Moon moo is a Taekwondo form that honors King Munmu, the 30th king of the Silla Dynasty, who completed the unification of the three kingdoms (Goguryeo, Baik-je, Silla). His body was buried near Dae Wang Am (Great King’s Rock). According to his will, the body was placed in the sea “Where my soul shall... more »
Nunchaku is a traditional Okinawan weapon consisting of two sticks connected at their ends with a short chain or rope. The Japanese word nunchaku is generally believed to derive from the Japanese pronunciation of the Chinese term for a two section staff. Nunchaku are most commonly used in Okinawan Kobudo and Karate, but it... more »
Po Eun is a Taekwondo 36-movements form (hyeong). The name “Po Eun” is the pseudonym of a loyal subject Jeong Mongju who was a distinguished scholar of neo-Confucianism during the Goryeo Dynasty. His poem “I would not serve a second master though I might be crucified a hundred times” is known to every Korean.... more »
Pyongwon is a Taekwondo form. The definition of Pyongwon is “stretch, vast plain.” The name carries with it a connotation of being large and majestic. [From Wikipedia. Original page is... more »
Rear horse kick is a turning kick used in Taekwondo, Karate, MMA, Kickboxing, Thai boxing. In this technique you turn head and kick straight back with heel directly above the toes (like a mule). Like any other turning kick, the head still turns first to see the... more »
The Roundhouse kick in Korean, “dollyo chagi”. Also called snap kick, or turning kick. The attacker swings his/her leg sideways in a circular motion, kicking the opponent’s side with the front of the leg, usually with the top of the foot (called the instep), ball of the foot, toe (if careful), or shin. Also... more »
Sam Il is a Taekwondo form (Hyeong). “Sam-Il” name refers to the historic March 1st Movement, the biggest nation-wide Korean independence movement against the imperial Japan in 1919. The 33 movements in the pattern represent for the 33 patriots who planned the movement. [From Wikipedia. Original page is... more »
Se jong is a Taekwondo pattern named after Se-Jong who was the 4th King of the Yi Dynasty. He was known for his many great achievements in domestic and foreign affairs, diplomacy, scientific advancements, defense matters and culture. His most remarkable achievement was his invention of “Hangeul”, the Korean Alphabet. The 24 movements of... more »
Shipjin is a Taekwondo form. Sipjin stands for ten symbols of longevity, which are Sun, Moon, Mountain, Water, Stone, Pine tree, Herb of eternal youth, Turtle, Deer, and Crane. This pumsae represents the endless development and growth by the basic idea of the ten symbols of longevity and the decimal system. [From Wikipedia. Original... more »
So san is a Taekwondo form (hyeong). “So-San” is the pseudonym of the great monk Choi Hyon Ung during the Joseon Dynasty. The 72 movements refer to his age when he organized a corps of monk soldiers with the assistance of his pupil Sa Myung Dang. The monk soldiers helped repulse the Japanese pirates... more »
Taebaek is a Taekwondo pattern. The legendary Dangun founded a nation in Taebaek, near Korea’s biggest mountain Baekdoo. Baekdoo is a known symbol for Korea. The definition of the word taebaek is literally “lightness”. Every movement in this pumsae is intended to be not only be exact and fast, but with determination and hardness... more »
Taegeuk Il Jang/Palgae Il Jang The general meaning of this form and associated trigram is Yang, which represents Heaven and Light. Also, this trigram has a relationship to South and Father. The first Taegeuk form is the beginning of all pumsaes, the “birth” of the martial artist into Taekwondo. This pumsae should be performed with the greatness of Heaven. [From Wikipedia.... more »
Taegeuk Yi Jang/Palgae Yi Jang The associated trigram of this pumsae represents the Lake. Also, related to the symbol is South East and the relationship of the youngest daughter. The movements of this Taegeuk/Palgwe are aimed to be performed believing that man has limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. The Lake and its water symbolize... more »
Taegeuk Sam Jang/Palgae Sam Jang This trigram represents Fire. Related to this symbol is also East and the relationship of the Second Daughter. Fire contains a lot of energy. The symbol behind the fire is similar to the symbolism of the water in that both can aid and both can destroy. This form is intended to be... more »
Taegeuk Sa Jang/Palgae Sa Jang This trigram represents Thunder. Also, the trigram is strongly connected to northeast and the relationship of the Eldest son. Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth, thus, according to the beliefs of the I Ching, thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces. This pumsae is associated... more »
Taegeuk O Jang/Palgae O Jang The trigram associated with this pumsae represents Wind. The trigram is also related to southwest and the relationship with an eldest daughter. The I Ching promotes that wind is a gentle force, but can sometimes be furious, destroying everything in its path. As such, it is intended that this pumsae is performed like... more »
Taegeuk Yuk Jang/Palgae Yuk Jang The trigram associated with this pumsae represents Water. Also, there is a relation to West and the relationship with a Second son. The movements of this pumsae are intended to be performed like water; flowing, powerful and cleansing. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river, sometimes powerful like... more »