Origin of forms?

[Myst]

Hi guys, I'm new! Anyway, I'm testing for my 3rd degree black belt soon and I have to write an essay on the history of forms, what they are, and why we practice them. I was told by my instructor to look at the Japanese background. I was just wondering if someone could point me to some sites where I could find this info. I've tried googling, but it hasn't come up with much. Thanks!

[ncole_91]

I am not too sure, but good luck on the testing and on the essay

[tufrthanu]

Well it would be helpful if you could tell us the names of some of your forms...while its true that alot of the old timers in TKD took shotokan karate...alot of the forms used today are korean in origin...but if you would please post the forms you do we might be able to help you out.

[Myst]

We use the Taeguk forms... I don't know how much help that tells you, but that's about all I know. Thanks!

[tufrthanu]

Heres a site on patterns that goes over the history of all of them before getting to TKD towards the bottom of the page. http://tkdtutor.com/10Patterns/PatternHistory.htm

[rmclain]

The Tae Guek forms were created and introduced by The World Taekwondo Federation in 1974. These are intended to be gup-level form requirements and to replace the Palgue forms created and introduced in 1973 by the Korean Taekwondo Association, which became the WTF.

 

Along with the TaeGuek forms, the WTF created a second version of the form, "Koryo," which is commonly called Koryo 2 or modern Koryo in many places. It starts with a knifehand block and double side kick.

 

R. McLain

[Myst]

Thanks everyone!

[Keumgang]

Wait a minute. You said that you were testing for 3rd dan and you mentioned that you all do Taeguek forms. What about the black belt forms Koryo, Sipjin, Keumgang, Taebaek, Pyongwon, Cheonkwon, Hansoo, Jitae, and Ilyeo?

 

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.