TAEKWONDO
Taekwondo is more than just a martial art. It is a discipline, a philosophy, and a way of life that blends physical training with mental strength and ethical values. Originating in Korea over two thousand years ago, Taekwondo has evolved into a modern Olympic sport, practised by millions around the world. Yet, its spirit remains rooted in tradition and respect.
The word “Taekwondo” is made of three parts:
- Tae (태): to kick or strike with the foot
- Kwon (권): to punch or strike with the fist
- Do (도): the path or the way, the philosophy that guides a martial artist
Together, they represent more than physical power. Taekwondo is about control, focus, and the never-ending pursuit of self-improvement. It teaches students to stand tall, defend with honour, and act with integrity inside and outside the dojang (training hall).
At Golden Taekwondo Academy, we embrace both tradition and innovation, helping every student find their strength, develop confidence, and move forward with purpose.
Poomsae The Heart of Taekwondo Movement
Color Belt Patterns (Poomsae 1-8)
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Poomsae #1 : Taegeuk Il Jang (태극 1장)
Level: Yellow Belt
Symbol: ☀️ Heaven (Keon / 건)
Philosophy: This form symbolizes the beginning of life, like the sky or sun. Movements are simple and upright, representing clarity and discipline.
Main Techniques: Low block, middle punch, walking stance
Stance Focus: Walking Stance (Ap Seogi)
Number of Movements: 18
Poomsae #2 : Taegeuk Ee Jang (태극 2장)
Level: Yellow-Green Stripe
Symbol: 🌊 Lake (Tae / 택)
Philosophy: This form reflects inner calm and external strength, like still water that holds hidden energy. Movements are smooth and deliberate.
Main Techniques: High block, inner block, middle punch
Stance Focus: Front Stance (Ap Kubi)
Number of Movements: 18
Poomsae #3 : Taegeuk Sam Jang (태극 3장)
Level: Green Belt
Symbol: 🔥 Fire (Ri / 리)
Philosophy: Symbolizes passion, energy, and development. Movements become sharper and faster, expressing growing spirit and strength.
Main Techniques: Knife-hand block, front kick, backfist strike
Stance Focus: Walking & Front Stance
Number of Movements: 20
Poomsae #4 : Taegeuk Sa Jang (태극 4장)
Level: Green-Blue Stripe
Symbol: 🌬 Wind (Jin / 진)
Philosophy: Reflects strong force with soft grace, like wind that can be gentle or powerful. Movements shift from slow to fast.
Main Techniques: Palm block, side kick, high punch
Stance Focus: Back Stance (Dwit Kubi)
Number of Movements: 20
Poomsae (forms) are structured sequences of movements that simulate defence and attack techniques against imaginary opponents. Each form is a reflection of deep philosophy, symbol, and progression teaching students balance, rhythm, power, and mental focus. As students advance through belt levels, they learn new forms that challenge both body and mind, marking their journey toward mastery in Taekwondo.
Poomsae #5 : Taegeuk Oh Jang (태극 5장)
Level: Blue Belt
Symbol: 💧 Water (Seon / 손)
Philosophy: Symbolizes fluidity, adaptability, and growth. Movements begin to blend attack and defense smoothly.
Main Techniques: Double knife-hand block, turning kick, backfist
Stance Focus: Front & Back Stance
Number of Movements: 20
Poomsae #6 : Taegeuk Yuk Jang (태극 6장)
Level: Blue-Red Stripe
Symbol: 🌿 Tree (Gam / 감)
Philosophy: Represents resilience, rootedness, and strength under pressure. Movements become more complex and balanced.
Main Techniques: Elbow strike, press block, side kick
Stance Focus: Fixed Stance (Gojong Seogi)
Number of Movements: 23
Poomsae #7 : Taegeuk Chil Jang (태극 7장)
Level: Red Belt
Symbol: 🌄 Mountain (Gan / 간)
Philosophy: Symbolizes stability and inner peace. Movements show strong base, control, and elevated spirit.
