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The work "Taegeuk" is comprised of two Chinese characters: "Tae" meaning 'joyfullness' and "Geuk" meaning 'eternity'. Taegeuk is the philosophical idea from which views on life and the universe are derived. It has no form, no ending, no beginning. Nevertheless, everything is embodied in and has for its origin Taegeuk.
From the Taegeuk are derived eight major philosophical concepts, each of which is represented by its respective trigrams called "Palgwe". These Palgwe are arranged in a circle with its complimentary opposite across from it. The pairs are: Keon/Gon, Tae/Gan, Ri/Gam, and Jin/Seon. The eight Palgwe and Taegeuk forms are based on these eight principles.
Keon is the first of the eight Palgwe. Keon is the creative force which inhabits all physical forces.
Keon teaches us to be like the constantly changing universe, creative active and diligent.
Students should consider this concept as you perform this form and allow it to influence the styling of your movements.
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Palgwe/Taegeuk 2 (i-Chang)
TAE (Joyfulness)
The 2nd Palgwe is Tae. Tae is the principle of joyfulness and manifests through a clear and relaxed mind full of positive thoughts.
This form should be performed gently but forcefully, with ease and fluidity. You should not be struggling against your limitations, but living fully within them.
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Palgwe/Taegeuk 3 (Sam-Chang)
RI (Fire, Sun)
The principle of Ri is expressed through enthusiasm in practice. Man needs fire to survive, however fire can have catastrophic results.
The movements of fire are that of flickering energy with an unpredictable pace and continuous movement.
Movements of this form should emulate the qualities of fire, with a variety of quickness and strength, while always maintaining complete control.
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Palgwe/Taegeuk 4 (Sa-Chang)
JIN (Thunder)
Noise without substance, the principle of Jin is symbolized by thunder, and is expressed as bravery and steadfastness.
This principle suggests that in the face of danger and fear we should act calmly and bravely.
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Palgwe/Taegeuk 5 (O-Chang)
SEON (Wind)
Substance without noise, the principle of Seon is symbolized by wind.
Wind changes directions and force without warning, therefore the principle of the form is that of contrasts.
The actions of this form should at times be as gentle as a breeze, and at times as forceful as a storm. However, you must keep a balance between these contrasts throughout the entire form.
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Palgwe/Taegeuk 6 (Yuk-Chang)
GAM (Water)
The principle of Gam is symbolized by water, liquid and formless, water flows around and absorbs all things.
Gam teaches us that with self-confidence we can overcome all difficulties and hardships we encounter in life.
Perform this form with fluidity, and the understanding that each action is exactly what is needed for the particular situation.
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Palgwe/Taegeuk 7 (Chil-Chang)
GAN (Mountain)
The principle of Gan is symbolized by mountain, stable and majestic.
Learn from the stability of a mountain and do not act in a hasty manner. You must learn where and when to stop.
Perform the form with this in mind, and keeping all movements majestic and deserving of praise.
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Palgwe/Taegeuk 8 (Pal-Chang)
GON (Earth)
Gon is the 8th and last principle of Palgwe and symbolizes earth.
The Earth is where the creative force of heaven and light are realized into physical form. The earth is that from which all life springs, matures, and dies.
Pal Chang is the last round in your first step of training, and is a stepping stone to the way of a dan-holder. Review the fundamental actions and concepts found in the previous forms. From this platform more advanced forms can be studied.
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The eight Palgwe and Taegeuk forms are intended for the mental as well as the physical training of the tae kwon do practitioners, combining as it does, basic movements with philosophical thoughts. The student, in preparing himself for advancement, is urged to maintain a good balance in his own mind between his martial skills and the traditional values of tae kwon do.
