Taegeuk Il-Jang
태극 일장
Taegeuk 1
“Teyh-Goog Eel-Jahng”
8th Geup Poomsae
Trigram: ☰ Sky

Taegeuk 1-Jang corresponds with 건 Geon (天), the first trigram of Palgwae which represents the sky and light, embodying the concept of birth and beginnings — the root of all things. Geon refers to 양 Yang in the relative action of 음 Eum and 양 Yang (陰 Yin and 陽 Yang) in Taegeuk. It represents the energy that marks the beginning of all things. In addition, since Geon corresponds with the head in the human body, it implies the correct understanding of Taekwondo’s basic movements and the acquisition of skills through the first Poomsae practice.

“Taegeuk 1-Jang is the first stage of Poomsae practice involving basic moves and how to connect attack and defense based on basic techniques. At this stage, the practitioner learns how to attack or block with straight or bent arms and connect the techniques by combining 앞 차기 Ap Chagi (Front Kick) and 지르기 Jireugi (Punching). This is a cognitive stage where shifting the weight and changing direction are difficult because the coordination of hands and feet, moving the center of gravity, and understanding the correct movement require a lot of practice.”

Technique Summary

서기 Stances:

  • Closed Stance / Moa Seogi / 모아 서기

  • Parallel Stance / Naranhi Seogi / 나란히 서기

  • Walking Stance / Ap Seogi / 앞 서기

  • Forward Stance / Ap Gubi / 앞 굽이

방어 기술 Defensive Skills:

  • Downward Block / Naeryeo Makgi / 내려 막기

  • Middle Inward Block / Momtong An Makgi / 몸통 안 막기

  • Upward Block / Ollyeo Makgi / 올려 막기

공격 기술 Offensive Skills:

  • Forward Punch / Bandae Jireugi / 반대 지르기

  • Reverse Punch / Baro Jireugi / 바로 지르기

  • Front Kick / Ap Chagi / 앞 차기

특수품 Special Skills:

  • Basic Ready Posture / Kibon Junbi Jase / 기본 준비 자세 (5 Seconds)

기합 Kihap:

  1. On the final Forward Punch

Chart PDF Download

Performance Notes:

  • Rhythm / Tempo:
    Be mindful of the different intervals between movements, which are determined by whether or not the next technique is offensive or defensive.

  • Downward Block → Reverse Punch:
    Take care not to aim the Reverse Punch after the Downward Block on moves 5 and 10

  • Front Kick:
    Make sure that your kick properly chambers, extends and re-chambers. Extend the kick with a Pulled Foot at least as high as your collar bone.

  • Front Kick → Forward Punch:
    Aim your punch as you are re-chambering your Front Kick.

  • Footwork:
    If all footwork is correct you should end 1 Forward Stance behind your origin point.