Koryo
The English word Korea comes from the ancient dynasty called Koryo.
The people of Koryo were
known for great fortitude and they persistently defeated the Mongolian
hordes who swept over most of
the known world of that time. Koryo embodies the spirit of strong conviction.
Keumgang
The original meaning of the word is that which is "too strong to be
broken." In Buddhism it further
means, "what can break off every agony of mind, with the combination
of wisdom and virtue."
Diamonds are the hardest substance known, and the Korean word for diamond
is keumgang-seok. The
most beautiful mountain in Korea’s Taebaek range is called Keumgang-san.
In Taekwondo keumgang
stands for movement that is based on spiritual strength; that is both
as beautiful and majestic as the
diamond mountain, and as strong as diamonds.
Taebaek
The Taebaek mountain range is the backbone of Korea, and its tallest
mountain, Baekdoo is regarded
as the country’s symbol. The principals involved dictate that this
form should be performed with
precision, grace, and a determined will. The word Taebaek can also
mean being looked up to as
sacred.
Pyongwon
In Korea, Pyongwon is a great plain and an area of agriculture. This
fertile land provides the people
with sustenance. Like the Great Plains of the U.S., it is their "breadbasket".
This great land, that
stretches out endlessly before the eye, is a vision of majesty. Pyongwon
expresses potential strength
and flexibility. It represents the majestic spirit of the great plain,
which is its namesake.
Sipjin
The Korean decimal system is known as sipjin. It is the measure of 10’s.
It is symbolic for endless
development and growth. Since it stands for disciplined change, the
form requires stability in every
movement. The plus sign, which is its "line and direction of movement"
is also the Chinese character
that means 10.
Jitae
Jitae is the earth, from which all life springs and then returns. All
natural phenomena originates from
the earth and, it’s these properties that apply to this poomse. The
movements of jitae are a harmonious
blend of implicitly welling power and strong muscles. It represents
the vigor of life.
Cheonkwon
The word means "sky" or "heaven"; that which rules the universe. The
vast sky is infinite and
mysterious - it gives rise to the human imagination. The movements
of this poomse are full of both
piety and vitality as earthbound, we look to the sky.
Hansoo
Water is the essence of life. From a single drop it forms streams, rivers,
and oceans. It can be serene
or wild, strong or soft. Its fluid power is persistent, yet it takes
the shape of its vessel. Hansoo means
water and its movement is fluid and forceful, like that for which it
is named.
Ilyo
Ilyo is the Korean word for "oneness with the universe" (the Hindi equivalent
is nirvana). It is a
Buddhist concept that is achieved when someone’s body, mind, and spirit
become one. It can only be
reached when all worldly desires have been discarded.