TKD Tidbits by Master Erica Linthorst

Giving form meaning

The sixth (6th) form we learn (color belt Pal-gwe yuk-jang, black belt T'ae-guk yuk-jang) represents the Seon which is Water. Water can move a mountain. This poomse should be performed fluidly while also keeping in mind that sometimes it is still as a lake, other times moving rapidly as a river.

Language we use There are 2 major counting systems in the Korean language. The basic system is used for daily objects, counting, and simple things. Here are those numbers:

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 ha-na * tul * set * net * tasot * yosot * il-gop * yodol * a-hop * yol The second system (derived from Chinese) is used for more theoretical, scientific, and higher order counting. You hear them when we mention poomse.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 ( 9 10) il * (i) ee * sam * sa * o(h) * yuk * ch?il * p'al * (ku * sip) Remember: yellow belt form = (i)ee-jang and so on. Can you figure out the rest?

So, we will speak of, for example (as above): Pal-gwe yuk-jang which is translated as Pal-gwe form 6.

Philosophically speaking

Since it's the baseball season, I thought you would enjoy some sayings from Yogi Berra, one of the great NY Yankees coaches of all time. He had a special way with words, would leave people laughing then thinking really hard. The quotes used here, are equally applicable to TaeKwonDo. Please read them carefully, many times - laugh then consider seriously.

Yogi said:

"You've got to be very careful if you don't know where you're going, because you might not get there."
Suggested interpretation When the Master prepares you for what you must do, you must both watch and listen. Then you can practice.

"Baseball is 90% mental- the other half is physical." Suggested interpretation For TKD we must prepare both mentally by saying "Yes I can do it!" and physically by training hard in all aspects of each class.

"You give 100% in the first half of the game and if that isn't enough in the second half you give what is left." Suggested interpretation During class time, never let up or quit. Throughout your entire program you must continue to dedicate yourself to hard work and set goals for your continued development.