Taeguk

In taekwondo, taegeuk is a set of pumsae (also known as pumse), or a defined pattern of defense and attack forms used to teach this Korean martial art.

Description

In essence, taeguk are the basic outlines of the so-called "forms" or poomses (or pumses), which are sequences of movements that simulate combat between the practitioner of a traditional Korean martial art, be it taekwondo, or tangsudo or (Tang soo do); and one or several imaginary enemies, these schemes compile the techniques of real martial art, including blocks, checks, open and closed hand strikes, some throws and joint dislocations, elbow and knee strikes, and even blows to vulnerable and vital points.. Understanding the philosophy and application of poomses defines the art as martial, and not just another combat sport, whether points or full contact.

Origin and development

The first schemes developed for taekwondo were the most basic or kilchos, based on the taikyoku forms of shotokan karate, but due to their "simplicity", and the desire to reach a sporting specialization, they were generally They step aside, beginning the learning of the forms by the Taeguk.

Regarding the Taeguk forms, these were initially designed as a complement to the palgwe or long-distance combat forms that were taken from the Heian forms or katas of Japanese karate, Shotokan style; which, due to strong Korean nationalism, and their lack of promotion, are barely disclosed today. The name Taeguk comes from the Korean language, and refers to a series of Taoist principles, related to the coexistence of yin and yang, which are found in all things. The taeguk as an ideology are present on the South Korean flag, with a blue (earth) and red (sky) yin yang symbol.

These principles have been the subject of philosophical debate over time, but it can be said (without intending to simplify the idea) that it is about the coexistence or double nature of things in nature. For example, in people's personalities: a person may have virtues such as patience, understanding, discipline, etc., but this does not exempt them from having defects (such as anger, pride, etc.). Life is a constant struggle to improve and accept yourself, always trying to be better.

The Taeguks are the spirit of Taekwondo, they represent the oldest Chinese philosophy, the Infinite Everything. “The Book of Changes” explains that the 8 “Gwe” are the origin of the world: Keon, Tae, Ri, Jin, Seon, Gam, Gan and Gon, which represent sky, lake, fire, thunder, wind, water, mountain and land. They also represent the eight points and directions: South, Southeast, East, Northeast, Southwest, West, Northwest and North

In the emblem of the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games, the taeguk drawing appears where it concentrically represents the arrival of the athletes and visitors to Seoul and South Korea. [1]

Taeguk as part of sports taekwondo

Basically it is one of the different areas of taekwondo (just like fighting, breaking boards/bricks/etc., or the correct observation of the 6 values of taekwondo. In this case, taeguk (sometimes pronounced "te-cúp") simulate positions (sogui, in Korean) of attack (chirigui / chagui) and defense (makki), against imaginary combatants.

Along with the fights, the poomses (or "forms") make up the Taekwondo tournaments, although the promotion of Olympic competitions in this area is being sought (Taekwondo being part of the Olympic Games from Sydney in 2000). In its execution, firmness, flexibility, strength and correct technique in movements are evaluated, both blocks and attacks, the execution of different types of positions and steps, concentration and attitude, as well as difficulty, among others. They require impeccable seriousness and concentration.

After the Taeguk come the pumses, or higher forms of TKD, which include advanced self-defense techniques and tactics, and philosophical allusions to Mahayana Buddhism, as well as characters and events in Korean history, but unfortunately Due to the great influence of TKD as a sport, its real application beyond the perfection of the sporting gesture is little explored.

Taeguk from 1 to 8

1. Taeguk Il Yang / Sky / Light and Powerful / Item
2. Taeguk I Yang / Lake / Cheerful and Serene / animal element
3. Taeguk Sam Yang / Fire / Energy & Passion / element help
4. Taeguk Sa Yang / Thunder / Strength & Bracket / Gun Item
5. Taeguk O Yang / Wind / Flexible and Powerful / element of laws
6. Taeguk Yuk Yang / Water / Amable and Destructible / pet element
7. Taeguk Chil Yang / Mountain / Majestic and Balance / Wild animal element
8. Taeguk Pal Yang / Earth / Fort and Concentrated

Forms of Black Ribbon

• Koryo
• Kumgang
• Taebek
• Pyongwon
• Sipjin
• Jitae
• Cheongkwon
• Hansu

• Ilyeo