Basic Meanings - Meanings of the Black Belt Forms
Koryo – This is the first of the black belt forms practiced by 1st Dan and above. It has 30 movements and is the name of the ancient Korean dynasty (A.D 918 – 1392) in which the English word Korea was derived from. This poomse (form) is significant as it symbolizes the great fortitude displayed by the people who were persistently defeating the aggression of Mongolians who were sweeping Asia at the time. Koryo, therefore, represents the cultivation of a strong conviction, and unyielding spirit.
Keumgang – This form has 27 movements. It has the meaning of being too strong to be broken. In addition, the name has two connotations applicable to Tae Kwon Do: one poetic, and the other - spiritual. The Korean people have named the most beautiful mountain in their land Keumgang-san; and the hardest substance - the diamond, they have called keumgand-seok. These dual qualities of hardness and beauty are therefore associated with the name. The movements of the Poomse Keumgang are as beautiful as the Keumgang-san (a Korean mountain) and as strong as Keumgang-seok (diamond).
Taebaek – This is the third of the black belt forms and it has 26 movements. Mythology says that the nation of Korea was founded in Taebaek more than 4300 years ago. This region is now Mount Baekdoo, but the word Taebeak, still identifies the source of Korea, and the majesty of Mount Baekdoo, and so it is associated with light, this being the source of life, and sanctity because the mountain is close to perfection. This form is named Taebaek because it is meant to portray these abstract qualities.
Pyongwon – This form has 25 movements. It is performed in a straight line and symbolizes the plain. A great open plain gives us a feeling of majesty different from that experienced when viewing a mountain. The open plain is vast and majestic and gives us food.
Sipjin - Sipjin stands for decimal. This Poomse (Form) represents the orderliness of the decimal system. It also means the endless development and growth in a systematic order: stability.
Jitae - Jitae means 'earth'. According to Oriental Belief, all living things come from and return to the earth. The earth is the beginning and the end of life.
Cheonkwon - Cheonkwon means 'sky'. The sky should be seen as ruler of the universe. It is mysterious, infinite and profound. The motions of Cheonkwon are full of piety and vitality.
Hansoo - This poomse is derived from the fluidity of water which easily adapts within nature.
Ilyo - The state of spiritual cultivation in Buddhism is called 'Ilyo', which means more or less 'oneness'. In Ilyo, body and mind, spirit and substance, I and you are unified. The ultimate idea of Tae Kwon Do can be found in this state. It is a discipline in which we concentrate on every movement leaving all materialistic thoughts, obsessions and external influences behind.