Taw Kwon Do Form 5 or Poomsae Taegeuk O Jang is a series of actions applying the Seon of Palgwe. Seon is female, and symbolizes the wind. Although there are horrible and destructive winds, such as the typhoon, hurricane, and tornado, the wind’s true nature is gentle but penetrating. Spring breezes softly caress the willow, but the willow does not stop the wind, rather it bends willingly in its path.
Thus, the wind symbolizes humility and good natured actions. Seon can be alternately gentle and flexible as a breeze, or powerful and unyielding as a cyclone. Again, this form expresses the duality implicit in all the Palgwe forms.
Like an easy breeze, Taegeuk O Jang is simple, yet like a storm, it is strong and powerful. Its techniques sweep through the air, pushing away resistance, then penetrating like the wind.
These techniques include a strikes such as the Hammer Strike to the face, an Elbow Strike, and the execution of a Back Fist while leaping into a Crossed Stance. Taegeuk O Jang’s powerful combination includes a Front Kick, Inside Middle Block, Back Fist Strike and High Block, Side Kick, Elbow Strike.
Terms Used With This Form:
- Joon Bi Seogi– Ready Stance (i.e. “at ease”)
- KiHap – Shout
- Poomsae – Form
- Eolgool Makki – High Block
- Yeop Chagi – Side Kick
- Ap Chagi – Front Kick
- Me Joomeok – Hammer Strike
- Palkoop Chigi – Elbow Strike
- Momtong Makki – Middle Block
Video of Blue Belt Form – Taegeuk Oh Jang
I think its easier to learn this (and probably all) Poomsae with a visual as well as written version.
Blue Belt Form – Taegeuk Oh Jang Step by Step:
Step 1:
From Joon Bi Seogi, turn to the left by moving your left leg forward in a Front Stance while executing a left low block. Front Stance is having one leg in front of the other in a lunge position.
Step 2:
Move your left foot a step back and resume your upright walking stance while executing a left Mejumeok Naryo Chigi; this is executed by Making a circular motion with the attacking arm and ending directly in front of you with your knuckles facing outward.
Step 3:
Turn 180 degrees to the right on your left foot then move your right leg forward in a Front Stance while executing a right low block.
Step 4:
Move your right foot a step back and resume your upright walking stance while executing a right Mejumeok Naryo Chigi.
Step 5:
Turn 90 degrees to the left by moving your left leg forward in a Front Stance while executing a right middle block.
Step 6:
Do a front kick with your right leg, followed by a right Back Fist and then a left middle block. The Back Fist is executed by pulling in your attacking arm to your opposite oblique only to swing it in the face of your opponent; make sure your knuckles are facing your opponent to increase damage.
Step 7:
Do a front kick with your left leg, followed by a left Back Fist and then a right middle block.
Step 8:
Step forward once with your right foot in a Front Stance and execute another right Back Fist.
Step 9:
Turn 270 degrees to the left on your right foot and execute a left Hansonnal Montong Maki.
Step 10:
Step forward once with your right foot and execute a Palkoop Chigi; this is when you use your elbow to attack your opponent. When you do a Palkoop Chigi, keep your body balanced, your head faced your opponent, and your attacking hand hovered over by the palm of your other hand.
Step 11:
Turn 180 degrees to the right on your left foot and execute a right Hansonnal Montong Maki.
Step 12:
Step forward once with your left foot and execute a Palkoop Chigi.
Step 13:
Turn 90 degrees to your left by moving your left leg to a Front Stance while simultaneously executing a left low block and followed by a right middle block.
Step 14:
Do a front kick with your right foot, land your foot in front of your other foot in a Front Stance position and follow through with a right low block and then a left middle block.
Step 15:
Turn 90 degrees to your left and land your left foot in a Front Stance while executing a left upper block.
Step 16:
Do a side kick with your right foot, land it in front of your left, and proceed to execute a left Palkup Pyojeok Chigi.
Step 17:
Turn 180 degrees to your right on your left foot while executing a right upper block.
Step 18:
Do a side kick with your left foot, land it in front of your right, and proceed to execute a right Palkup Pyojeok Chigi.
Step 19:
Turn 90 degrees to your left by moving your left leg to a Front Stance and then proceed to execute a left lower block, followed by a right middle punch.
Step 20:
Do a front kick with your right leg, jump forward and land on your Oreon Appkoa Seogi while delivering a right back fist. After this, turn back to your Joon Bi Seogi
Remember the Following:
- Form should begin and end at exactly the same spot. This indicates the quality of the performer’s stances and technique.
- Correct posture and body position must be maintained at all times.
- Muscles of the body should be either tensed or relaxed at the proper, critical moments in the form.
- The exercise should be performed in a rhythmic movement with an absence of stiffness.
- Movement should be accelerated or decelerated according to the specifications of that pattern.
- Exhale on exertion of each technique in order to maximize power.
- Each pattern should be perfected before moving to the next.
Students should know the purpose of each movement.
Tips
In performing this poomsae as well as all the others, you should think not of executing techniques in a vacuum, but rather of responding to attacks from a number of opponents surrounding you.
You should always turn your head first, look at your imaginary opponent, then perform the required block or attack. It’s also worth mentioning to listen to your body and don’t force yourself to learn something you personally aren’t ready for yet; in cases like these, practice slowly until you feel comfortable enough to try again!
Always wait for the “Baro!” or end signal of your master before getting into Joon Bi Seogi after every form; this shows that you are taught to be disciplined during TaeKwonDo sessions.