The Value of My Taekwondo Black Belt Black Belt Thesis Written By: Tom Barrington October, 1999 School: Mo s Taekwondo Black Belt Club USTU #3615 Location: Hewlett Packard Co. Roseville, CA Instructor: Mohammad Shahmirzadi
The Value of My Taekwondo Black Belt Black Belt Thesis Written By: Tom Barrington October, 1999 Almost three years ago I had the unique opportunity to sample the martial art of Taekwondo at a low cost and without obligation. At that time I was 39 years old and 8 months into the first formal fitness program of my life, one I had started in order to be a more competitive motorcycle racer. In the time since I ve discovered how valuable Taekwondo training is to me as a physical, mental, and spiritual way of life. My goal of earning a black belt is truly the beginning of a long journey. It s clearly an attitude as much as an art and a sport. I now train and practice at least three times per week and am looking forward to growth beyond first Dan. This paper has two purposes. First, I ve chosen to present a technical summary of one of my primary Taekwondo training elements, Palgwe forms. Second, I intend to describe the value of Taekwondo to me and how it has positively impacted my life. Forms, or poomse, have been an integral part of almost every martial art throughout recorded time. Some of these arts have used forms as the primary convention of practice, even going so far as to use them for free sparring. Other arts have gone to the other extreme and placed forms at the bottom of the list of important areas of study. Practitioners of these arts would execute forms only if they did not have a training partner with whom to practice. Forms in Taekwondo can fall anywhere in the above range of priority depending on the individual master instructor. However, on a national and international level, they play an integral role in the way of Taekwondo. Thankfully, my program is well balanced and includes forms that are recognized throughout the world. The traditional Taekwondo poomse, including the Palgwe and Taegeuk patterns, Koryo, and others range in difficulty according to individual belt rankings. The United States Taekwondo Union recognizes Palgwe and Taegeuk forms as official competition forms. Competitors at all levels are judged on the accuracy of their movements as well as their grace, balance, power and focus. In poomse competition you can see clearly two interconnected aspects of Taekwondo: aesthetic beauty combined with the power of a dynamic fighting art. The Palgwe and Taegeuk poomse represent the ideals of the martial art of Taekwondo: pacifism, unity, creative spirit, indomitable spirit, and eternity. Palgwe implies symbolically all the phenomena of man and universe. As well as containing the basic physical movements which must be mastered to become proficient in Taekwondo, the poomse also embody the thoughts which accompany the practice of Taekwondo. It is from these thoughts that Taekwondo gains its ideals. To understand the Palgwe poomse fully we must look at the philosophy of these forms. Palgwe stems from the ideas found in one of the most respected texts in the Orient addressing the meaning of life - the Jooyeok, or
Book of Changes. The Book of Changes, also known as the I Ching, was originally written in China by Fuh Hi approximately 3,300 years ago and has been added to over a period of hundreds of years by several Chinese sages. The book describes a theory in which the phenomenon of constant, shifting change, which is the human condition, is shown to possess a moral harmony. The theory analyzes the process in which two opposing metaphysical forces called Yin and Yang combine to generate new combinations. These are seen as the conceptual mechanism that enables life and the universe. Fuh Hi identified eight subsequent combinations derived from the two primal forces, Yin and Yang. He named them, and arranged them in a circle to illustrate their harmonious relationships, and designated the character of each (see below). Fuh Hi showed that these eight concepts manifest themselves in all things, including our human destiny. Fuh Hi arranged the trigrams around the Chinese symbol for Yin and Yang to show the relationship between each and their opposite. In Palgwe each of the eight concepts is represented as a trigram, which is derived from the symbols for Yin and Yang. Each of the Palgwe poomse is based on one of these concepts and integrates the concept into the methods of attack, defense, forward and backward movements, speed, control and intensity of the actions. Palgwe 1 Il Jang - Heaven The actions in Palgwe One are associated with Keon, a concept that is pure Yang. Keon is the creative force that inhabits all physical forms. Keon is powerful and aggressive, and is represented by heaven and light. This poomse should be performed with the greatness of heaven. Palgwe 2 Ee Jang - Lake The actions in Palgwe Two are associated with Tae. Tae is the concept of joy and is of a spiritually uplifting nature. Tae reflects serenity and gentleness and is not aggressive. Tae is symbolized with the image of a lake. In keeping with this philosophy, this form should be performed with fluidity and ease, without struggle, while maintaining strength and conviction.
