Taekwondo Black Belt Poomse Symbolism
Poomse Koryo
Poomse Koryo symbolizes seonbae which means a learned man, who is characterized by a strong martial spirit as well as a righteous spirit. The choonbi-sugi (ready stance) is tongmilgi which promotes concentration by placing the hands between the upper and lower abdomen, the center of ki in the body. The movement line of Koryo represents the Chinese character for seonbae or seonbi, which means a learned man or a man of virtue in Korean. For the 1st dan.
Poomse Keumgang
Keumgang, meaning diamond, is symbolized by hardness.
Mount Keumgang, which is regarded as the center of the national spirit
and the origin of Keumgang Yoksa (warrior named by Buddha) who represents
the mightiest warrior, is the spiritual foundation of this form. the
line of movements symbolizes the Chinese character for mountain. The
movements of the poomse should be performed powerfully and with good
balance to demonstrate the dignity of the Keumgang spirit. For the 2nd
dan.
Poomse Taebaek
Taebaek (bright mountain) is the name given to Mt.
Paektu, the mountain from which Tangun, the founder of the Korean people,
ruled the country. Taebaek symbolizes the sacred and humanitarian ruling
spirit of Tangun. The line of movements symbolizes the Chinese character
for a word meaning the bridge between heaven and Earth. For the 3rd
Dan.
Poomse Pyongwon
Pyongwon means a plain or a vast field of land. It
is the source of life for all creatures and place from which all creatures
gain sustenance. Pyongwon is based on the idea of peace and struggle
resulted from the principles of origin and use. The Choon-bi sogi requires
a concentration of force in the lower abdomen, the source of all strength,
much like the land is the source of strength for all life. The line
of movements symbolizes the origin and transformation of the plain.
For the 4th Dan.
Poomse Sipjin
The word sipjin is derived from the principle of
longevity which maintains there are ten creatures of long life: sun,
moon, mountain, water, stone, pine tree, herb of eternal youth, turtle,
deer and crane. This poomse symbolizes the longevity humans derive from
these everlasting elements of nature. The line of movements is the Chinese
character for ten, symbolizing the ten creatures of long life and the
infinity of the decimal system. For the 5th Dan.
Poomse Jitae
Jitae means a man standing on the Earth looking at
the sky. A man on the Earth represents the struggle of humanity. The
line of movement symbolizes a man standing on the Earth preparing to
spring up toward the heaven. For the 5th Dan.
Poomse Cheon Kwon
Cheon Kwon means Heavens Greatness or the origin
of all being. Its infinite nature signifies change, creation and completion.
The movements are characterized by circular arm movements, symbolizing
the greatness and inclusiveness of the Cheon Kwon concept. The line
of movements symbolizes a man descending to Earth from the heavens,
being empowered by the heavens and attaining oneness between the Earthly
world (body) and the heavenly world (mind). For the 6th Dan.
Poomse Han Soo
Han Soo means water which is the source of sustenance
and growth for all life. Han Soo symbolizes the birth of a life, growth,
strength, weakness, harmony, magnanimity, and adaptability through life.
The nature of water, characterized by unbreakability and flexibility,
is the basis for this poomse. The line of movements symbolizes the Chinese
character for water. For the 6th Dan.
Poomse Ilyeo
Ilyeo symbolizes the thoughts of the great monk
Wonhyo of the Silla Dynasty. It teaches that a point, a line or a circle
ends up at one. Poomse Ilyeo represents the harmonization of body and
spirit, which is the culmination of martial arts practice. The line
of movements symbolizes the Buddhist mark which means a state of perfect
selflessness where origin, substance and service come into congruity.
For the 7th Dan.
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