Main Techniques: X-block, twin punch, crescent kick
Stance Focus: Tiger Stance (Beom Seogi)
Number of Movements: 25
Poomsae #8 : Taegeuk Pal Jang (태극 8장)
Level: Red-Black Stripe
Symbol: ⛰ Earth (Gon / 곤)
Philosophy: The final form before black belt — represents maturity, mastery, and readiness to become a true martial artist.
Main Techniques: Jumping kick, double block, ridge-hand strike
Stance Focus: Combination of all stances
Number of Movements: 27
Black Belt Patterns
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Koryo (고려)
Level: 1st Dan Black Belt
Symbol: 🛡 Valor & Righteousness
Philosophy: Named after the ancient Korean dynasty Goryeo, this form represents strength, courage, and moral integrity. Movements are bold and upright.
Main Techniques: Tiger stance, twin knife-hand block, side kick
Stance Focus: Tiger Stance (Beom Seogi)
Number of Movements: 30
Keumgang (금강)
Level: 2nd Dan Black Belt
Symbol: 🗿 Diamond / Mountain
Philosophy: Keumgang means "diamond" or "mountain" representing unbreakable spirit and immovable strength. Movements are slow, firm, and dignified.
Main Techniques: Keumgang block, low double knife-hand block, turning kick
Stance Focus: Horse Stance & Long Stance
Number of Movements: 27
Taebaek (태백)
Level: 3rd Dan Black Belt
Symbol: 🌄 Sacred Mountain
Philosophy: Named after the Taebaek mountain range, symbolizing purity and nobility. This form emphasizes light but powerful movements.
Main Techniques: Elbow strike, back kick, downward block
Stance Focus: Back Stance & Front Stance
Number of Movements: 26
Pyongwon (평원)
Level: 4th Dan Black Belt
Symbol: 🌾 Vast Plain
Philosophy: Symbolizes the vast open plain representing confidence and flexibility in movement. Transitions between stances become fluid and strategic.
Main Techniques: Spear-hand, press block, double punch
Stance Focus: Long Stance (Ap Kubi)
Number of Movements: 25
Sipjin (십진)
Level: 5th Dan Black Belt
Symbol: 🔟 Ten & Stability
Philosophy: Based on the number 10, Sipjin symbolizes perfection, structure, and balance. Movements are symmetrical and deeply rooted.
Main Techniques: Crescent kick, X-block, ridge-hand strike
Stance Focus: Tiger Stance & Front Stance
Number of Movements: 29
Jitae (지태)
Level: 6th Dan Black Belt
Symbol: 🌍 Earth & Foundation
Philosophy: Represents man standing firmly on Earth — mastering both gravity and inner strength. Movements are grounded, with powerful bursts of energy.
Main Techniques: Back fist, palm press block, spinning kick
Stance Focus: Low Stance (Nachuo Seogi)
Number of Movements: 28
Cheonkwon (천권)
Level: 7th Dan Black Belt
Symbol: 🌌 Sky & Universe
Philosophy: Cheonkwon means "sky power" expressing limitless potential and universal energy. Movements become more spiritual and elevated.
Main Techniques: Jump kick, cross block, knife hand strike
Stance Focus: Free-flowing transitions
Number of Movements: 27
Hansu (한수)
Level: 8th Dan Black Belt
Symbol: 💦 Water & Wisdom
Philosophy: Hansoo stands for water’s adaptability and deep wisdom. Movements involve circular flow and strategic redirection of force.
Main Techniques: Circular block, knife-hand upward strike, one-leg stance
Stance Focus: Crane & Rear Stance
Number of Movements: 27
Ilyeo (일여)
Level: 9th Dan Black Belt
Symbol: ☯ Unity of Body & Spirit
Philosophy: Ilyeo represents oneness of mind and body — the final philosophical stage in Taekwondo. Movements are meditative and controlled.
Main Techniques: Circular palm block, meditation pose, smooth double strikes
Stance Focus: Combination of all stances
Number of Movements: 24
Taekwondo Terminology
