Uhm and Yang (the blue and the red on Taegeukdo) represent harmony of all life force. The harmony becomes unbalanced and the stronger of the two overflows into the weaker creating an unbalanced state of Uhm and Yang. The state of balance and unbalance of the two forces constantly fluctuate throughout life. These constant changes however follow a certain orderly course without exception.

Taegeukdo

Taegeuk Poomses are designed according to the Taegeuk Principle. The opposing phenomena of nature are the main formula of the Taegeuk Poomse: challenge and response, offense and defense, attack and retreat, fast and slow, hard and soft.

The keys in practicing the Taegeuk Poomses are in managing the internal and external energy properly and performing with adequate breath, speed, and power control. Special attention must be given to the transitional techniques, by shifting the center of the of the gravity perpendicular to the ground, in order not to loose bodily balance. Each technique must be performed with complete focus and dynamic energy.

Taegeuk Il Jang

Symbol is Geun meaning the sky, yang-the base of the cosmos

This is the most basic form of Taekwondo training. The movements are walking stance, front stance, low block, high block, inside block, middle punch, front kick. For the 8th Gup.

Taegeuk Ee Jang

Symbol is Tae meaning internal strength and external gentleness

After diligent practice of Taegeuk lL jang, now you have a stronger base to develop yourself further. There are more front kicks and block-kick-punch combinations in Taegeuk Ee jang. Techniques must be performed gently but with dynamic inner power. For the 7th Gup.

Taegeuk Sahm Jang

Symbol is Yi meaning fire

Through Taekwondo training, you have developed physical strength, and inner power. Now is the stage where the more effort you put out, the more your enthusiasm burns. New movements in Taegeuk Sahm jang are back stance, knife hand strike, knife hand block. The combinations of block-punch and block-kick require quick speed and the ability to coordinate bodily parts to create integral forces. Put speed in defense and power in attacks. For the 6th Gup.

Taegeuk Sah Jang

Symbol is jin; meaning thunder, undeniable power and dignity

There are more advanced movements in this Poomse such as double knife hand blocks, finger tip thrust, swallow stance knife hand strike, consecutive side kicks, cross stance back fist. To prepare you for the Kyuroogi practice, there are more transitional movements to help you to improve correct body shifting and coordination. This is for the 5th Gup.

Taegeuk Oh Jang

Symbol is Sohn meaning the wind

The wind is so gentle when it is a breeze and devastating when it becomes a hurricane. Human power can also be used either way. Taegeuk Oh jang is designed to develop the inner energy and kinetic force of the body with the application of the two opposite phenomena of nature. New movements are hammerfist, elbow strike, side kick with side punch, and jumping cross stance. Special attention is required in striking a specific target area with the elbow. For the 4th Gup.

Taegeuk Yuk Jang

Symbol is Kahm meaning the water - the origin of the life

Water symbolizes a constant flow and the ultimate flexibility. Not only must the techniques flow like water but the mind must be flexible as well. New techniques are single knifehand high section block, roundhouse kick, palm press block and pyunhee suhgi in the middle of the poomse. Special attention must be paid to the foot position right after executing the two roundhouse kicks. For the 3rd Gup.

Taegeuk Chil Jang

Symbol is Kahn meaning a mountain

A mountain is the spirit of firmness and strength. At this level the practitioner's resolution for training Taekwondo starts firmly rooting in the heart. The meaning of self-improvement through Taekwondo becomes deeper daily. Therefore, it is recommended to reexamine all of the learned skills so that the base for progress is strongly secured. You may experience some difficulties and obstacles mentally and physically. Effort is required to get through this stage. New techniques are low double knife hand block, palm press block, scissors block, knee strike, middle section opening block, cross hand block, side punch, cat stance and horseriding stance. Powerful and articulate execution is required in single movements and smooth transitions in combination techniques. For the 2nd Gup.

Taegeuk Pahl Jang

Symbol is Kohn meaning the Earth

The earth is the foundation of the growth for all life. It is this beginning of the life and all lives must return to where they began. Taegeuk Pahl jang is the last poomse before becoming a black belt. The end means a new beginning. Perfection of all basic Taekwondo skills and maturity of character is the goal at this stage. If pride, confidence, and dignity were the results of the training, honesty and humbleness are the prerequisites for the black belt stage. It is required to perfect Taegeuk Il jang to Taegeuk Pahl jang to be eligible to apply for the Ist Dan black belt test. New techniques are jump front kick, elbow strike, single mountain block, and uppercut. Accurate footwork is required for combinations. Required for the 1st Gup.

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