TAE KWON DO POOMSE

Meaning of the forms

Below are the different Poomse that you will practice and learn while studying the art of Tae Kwon Do. Each form has a specific meaning, philosophical ideal and symbol related to it. By understanding these meanings the performance of the form takes on a new perspective.

PALGWE Palgwe represents the 8 basic principals of all things in the Universe as written in the IChing, the ancient Chinese text “The Book of Changes”, called the “Juyok” in Korea. The concept is that in this universe, the elemental forces, the Palgwe and the opposite forces are in constant interaction with each other, merging, parting, growing, and declining. The universe is in a constant state of change due to the balance of harmony and conflict of these basic elements.

TAE-GEUK Translated from Chinese, Tae meaning greatness and Geuk meaning eternity, Tae-Geuk represents the essence of all that exists. Tae-Geuk is without form, without beginning and without end. All things come from Tae-Geuk. The eight basic symbols, or Gwe patterns; heaven, earth, fire, water, wind, mountain, happiness, and thunder represent Tae-Geuk. Four of these Gwe patterns are displayed on the Korean National Flag.