The Poomsae Series is intended to glean lessons from the meaning of each form. My school studies the Palgwe forms so that’s what I will use for each post. Descriptions are taken from the book “Complete Taekwondo Poomsae” by Dr. Kyu Hyung Lee and Dr. Sang H. Kim.
Palgwe Sam Jang. Fire. Now that the martial artist has gotten heaven and the river under his or her belt, it’s time to add some power and speed.
Continue reading “Pants on Fire – The Poomsae Series Part 3”
The Poomsae series is intended to glean lessons from the meaning of each form. My school studies the palgwe forms (as opposed to taeguk) so that’s what I will use for each post. Descriptions are taken from the book “Complete Taekwondo Poomsae” by Dr. Kyu Hyung Lee and Dr. Sang H. Kim.
Palgwe Yi jang, performed at the 7th gup (in our school it’s a yellow belt with green tip) takes its concept from “tae,” or “river,” evoking a gentle and strong mind. The book emphasizes that the form should be done with “smooth yet dynamic” inner force. The strong yet soft concept is the leitmotif for many if not all the upper forms. It’s the proverbial iron fist in the velvet glove. Speak softly and carry a mean snap kick. A river can nourish life as well as destroy it.
Continue reading “Tapping Into Your Inner Badass Bambi – The Poomsae Series Part 2”
![Grand_Universe_by_ANTIFAN_REAL[1]](https://i0.wp.com/littleblackbelt.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/grand_universe_by_antifan_real1.jpg?ssl=1)
The Poomsae Series is intended to glean lessons from the meaning of each form or “poomsae.” My school studies the palgwe forms (as opposed to taeguk) so that’s what I will use for each post. Descriptions are taken from the book “Complete Taekwondo Poomsae” by Dr. Kyu Hyung Lee and Dr. Sang H. Kim.
Palgwe Il jang is “keon,” meaning the sky or heaven, which, according to Lee and Kim symbolize the “beginning of the universe.” Up until this time the student typically learns the blocks, punches, and kicks as stand-alone movements. They spend months sliding back and forth into front stance doing a single spear-hand thrust or knife-hand block like a toddler learning single words at a time before stringing together sentences. This form, the foundation for all others, is the beginning of expression through taekwondo. Sh*t just got real.
Continue reading “Start To Be Great – The Poomsae Series Part 1”