W.T.F. PATTERNS
Taeguek is a symbol representing the principles of the cosmos creation and the
norms of human life. The circumference of the Taeguek mark symbolizes infinity
and the two parts, red and blue, inside the circle symbolize yin (negative) and
yang (positive), which look like rotating all the time. Therefore, Taeguek is the
light which is the unified core of the cosmos and human life and its
boundlessness signifies energy and the source of life. The yin and yang
represents the development of the cosmos and human life and the oneness of
symmetrical halves, such as negative and positive, hardness and softness, and
materials and anti-materials. The eight bar-signs (called kwae) outside the
circle are so arranged to go along with the Taeguek in an orderly system. One
bar means the yang and two bars the yin, both representing the creation of
harmonization with the basic principles of all cosmos phenomena. The Taeguek,
infinity and yin-yang are the three elements constituting the philosophical
trinity as mentioned in the Samil Sinko, the Scripture of Korean race.
2.The Origin of Taeguek Denomination
According to the old book of history, Sinsi Bonki,
around(B.C.35), a son of the 5th emperor of the Hwan-ung Dynasty in on ancient
nation of the Tongyi race whose name was Pokhui, was said to have received the
Heaven's ordinance to have an insight in the universal truths, thereby observing
rituals for the Heaven and finally receiving the eight kwaes (bar signs). After
all, this has been passed down through a long, long history by King Mun, Chou
tsu, Confucius and Scholar Kim Il bu, all descendants of the Tongyi race.
Scholar Kim finally completed the present Taegeuk mark.
3. Poomsae
The Taegeuk poomsae was established on the basis of profound
philosophy of Taegeuk to be trained by the Taekwondo beginners. Its poomsae line
and seogi are based on the invariable basic though of Taekwondo. The monism of
Taegeuk is the frame of this poomsae, each Kwae being reflected in a pattern of
Taegeuk poomsae, which elucidates the Taekwondo spirit and the profoundness of
Taekwondo techniques.
