So, you’ve started training and passed your first belt test. Congratulations! Now your instructors are teaching you a form that they are calling “Taeguk Il Jang.” What does that mean? And why is it important?
As an instructor, examiner, and referee, Taeguk Il Jang is one of my favorite forms. It is also very important for learning the basics. Even as a student it was my favorite!
what is a form?
First, I’ll back up, and explain. In taekwondo there are patterns called “forms” or “Poomse”. These are patterns of techniques. They serve multiple purposes, but part of it is to help preserve and memorize techniques and combinations unique to taekwondo. These Poomse are practiced in dojangs all across the world.
The Taeguk forms are the most basic and most common forms practiced in schools across the world. They are usually taught to prepare people for their black belt test, and are crucial in a student’s training. Taeguk Il Jang is the first form in the list.
So why is Taeguk Il Jang my favorite?
Taeguk Il Jang is one of my favorites because it’s so simple yet so complicated. If you don’t believe me, watch one of the national poomse competitions. They’re quite elegant. Not only that, they’re quite detailed. You’ll notice that after you watch a competition video, and then (when you’re a black belt) work at a testing.
Techniques in Taeguk Il Jang
You know how the first move you make in the form is a down block (Arae Makki)? Well, if you watch the Olympic sparring matches, you’ll notice something interesting. Athletes use variants of this technique. They block kicks to their target using this technique. You’ll notice that the block fully covers their chest guard. If you talk to a self defense instructor, you’ might find out that it is useful in self defense situations. If a black belt, an Olympic athlete no less, uses it, then it must be pretty important. It certainly explains why Arae Makki is in so many forms!
Another significant technique in Taeguk Il Jang is quite obvious. Yet, for some reason, many students don’t realize it. What is the important technique, you ask? Punches. Many students complain about the form. They always say it’s boring. Students don’t realize that it teaches them one of the most important hand techniques in any martial art. The middle punch. Not only does it cover how to make a fist, it also teaches you how to use it. Where does a middle punch go? In the middle! Yet a surprising number of people struggle to keep it there.
Philosophy, Symbolism, and Il Jang
Forms hold importance beyond mere physical practice. They are also part of philosophical discussions in taekwondo. Specifically, the meaning behind the forms. Taeguk Il Jang introduces the symbol for “light” or “sky”. I have found various different interpretations of why this form means “light.” As a general premise though, it’s because of the concept of beginnings. Think about it this way: Our day begins when the sunlight starts to hit us and wake us up. Similarly, Taeguk Il Jang is a part of the beginning of our taekwondo journey. It’s usually the first form we ever learn. Our first glimpse of the world of taekwondo.
Yell nice and loud!
Perhaps the philosophy part doesn’t interest you. That’s fair. Philosophy is not for everyone, no matter how much I wish it were. Perhaps you are more interested in the actual form. As you’ve learned the form, you’ve probably also learned about kihaps. Or yells. Literally, yelling at the end of the form. This is another important introduction of Taeguk Il Jang. Every poomse has at least one kihap in it. It comes from the diaphragm, up and out. A very important thing that hopefully your instructor taught you on your first day. If you do it and really commit to it, you’ll notice more power in your punch when you kihap. Interesting, no?
See what I’m talking about? After reading this post, you probably learned something, didn’t you? There is so much more to the forms than just stances and route memorization. Hopefully, you’ve learned something interesting and will keep reading other posts. I have so much to write about and I’m so excited to share!
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This site is for informational and entertainment purposes only. All martial arts techniques and exercises should be supervised by a trained martial arts instructor in order to prevent injuries and to ensure the proper technique is utilized. The information on these pages and videos is meant only to amuse, not replace, the instruction given at your martial arts classes. To properly understand these techniques, you need to learn them from a martial arts instructor who can provide you with an in-depth explanation of the technique, help correct your mistakes, answer your questions and detail how the technique should be utilized. In addition, all martial arts techniques and training should be used safely and responsibly.
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