The words of the thoughts before the fight
In the art of taekwondo there are 8 forms known as Taegeuk or poomsae in which the philosophy of natural elements and universal forces that bring and change a person’s awareness through regular practice building strength, character, discipline and spiritual balance that ensures a holistic and well developed individual. The first of the 8 forms is:
- Taegeuk Heaven
The element that a person looks into attaining is the sky or heavens above with the principles and values of creation, beginning and infinite potential. This creates a spiritual awakening that a person takes their steps towards curiosity and openness which are two key elements of attaining and knowing that knowledge which will bring benefit into one’s life.
Establishing correct posture, basic stances, with breath control one accepts their mistakes in this stage as they go through the learning process by subduing or being in an egoless state. The repetition of these movements builds confidence from uncertainty. Just as the sky is a wide open expanse a person begins to open their mind towards limitless potential gaining clarity of intention yet still being undefined. Just as the inner force and state of heaven is a place of great strength and well-being as the creation of the heavens is a mightier creation that that of humans. A person taps into the well-being aspects of learning that which is in the heavens and grounded rooted firmly upon the earth, where in the gardens one finds themselves placed within the heavens of earth. The curiosity leads towards seeking the truth of the moderate aspects of creation. How everything begins and what infinite levels of energy can be harnessed from sources within the heavens above.
- Taegeuk Lake
The second form is from the element of joy and the lace, the principle being calm with hidden depth. Just as the surface of a lake is undisturbed, calm and serene it look and appears as though it is on the surface yet what mysteries it contains in the hidden depth is only found when one looks within themselves similar to diving into the depths of the lake.
A person finds joy and rhythm when training there is smooth transition between techniques and stages being completely relaxed yet maintaining alertness and being vigilant to your surroundings. The feeling of the form makes the performer feel joyful and calm where one cultivates controlled joy not excitement but calm satisfaction. A peaceful surface one can appear to show calmness even in the midst of storms undisturbed and also having depth to their character which contain many different attributes present within the depth of this being just the like the water of a lake.
- Taegeuk Fire
This form is about the element of fire the main values and principles it contains are energy, passion and expansion. Fire is something that can be used for bringing total benefit or destructive harm. The aim is to have controlled energy used to make the person a passionate fighter placing their entire hearth within the realm of fire.
A person spiritual side ignites and you build and gain strength, speed and confidence. The application of fire is sharper strikes and stronger stances it is controlled power and controlled aggression that is without chaos and destruction. This brings timing and explosive energy into play with controlled breath from force and technique. You develop discipline with passion and one can learn to control themselves as fire can purify, build, create and also mold a person into an effective weapon.
Similarly, one does not let the fire consume them leading to burnt out state but maintains control over themselves and their actions. The fire within a person directs them to their hearts desire of maintaining well-being and sound character. The fire is that part which drives the person forwards towards attaining mastery in form and action.
- Taegeuk Thunder
The fourth form is about the element of thunder whose values and principles is about awakening and sudden force. The meaning of this is applying and understanding impact on both physical and mental levels. The application of this is having emphasis on decisive movements. The ability to have precision and confidence in executing strikes and also using words to ensure those battles are won with strength of will where physical fights are not necessary. There can be no hesitation and a person puts his complete heart and force into each movement. A person is able to build courage and decisiveness. Hesitation is removed and each action gains power, influence and authority. The element of thunder is a powerful natural force of creation that instills complete use of moves designed to have greater impact and strikes which deliver a devastating blow to the opponent. Each move of the form harnesses complete understanding of using natural force of this element to instill a decisive victory over the opponent.
- Taegeuk Wind
The element of this form is the wind where the principles of flexibility and adaptability are utilized where one learns to bend without breaking. The application of this is that there is fluidity in motion and adaptation to rhythm changes of each movement. It is a graceful and gentle softness that is combined with hidden strength. One gains resilience like the wind a person moves around obstacles instead of resisting them. It is not the furious storm that a tornado or cyclone that causes devastation but rather a controlled breeze that moves about with the strength of the weight of heavy amounts of large volumes of air, that is contained within the strength of using inner force to adapt and be flexible around many obstacles in your path.
As large amounts of air it requires a lot of strength to move like the wind transferring and harnessing the force to overcome and move about opponents or obstacles with fluidity yet strength of the entire force of the wind which can even break and damage the sturdiest of opponents. The wind has varying characteristics yet mainly it surrounds and is used to move by applying the force of great strength that is hidden within it.
- Taegeuk Water
The element of water has the principles of flow, persistence and quiet power. The meaning is that training deepens and is less visible and more internal. In application there is continuous flow between techniques with unique patterns that mold and change towards each stage and its use in energy conservation and efficiency that has specific gentle precision rather than brute strength
A person embodies calm strength as water wears down stone not by use of force but continuous application that is consistent and has impact over time.
- Taegeuk Mountain
The element of this form is the mountain with principles and values of stability and stillness being immovable even against the most powerful storms. One becomes well-grounded and unwavering which creates strong rooted stances and immovable balance. There is controlled breathing and stillness between movements. A person develops inner stability and patience being calm and nothing shakes you easily. The mountain is a stable force of immense structure and grounded rooted within the earth showing that it is able to withstand time and difficulties no matter what is thrown against it.
The mountain does not move but makes other move around it meaning when required in battle it is solid sturdy, dependable, resilient and forceful that has impact upon its surrounding elements that cause it to be easily affected by the use of strength with patience that attains dominance and victory is possible with the application of stillness and unshakeable force.
- Taegeuk Earth
The element of earth means that the principles and values of completion, foundation and nurturing are return to simplicity but is now with wisdom. The ability in practical applications is harmonizing all previous elements that have precision, flow, power and calmness in unity. Every move becomes intentional, meaningful with profound use and impact one achieves integration of aligning all three aspects of mind, body and spirit. This inner transformation brings about a holistic completeness that one attains with balance and harmony of breath, the form, the formless with the heart placed into every movement that is rooted in wisdom and the spiritual and emotional wellbeing is nurtured and balanced with consistency of attaining the oneness of being in tune with the creation yet being a force that is able to use all aspects of mental, physical and spiritual that is well aligned, balanced and also a wise competent able person that has joy and calmness with love in each meaningful movement and can teach and apply that which is from the knowledge found within oneself and also within the creation.
This profound state is close to being an enlightened and illuminated individual that brings benefit and uses only what it needs and removes the burdens of one’s difficulties by being good, gentle, balances and calm. This alignment is necessary for attaining mastery and having wisdom that is able to impact others, have influence and power that is found within each and every one of us that needs to be harnessed.
Summary:
The 8 Taegeuk forms make a person not just a better fighter but help a person become a better version of themselves through reform, practice and each step from heaven which is the beginning to fire which teaches you to act and then to water that endures and the mountain to make you stand form with the earth making you complete and one with the creation. When practiced daily and with depth of understanding applying, knowing and teaching when performing the forms one becomes what potential and ability that is within one’s heart that governs their actions to the best of their possibility, that a person becomes a much more sound individual that has taken their steps towards attaining mastery which is in the process and a person becomes complete.