KORYO

The English word Korea comes from the ancient dynasty called Koryo. The People of Koryo were know for great fortitude and they persistently defeated the Mongolian hordes who swept over most of the known world of that time. Koryo embodies the spirit of strong conviction.

KEUMGANG

The original meaning of the word is "that which is too strong to be broken." Diamonds are the hardest substance known and the Korean word for diamond is Keumgang-seok. The most beautiful mountain in Korea's Taebaek mountain range is called Keumgang-san. In Taekwondo, Keumgang stands for movement that is based on spiritual strength, that is both beautiful and majestic as the Diamond Mountain and as strong as diamonds.

TAEBAEK

The Taebaek Mountain Range is the backbone of Korea and its tallest mountain, Baekdoo is regarded as the country's symbol. The principals involved dictate that this form should be performed with precision, grace and a determined will. The word Taebaek can also mean being looked up to as sacred.

PYONGWON

In Korea, Pyongwon is a great plain and an area of agriculture. This fertile land provides the people with sustenance. This great land that stretches out endlessly before the eye is a vision of majesty. Pyongwon expresses potential strength and flexibility. It represents the majestic spirit of the great plain which is its namesake.

SIPJIN

The Korean decimal system is known as sipjin. It is the measure of 10's. It is symbolic for endless development and growth. Since it stands for disciplined change, the form requires stability in every movement. The plus sign, which is its line and direction of movement, is also a Chinese character that means 10.

JITAE

Jitae is the earth from which all life springs and then returns. All natural phenomena originates from the earth and it is these properties that apply to this poomse. The movements of Jitae are a harmonious blend of implicitly welling power and strong muscles. It represents the vigor of life.

CHEONKWON

The word means "sky" or "heaven" - that which rules the universe. The vast sky is infinite and mysterious. It gives rise to the human imagination. The movements of this poomse are full of both piety and vitality as earthbound, we look to the sky.

HANSOO

Water is the essence of life. From a single drop, it forms streams, rivers and oceans. It can be serene or wild, strong or soft. Its fluid power is persistent yet it takes the shape of its vessel. Hansoo means water and it's movement is fluid and forceful like that for which it is named.

ILYO

Ilyo is the Korean word for "oneness with the universe" (the Hindi equivalent is Nirvana). It is a Buddhist concept that is achieved when someone's body, mind and spirit become one. It can only be reached when all worldly desires have been discarded.