TAEGUEK PHILOSOPHY

TAEGEUK: These forms represent infinity, eternity, no beginning or end, just as an infant looks at the world, or as you look at the sky or an ocean. You are to make the speed of breath and action exact, and move the body weight properly while executing combat-like actions. The translation means that something contains the essence of everything, in other words. your poomse practice will affect your entire life.

Taegeuk One - Represents heaven and light. Heaven gives us direction to life just as the rain and sun give plants direction to grow. Compare this form to the necessity of water as the most important nutrient required to keep us alive.

Taegeuk Two - Represents joyfulness. This is the state of mind that allows us to remain patient and firm in our self-control so that our smile and virtues always prevail.

Taegeuk Three - Represents fire and sun. Knowing how to control fire is a basic distinction of man from the animals. Fire and sun give us light, warmth, enthusiasm, and hope. Perform the movements with passion and briskness.

Taegeuk Four - Represents thunder and lightning, which are the objects of fear and trembling. We are to practice calm actions and be brave, even in the face of danger or fear. Be confident the blue sky and bright sun will reappear.

Taegeuk Five - Represents wind, knowing that wind can be horrible as are tornados or hurricanes but that the winds of nature are also gentle. Wind symbolizes a humble state of mind and expresses repetitive good-natured deeds. Become your brothers' keeper without expecting reward. Treat others as you wish to be treated.

Taeguek Six - Represents water which is liquid and formless, never loses its nature, and always follows the path of least resistance. We are to be like water in our attempt to overcome difficulties and hardships. Our level of self- confidence is comparable to an amount of water, one drop is hardly noticed but an uncontrolled drip can cut through the hardest of rock. Imagine the river rock that keeps getting pushed around by the water until it evolves from its jagged start to a highly polished smooth stone. The experiences of life tend to smooth and polish the human spirit.

Taegeuk Seven - Represents mountain. When climbing a mountain, we must learn when to stop and rest and when to persist even though the task appears impossible. Man must learn stability from the mountain that never moves; hold true to your beliefs and virtues. Do not act in a hasty manner, do not fall victim to your weaknesses.

Taeguek Eight - Represents earth. We take life from it, grow on it, are buried in it, and are continuously drawing limitless energy from it. The earth hugs and grows everything. You are to learn from nature, be aware of the earth around you, respect nature as it is your lifeblood. You cannot survive without it. Attempt to compliment the earth in all your actions. If you pollute the earth, you are eventually polluting man.

Koryo - Named after the ancient dynasty that eventually became modern day Korea. The people of that time were respected for their persistence against incredible odds. These were mountain dwellers who had to survive the severe winters in the mountains and the continuous attacks from warring neighbors. Every movement is a representation of the strength of your spirit and conviction to cause. We are to strive for an unyielding spirit and unbendable will.

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