History of the Form
The Kukkiwon Textbook describes Keumgang as follows: “Keumgang (meaning diamond) has the meaning or translation of ‘hardness’ and ‘ponderosity’.
The mountain Keumgang on the Korean peninsula, which is regarded as the center of national spirit, and the ‘Keumgang Yoksa’ (Keumgang warrior) as named by Buddha, who represents a mighty warrior, are the background denominating this poomsae.
The movements should be powerful and well balanced so as to befit a black belter’s dignity.
Keumgang should be learned at the 2nd Dan level, and the focus of the 2nd Dan is or should be to continue to make ones technique strong, solid, and powerful.
Terms Used With This Form
- Joon Bi – Ready Stance (i.e. “at ease”)
- KiHap – Shout
- Poomsae – Form
- Ap Kubi – Front Stance
- An Palmock Momtong Hecho Makki – Outer Arm Block
- Batangson Teok Chigi – Palm Strike
- Hansonnal Momtong An Makki – Knife Hand Block
- Keumgang Makki – Diamond Block
- Kheun Doltzeogi – Elbow Strike
- Juchum Seogi – Horse Stance
- Santeul Makki – Mountain Block
- Arae HechoMakki – Down Block
- Hakdari Seogi – Crane Stance
- Naranhi Seogi – Parallel Stance
Video of Keumgang Form:
Keumgang Step By Step Movements
These steps are broken down into more steps than what may be done in your school, however I think that it helps to have it listed in more steps as its easier to learn.
Also, many of the Korean words were not used just keep it more basic but I did include them with the Types of Kicks, Stances and Blocks used above in case you hear them at your school.
Here is a PDF of the Keumgang Form that you print out and use to supplement the video and written forms.
Step 1:
From your Joon Bi Seogi, get into Left Front Stance and execute a Double Forearm Block by bringing both of your arms to block you from the front.
Step 2:
Get into Right Front Stance and execute a Right Upper Palm Strike by opening your hand and pushing it upwards to hit your opponent’s chin.
Step 3:
Get into Left Front Stance and execute a left Upper Palm Strike.
Step 4:
Get into Right Front Stance and execute a Right Upper Palm Strike.
Step 5:
Get into Left Back Stance and execute a Left Inward Knife Hand Block by swinging your left arm before you with your palm facing toward you and at the same time hold the crook of your arm with your other hand.
Step 6:
Get into Right Back Stance and execute a right Inward Knife Hand Block.
Step 7:
Get into Left Back Stance and execute a left Inward Knife Hand Block.
Step 8:
Get into Left Crane Stance and execute a Right Diamond Block by pushing both arms to block you; your right arm should block your head and face outward while your left arm should block your body and face inward.
Step 9:
Turn 90 degrees to your left and get into a Left Horse Stance, deliver a Right Hook Punch and Left Elbow Strike. A Hook Punch is executed by pulling in your arm before punching it toward your opponent.
Step 10:
Step forward with your right foot once and turn 360 degrees before going back to your horse stance and repeating your Right Hook Punch and Left Elbow Strike.
Step 11:
Turn 90 degrees to your left, land in Left Horse Stance while you execute a Mountain Block then Kihap. A Mountain Block is executed by raising both arms high enough to block either side of you.
Step 12:
Step forward once and turn 180 degrees into a Left Horse Stance and execute a Double Forearm Block.
Step 13:
Align your left foot to your right and execute a Slow Double Low Block by bringing both your arms down to two low blocks.
Step 14:
Step forward with your left foot once before turning 180 degrees to your right, getting into a Right Horse Stance, and executing a Mountain Block.
Step 15:
Turn 180 degrees to your right, get into a Right crane Stance, and execute a Diamond Block.
Step 16:
Get into your Right Horse Stance, deliver a left hook punch and right elbow strike.
Step 17:
Step forward with your left foot once and turn 360 degrees before going back to your horse stance and repeating your left Hook Punch and right Elbow Strike.
Step 18:
Get into your Right crane Stance and execute a Diamond Block.
Step 19:
Get into your Right Horse Stance, deliver a left hook punch and right elbow strike.
Step 20:
Step forward with your left foot once and turn 360 degrees before going back to your horse stance and repeating your left Hook Punch and right Elbow Strike.
Step 21:
Step forward with your left foot once and turn 360 degrees before going back to your horse stance and repeating your left Hook Punch and right Elbow Strike.
Step 22:
Turn 90 degrees to your left, land in horse stance while you execute a Mountain Block then yell.
Step 23:
Step forward once and turn 180 degrees into a Left Horse Stance and execute a Double Forearm Block.
Step 24:
Align your right foot to your left and execute a Slow Double Low Block.
Step 25:
Step forward with your left foot once and get into your Left Horse Stance and execute a Double Forearm Block.
Step 26:
Turn 90 degrees to your right, get into a Left Crane Stance, and execute a Diamond Block.
Step 27:
Turn 90 degrees and get into your Left Horse Stance, deliver a right hook punch and left elbow strike.
Step 28:
Step forward with your left foot once and turn 360 degrees before going back to your horse stance and repeating your right Hook Punch and left Elbow Strike. Go back to your Joon Bi Seogi after this.
Final Thoughts:
Training for your black belts tests and in particular the forms part takes years of dedication and practice. Because not only do you need to be able to demonstrate the steps in the forms but you must also show control and at least an advanced mastery of the kinds of moves your throwing.
This is different then someone being able to do say 300 push ups or run 5 miles in order to get into better physical shape as it won’t take at least 3 years to do this.
I think it shows real persistence and willingness to do what it takes to the perform techniques correctly, especially when demonstrating the more complex or advanced forms, and be able to show that consistently, especially during testing time when the eyes of your teacher and others are watching your every move.
To be able to consistently show solid, strong technique is what makes black belt candidates stand out over others, and it really shows the instructors that you understand what your doing and how to effectively use your different kicks, stances, and punches.