TAEKWONDO
Taekwondo strengthens your body and improves your health through physical exercise and conditioning. … The discipline of Taekwondo leads to increase energy, better health and fitness, greater coordination, and higher self-esteem.
Tae kwon do or taekwondo means “The art of kicking and punching”
Tae – to use your feet (kicking)
Kwon – to use your hand (punching or striking)
Do – the way of life
The Korean martial art of taekwondo is the most commonly practiced form of self- defense in the world; with over 50 million of practitioners worldwide.
The exacting kicks of taekwondo have come to be the defining factor for this advanced system of the martial arts – so much so taekwondo has taken its advanced kicks, created an exciting sport, and entered the realms of Olympic competition. But, more than simply a style that places it’s predominate focus upon the development of the legs, taekwondo is an intricate system of self-defense. Taekwondo teaches its practitioners to become highly developed in all aspects of physical confrontation.
Taekwondo is defined as a hard style system of martial arts – with penetrating kicks and punches, and forceful linear attacks. However, taekwondo is much more than this. as one progresses through the ranks of this art, one comes to refine one’s understanding of the body mechanics to a level never embraced by the average individual. Hand in hand with physical mastery also comes a deep sense of personal understanding. The advancing taekwondo practitioner comes to a deep realization of self through the practice of this art.
With all the refined techniques possessed by taekwondo, it is difficult to believe that the foundation of what is today known as taekwondo began just a little over a half of century ago in Korea. From these early beginnings, taekwondo has evolved into being one of the most exciting and advanced system of self-defense and sport on the planet.
POOMSAE
Poomsae The Foundation Of Taekwondo
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Poomsae (forms) are one of the most essential elements of taekwondo training. Poomsae are made up of prescribed set of defensive and offensive movements. These techniques are put together in an order that will train the beginning and the advanced taekwondo practitioner in methods how effortlessly transition from one technique onto the next and the next.
Meaning Of Poomsae Taeguek 1-8
Taeguek-1
Heaven
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In the first form of taeguek system the energy of heaven is embraced. Heaven is understood to be the beginning of all creation in the universe. Thus, at this level the practitioner is beginning to walk path of taekwondo.
Taeguek-2
Inner Firmness and Outer Softness
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The form is the expression of the yin and yang – expressing two elements of the universe: strength and elasticity this form trains the practitioner to be both powerful yet subtle in his techniques.
Taeguek-3
Fire
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This form is expressive of the sun and fire . both the sun and fire are powerful vibrant entities, which emanate heat , warmth, and extended power. Just as with taekwondo practitioner who understand how to unleash focused ki with each technique, this form trains the student how to release power the each technique.
Taeguek-4
Thunder
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The power of thunder is released in a rapid burst of powerful energy. This form is to design the taekwondo practitioners in using a rapid burst of released energy.
Taeguek-5
Wind
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The wind is both the calming and destructive force in nature. This form trains the practitioner to be powerful when necessary and relaxed and reflective.
Taeguek-6
Water
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Water possesses both a constant flow of softness and a powerful destructive force. This forms trains the taekwondo practitioner in how to harness both of these energies.
Taeguek-7
Mountain
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This form symbolizes the mountain, because the mountain is firm and long lasting, this form trains the taekwondo practitioner in how to be unmoving.
Taeguek-8
Earth
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The earth is the source of all human existence. From the earth, the tree and the plants that feed us grow. Therefore, this form trains the taekwondo practitioner to embrace the source of humanity.