt.
What is
POOMSE?
Each one of the eight patterns represents a different theory and is depicted by a respective Chinese character. The intention of learning Poomse is to learn to attack and defensive techniques, and to practice techniques of sparring and special movements in order to condition the student for an actual encounter where Tae Kwon Do would be necessary.
In practicing Poomse, the student will eventually learn breathing control, flexibility and balance. The student will become familiar with the different types of power, staying power and bursts of power (momentary power). The student will develop the strong muscles and tendons. The study of Poomse gives older/physically weak people the opportunity to develop a strong spirit and confidence. In turn, giving the student a sense of self-preservation. Poomse is a great motivator for the students, and a good physical conditioner, which will prove effective in maintaining fitness for both men and women, old or young.
1. Embusen The starting
position for a particular Poomse is also the finishing position for that Poomse,
if your finishing position is different your stances have been incorrect.
Show correct pattern of movement staying within the correct configuration of
the Poomse. (embu is to practice or exercise: sen is line.)
2.Keitai No Hoji Ensure that the body is poised in the correct position, and oriented
in the correct direction. When attacking or defending, the movements and placing
the hands and feet must be correct. (keitai: shape, form, position. no: of. hoji:
keep.)
3.Chikara No Kyojaku Be in control of the different types of power
in movements and stance. Know when to use
fluid and flowing, as well as quick and abrupt movements. Power in Poomse is
produced through a balance between strength and relaxation. (chikara: power.
no: of. kyo: strong. jaku: weak.)
4.Waza No Kankylj Closely monitor the different speeds of the
movements and technique, and know how to
adjust them. (waza: technique. no: of. kan: slow. kyu: fast.)
5.Inyo Do not waste energy when there is no need for major energy exertion.
The harmony and contrast of the dual forces in Poomse have to be in
balance, the active and passive elements, the offensive and defensive parts.
(in: passive. yo: active.)
6.Jushin No Antei Be constantly aware of the centre of balance in
movement and stance, the centre of balance has to be correct to have
stability. (ou: centre of balance. shin: body. antei: stability.)
7.Kiai Learn to control breathing when yelling at set points
in Poomse, do so in loud short bursts emanating from lower abdomen.
8.Kishin No Yoi Learn the intent of each movement, and always practice as though you
were in an actual conflict. Focus on alignment of mind, body and spirit, correct
spiritual preparation and mental concentration before the start of any
movements of the Poomse. (yoi: prepare. ki: spirit. shin: mind.)
9.Kokyu Controlled and balanced breathing during the execution of
Poomse.
10.Zanshin Complete and proper mental awareness through out the
execution of technique and Poomse. (zan: remain in. shin: mind.)
11.Chakugan Correct focus on aiming in the execution of technique. Eyes and gaze are important to show the process and purpose of each motion and action. (chaku: observe or notice. gan: fix ones eyes upon.)
12.Tai No Si-iinshuku Body expansion and contraction during performance of Poomse. Correct movement from one stance to another involves altering bodily contractions and expansions. (tai: body. no: of. shin: expansion. shuku: contraction.)
13.Practice Poomse every day so consistency is learned.
14.Practice one Poomse at a time and become proficient in doing one prior to advancing to the next one.
Taegeuk is the spirit of Tae Kwon Do. Each student must
learn the idealisms of Taegeuk which are: Pacifism, Unity, Creative Spirit,
Future Spirit and Eternity.
"Tae" means largeness and "Geuk" means
eternity. After the world was produced male was produced from its energies, and
in essence is the spirit of the sun and sky, while the female is the spirit of
the moon and the earth. It is believed that the male and female are derived from
Taegeuk.
Taegeuk Poomse follows the following theories:
1. The elements of metal, water, wood, fire and earth are believed to
help each other to be produced; fire from wood, wood from water, water from
metal, metal from earth, and earth from fire.
2. Fire melts metal, wood takes nourishment from the earth, water
extinguishes fire, and metal cuts wood, and the earth blocks water. This is
called the destructive theory.
3. The law of nature called "The Ying Yang Theory" which means
"the negative and positive, and the male and female".
4. The great absolute theory.
5. The "Ohaeng Theory", the five primary elements.
6. Taegeuk Poomse follows the aforementioned theories and integrates them
into the methods of attack, defence, forward movements and retreat, control of
the speed of movements, and the intensity of the actions.
