Taegeuk Chil-Jang
태극 칠장
Taegeuk 7
“Teyh-Goog Chihl-Jahng”
2nd Geup Poomsae
Trigram: ☶ Mountain
Taegeuk 7-Jang represents 간 Gan (山) in Palgwae. Gan symbolizes a strong mountain range with meandering ridges and the connection between mountains. It represents the spine, the flexion and extension of joints and vertebrae in the human body. A mountain is more than a pile of soil; it includes the flow of groundwater through its rocks. Mountain soil, rocks, and groundwater correspond with muscles, joints and blood vessels and nerves in the human body, respectively. At this stage, you should train to exert force along with the efficient use of flexion and extension of joints and muscles.
“범 서기 Beom Seogi (Tiger Stance) is the new addition to Taegeuk 7-Jang. It is a type of stance wherein you can easily adjust the distance and change directions while simultaneously practicing techniques of attack and defense. Additionally, you will train to block using two arms inside out in different directions with 가위 막기 Gawi Makgi (Scissor Block), 헤쳐 막기 Hechyeo Makgi (Opening Block) and various 치기 Chigi (Striking) moves. These include 등 주먹 바깥 치기 Deung Jumeok Bakkat Chigi (Back Fist Outward Strike), 팔굽 표적 치기 Palgup Pyojeok Chigi (Elbow Target Strike), short-range attacks such as 표적 안 차기 Pyojeok An Chagi (Target Inward Kick), 두 주먹 젖혀 지르기 Du Jumeok Jeojhyeo Jireugi (Double Turn Over Punch) and 걸어 막기 Georeo Makgi (Tripping Block) along with 엇걸어 막기 Eotgeoreo Makgi (Cross Block) — a technique to block the opponent’s own close range knee strike. Other techniques learned at this stage are 보 주먹 준비 자세 Bo Jumeok Junbi Jase (Covered Fist Ready Posture), breath control (linking the flow of Ki and keeping a calm mind) and 잡기 Japgi (Grabbing) to connect with 무릎 올려 치기 Mureup Ollyeo Chigi (Knee Upward Strike).”
