Palgwe Poomsae: Color Belt Requirements
TAE KWON DO PALGWE POOMSAES
This book consists of the Eight Tae Kwon Do Palgwe Forms that you must learn before the rank of 1st Degree Black Belt. Each form is illustrated in step-by-step movements, both front and back views.
Tae Kwon Do is the Art of Self-Defense that was developed over 2,000 years ago in Korea. Tae Kwon Do Forms are a system of exercises and techniques designed to develop unparalleled abilities in unarmed combat. Each form uses various parts of the body as weapons. Translated, Tae means: to kick or break with the foot, Kwon means: to punch, strike, or block with the hand, and Do signifies the mind or way of working together in harmony. Tae Kwon Do is the art form in which kicking, blocking and punching is controlled by the mind.
Each form represents one of the eight principles of the Book of Changes. This book is the primary inspiration of oriental philosophical thought. The word Palgwe refers to the eight symbols that represent the conflicting elements as expressed in the Book of Changes. The word Pal means eight, and Gwe means characters or symbols. For example, Heaven and Earth, Man and Woman, Light and Darkness, Good and Evil, Being and Not Being, etc. These elements form the patterns of life by their combination and separation from one another. Therefore, the word Palgwe can be referred to as the world, the world of changes and cooperation in conflict and harmony, which create and. maintain balance in the universe.
Each form consists of various movements set down over the centuries that the student must learn and perform as an individual demonstration of accurate techniques. Tae Kwon Do Forms have been arranged in continuous logical movements of defensive and offensive techniques to help you practice the transitions of defending yourself against more than one attacker in multiple directions. In order to discover the mental and spiritual nature of Tae Kwon Do Forms, you must perform endless repetitions of each form; therefore, exact placement of the hands, feet and body position is necessary. Through the continuous practice of forms, you will polish the rough edges of your character and eventually understand that Tae Kwon Do is an Art, and not just a means of self-defense. Forms are beneficial in the development of balance, breathing, coordination, discipline, concentration and the ability to stay in harmony with the universe. The key factor in performing these forms is strength, power and control.
THE MEANING OF THE EIGHT PALGWE FORMS
ACCORDING TO THE BOOK OF CHANGES
POOMSAE PALGWE IL JANG (20 MOVEMENTS):
- Poomsae Palgwe ll Jang represents the heavens, the symbol of Keon, which is the beginning of everything on earth. The sky gives us rain and the sun gives us light to make things grow. In Tae Kwon Do, Poomsae Palgwe Il Jang is the beginning form from which you will grow.
POOMSAE PALGWE EE JANG (20 MOVEMENTS):
- Poomsae Palgwe Ee Jang represents the meaning of joyfulness, the symbol of Tae. When performing Poomsae Palgwe Ee Jang, you should express your new knowledge of Tae Kwon Do through your enthusiastic performance. Remember to keep your mind firm and strong, but appear gentle and kind.
POOMSAE PALGWE SAHM JANG (22 MOVEMENTS):
- Poomsae Palgwe Sahm Jang represents the meaning of fire, the symbol of Re. When used in a positive way, fire gives us light, warmth, enthusiasm and hope. When performing Poomsae Palgwe Sahm Jang, you should be enthusiastic passionate and hopeful.
POOMSAE PALGWE SAH JANG (24 MOVEMENTS):
- Poomsae Palgwe Sah Jang represents thunder, the symbol of Jin. Thunder is a prelude to a powerful storm and lets us know of the fear and danger that is forthcoming. When performing Poomsae Palgwe Sah Jang, you must overcome the fear and danger with a calm mind and a positive attitude.
POOMSAE PALGWE OH JANG (35 MOVEMENTS):
- Poomsae Palgwe Oh Jang represents wind, the symbol of Seon. There are two aspects of wind. First is the fearsome wind of a storm, tornado, or hurricane. Second is that of a gentle breeze that calms and cools us. Wind symbolizes a humble state. When performing Poomsae Palgwe Oh Jang, you should appear gentle and calm as the breeze, but also be fierce and forceful as the storms.
POOMSAE PALGWE YOOKJANG (19 MOVEMENTS):
- Poomsae Palgwe Yook Jang represents water, the symbol of Gem. All water originated from the sea, and continuously journeys its way back to the sea. It overcomes the obstacles in its path by finding a way around or by patiently wearing at it. When performing Poomsae Palgwe Yook Jang, you can overcome the difficulties either in your training or your life through perseverance and self-confidence.
POOMSAE PALGWE CHILJANG (23 MOVEMENTS):
- Poomsae Palgwe Chil Jang represents the last stop, which is the symbol of Gan. Gan is symbolic of the stability of a mountain. In life all actions have their place. You should never act in too hasty a manner. When performing Poomsae Palgwe Chil Jang, you must know when to press on, but what is more important, know when to stop and reassess your position.
POOMSAE PALGWE PALJANG (35 MOVEMENTS):
- Poomsae Palgwe Pal Jang represents the principles of the earth, the source of all life, which is the symbol of Gon. The earth embraces all forms of life and gives its limitless energy to everything. Poomsae Palgwe Pa1Jang is the last form to develop before becoming a Black Belt. Therefore, when performing Poomsae Palgwe Pal Jang, you should review all the fundamentals and draw upon the energy of Tae Kwon Do.
1 Degree Black Belt Form Requirements