Palgwe 3 Sam Jang - Fire Palgwe Three represents the Ri principle. The concept of Ri means creative passion and is symbolized as fire or sun. Most important is the variety in quickness and strength required by the practitioner. The moves must demonstrate the qualities of fire and sun; continually moving, sometimes slow, sometimes fast; flickering energy; stillness followed by excitement or passion. Palgwe 4 Sa Jang Thunder Palgwe Four applies the concept of Jin, which means thunder and is expressed as bravery and steadfastness. Such actions require strength, balance and composure. The Jin principle suggests that we should act calmly and bravely even in the face of danger and fear. Palgwe 5 Oh Jang - Wind Seon symbolizes wind, sometimes gentle, sometimes forceful. Wind is yielding and penetrating, soothing and destructive; invisible and yet, manifesting. These characteristics are encompassed in Seon and seen in Palgwe Five with actions that are subtle, but strong and pure. Palgwe 6 Yook Jang - Water Gam means water, and the characteristics of constancy and flow. The concept of Gam defines the dramatic expressions within Palgwe Six. Water is flowing, shapeless, and is not stopped by obstacles but rather, incorporates them in its sense of flow. It is important for the practitioner to recognize this as a type of confidence, of always knowing that whatever difficulties or hardships he may encounter in life, or in the practice of his art, there exists no doubt of overcoming them as long as he retains the qualities of acceptance, flow, and natural integrity. Palgwe 7 Chil Jang - Mountain The actions in Palgwe Seven apply the concept called Gan and interpret this concept which is symbolized by the image of a mountain, grand and majestic whatever its size. This poomse should be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic and deserve to be praised. Palgwe 8 Pal Jang Earth The actions in this eighth and last Palgwe poomse are guided by the principle called Gon, a concept that is pure Yin, the end of the beginning. This principle is defined as the quality of being receptive and is symbolized by the earth, providing substance into which the heavenly light and energy of Keon enters to produce physical forms. Performing this poomse one should be aware that this is the last Palgwe to be learned. It is also the end of a circle, and therefore leads to the beginning. In practicing Taekwondo poomse we apply punching and kicking techniques and the changes of stance learned from the basic training to actual fighting situations. It also provides us with the effects of improving flexibility of body and being skilled in
controlling our strength, balance, breath, and concentration of spirit, as well as cultivating martial art spirit through its mental discipline. For these reasons, poomse are often called the language of Taekwondo. Simply knowing the movements, however, is not enough. To practice poomse correctly and to convey their intended meaning, it is necessary to combine both the physical and mental aspects of the Palgwe forms. When this is accomplished, perhaps after a thousand repetitions or more, the forms will take on a different appearance, atmosphere, and ambiance. For me, this is a goal that I have yet to fully reach. I have always been awed by the qualities of speed, flexibility, balance, calmness, and humility depicted in martial artists by the media. When the Taekwondo program was launched through Hewlett Packard Company s health club it seemed like an excellent opportunity to test my abilities. I knew very little about Taekwondo as an individual martial art and even less about how I would benefit from the program. In preparing for first Dan testing I ve reflected on eight ways that Taekwondo as been valuable in my life: Self-confidence I ve always wanted to be the best at whatever I do and I ve avoided some sports and other opportunities because I knew I didn t have the skill or wouldn t spend the time to become proficient. I ve always been intimidated by fighting and the martial arts. Since the first session my instructor emphasized the importance of competing with myself as the ultimate measure of my improvement. I ve used this attitude at business and at home and found the rewards well worth the risks. Father-Son Relationship My son and I enjoy a special connection now that he is two years through his own Taekwondo program at a local dojang. We realize the obvious benefits of working out together, critiquing our techniques and practicing our forms. Much more valuable to me, though, is the greater bond and respect we have for each other. We share what we call a black belt attitude, an approach consisting of respect, honesty, self-improvement, and delivery on our commitments. We challenge each other to be better people, and we remind each other when we re slipping. Our bond as black belts is something we ll enjoy the rest of our lives. Flexibility Flexibility is important to success, be it in business, relationships, or Taekwondo. The need for flexibility in Taekwondo has highlighted the need for me to stretch physically, mentally, and spiritually. Thankfully, my program enables me to do all three. Just as valuable is the extension of this mindset to the rest of my life where I strive to be more open and accepting. Conditioning As a result of my training I ve lost 12 pounds and reduced my body fat by five percentage points. I can exert myself longer and with greater intensity than any time I can recall. My instructor emphasizes that three things are necessary to spar successfully, or to defend
one s life: knowledge, experience, and stamina. Given that fighting is the last resort in a confrontation, stamina provides the edge I may need to escape a life-threatening situation. Reflexes Taekwondo favors quickness over strength. Where other martial arts may prefer delivering a single knockout punch or kick Taekwondo emphasizes multiple techniques in quick succession. Quick reflexes enable the student to deliver these techniques when they are most likely to be effective. Through one-step, three-step, and free sparring my reflexes have improved substantially. While I still have much room for improvement I ve begun to notice how some responses now happen automatically, without having to think. The more I can hardwire these reactions through experience the quicker I ll become. Focus Becoming proficient at anything takes practice, attention to detail, and commitment to success. Focus plays a major role in all aspects of Taekwondo, from kicking targets to executing forms to breaking boards. On a larger scale my Taekwondo training has been a major personal focus for almost three years. I ve experienced first hand how I can be successful at something on which I focus. It s a model for success everywhere in life. New and lasting friendships Among the benefits I least considered but value most are the friendships I ve created with my team members. With the leadership of our instructor, Mohammad Shahmirzadi, we created a successful program where none previously existed. This challenge and the work we ve done together to improve ourselves has created bonds that go beyond our common employment. It is extremely rewarding to watch each other perfect our techniques, break more boards, or teach a junior student a new form. It s especially important to me that these friendships extend outside the dojang, where we celebrate holidays together or just a cup of coffee. A lifestyle Taekwondo for me represents a lifestyle that supports my personal values. It emphasizes the development of mental discipline, a willingness to learn, emotional self-restraint, a philosophy of kindness, and a strong moral character. Through Taekwondo I strive to be a powerful but gentle individual. I value a Taekwondo black belt because it represents what I have accomplished and the potential I have to grow further. It represents the faith my instructor has in me to exemplify the principles of Taekwondo in a responsible manner and to transfer them to others who want to learn. I sum it up with this simple principle: Knowledge in the brain, honesty in the heart, and strength in the body. I know in the future I ll look back and be able to say I was many things. Thanks to Taekwondo I will always say I am a black belt.
Table of Contents for Black Belt Thesis Prepared By: Tom Barrington December, 1998 Introduction The Value of Poomse Poomse as a major component of Taekwondo training Cultivation of the martial art spirit through mental discipline Palgwe, Palgwe, and Koryo Principle of Palgwe Meaning of Palgwe forms 10 commandments of forms/how forms are judged How Taekwondo Has Improved My Life Self-confidence (try something that has seemed intimidating and succeeding, being a champion of life and continuous improvement) Relationship with my son (increased connection and respect for each other, we both know what it means to have a black belt attitude) Flexibility (body and mind) Conditioning (persevere and continue even when the body and mind say no) Reflexes (quickness over strength) Benefit to other sports (flexibility, conditioning, and quicker reflexes have improved my skill at another of my favorite sports, offroad motorcycle racing) New and lasting friendships A lifestyle Closing a black belt will never be something I was, always something I am