One-Step Sparring Set #1 “Il-Bon”

This is the first set of one-step sparring techniques taught to Yellow Belts. All students Yellow belt and above are expected to know these techniques and demonstrate them against both a left and right side attack.

One-Step sparring is an extension of forms practice. The One-step patterns are intended to be performed with a partner as a two-person form with the same attention to detail as applied in forms training: stances, targets, balance, timing, breathing, speed, power and focus are all equally important. The goal is to perform these techniques with the same speed and intensity you would use in real self-defense situation.

Note: The right hand performs a different attack for each of the three one-steps in this set.

1. L Punch > L KH block + R Punch:
Attack: Right face level punch. Defense: Step forward with the right foot 45 degrees into a horse stance and deliver a left mid-section punch. Simultaneously perform a left outward single knife hand block and right face level punch. Kihap!

2. L Punch > L KH block + R KH strike
Attack: Right inward knife hand strike to the neck. Defense: Step forward with the right foot 45 degrees into a horse stance and deliver a left mid-section punch. Simultaneously perform a left outward single knife hand block and right inward knife hand strike to the neck. Kihap!

3. L Punch > L KH block + R Spear Hand Attack:
Right flat spear had thrust to the throat. Defense: Step forward with the right foot 45 degrees into a horse stance and deliver a left mid-section punch. Simultaneously perform a left outward single knife hand block and right flat spear hand to the pit of the throat. Kihap!

Color Belt Hand Technique Pattern

What follows is the basic hand technique pattern taught in class. It consists of 24 common movements that are included in the Taekwondo poomsae. Omaha Elite Taekwondo students are expected to memorize this pattern and perform portions of it at testing.

• White Belts: movements 1 ~ 3
• Yellow Belts: movements 1~ 9
• Green Belts: movements 1~17
• Blue Belts & Above: movements 1~24

Procedure:
From Junbi, step out with the left foot into horse stance with a left middle punch and Kihap! Say the Korean name for the following techniques as you perform them first with the left, then with the right hand.

1. "Arae Makki" Downblock
2. "Momtong Makki" Middle Block
3. "Olgul Makki" Risingblock
   [End of White Belts Requirements]
   
4. "Hansonnal Makki" Single Knife Hand Block
5. "Hansonnal Mok chigi" Single Knife Hand Strike
6. "Momtong Jirugi" Middle Punch
7. "Olgul Jirugi" High Punch
8. "Batangson Teok Chigi" Palm Heel Strike
9. "Dangkyo Teok Chigi" (Kihap!) Pulling Back Fist Strike
   [End of Yellow Belt Requirements]
   
10. "Palgup chigi" Elbow Strike
11. "Pyonsonkeut tzireugi" Spear Hand Thrust
12. "Jebi poom mok chigi" simultaneous knife hand rising block + knife hand strike
13. "Deung jumeok ahp chigi" Back Fist
14. "Otgoro Arae" Low X-Block
15. "Otgoro olgul" High X-Block
16. "Palmok hecho" Forearm Spreading Block
17. "Sonnal Hecho" Knife Hand Spreading Block
    [End of Green Belt Requirements]
    
18. "Kawi makki" Scissors Block
19. "Kodureo Momtong" Mid-Section Assisted Forearm Block
20. "Kodureo arae" Low-Section Assisted Forearm Block
21. "Sonnal Momtong" Mid-Section Double Knife Hand Block
22. "Sonnal arae" Low-Section Double Knife Hand Block
23. "We santul makki" Single Arm Mountain Block
24. "Santul makki" (Kihap!) Mountain Block
    [End of Blue Belt Requirements]

Symbolism & Philosophy of the Taeguek Poomsae

Taeguek Poomsae

In Taekwondo students must learn a set pattern of movements before being promoted.  These sets of movements are commonly referred to as “forms” in English and “Poomsae” in Korean. The most widely practiced Taekwondo forms are the Taeguek Poomsae. The Taeguek Poomsae are a set of eight patterns taught to beginner students as they progress to black belt. The Korean root words are “Tae” meaning bigness and “Geuk” meaning eternity.

Symbolism & Philosophy of the Taeguek Poomsae

Tri-Grams

The eight Taeguek patterns are each named after and based on one of eight trigrams or “Gwe” which are symbols from an ancient oriental text called “The Book of Changes”. The trigrams are incorporated in the OETC logo as the outer ring. Each of these eight elements are composed of opposing forces called Um and Yang. Together these eight opposing elements attempt to explain the wonders of the universe as a whole. 

The way movements and footwork of each Taegeuk Poomsae are organized symbolize the shape of the pattern's corresponding trigram. A solid line in a trigram indicates advancing footwork in the poomsae while a broken line in a trigram is represented by stationary footwork in the poomsae. 

The tri-grams for the eight Taegeuk Poomsae are as follows:

Taegeuk Il-Jang: Heaven

Just as Heaven is the beginning of things, Taegeuk Il-jang represents the beginning of a students understanding of Taekwondo.

Taegeuk E-Jang: Lake

At this point in the journey a Taekwondo student's understanding of Taekwondo is compared to looking at a Lake. We see the surface and admire it's beauty but there is more underneath that we have not yet seen and do not understand. 

Taegeuk Sam-Jang: Fire

Green Belt students learn Taegeuk Sam-Jang. As fire is hot and bright, sam-jang represents the energy and enthusiasm a Green Belt student is supposed to develop at this level of training. Rapid kick-punch combinations appear in this poomsae for the first time also representing an increased intensity in training.

Taegeuk Sah-Jang: Thunder

Thunder is powerful, it can be heard but not seen. Students learning Taegeuk sah-jang should learn restraint in conjunction with their increasing skill. True strength does not always need to be displayed to be respected.

Taegeuk O-Jang: Wind

Wind is also a powerful force. It can be gentle and refreshing like a breeze or devastatingly destructive like a tornado. 

Taegeuk Yuk-Jang: Water

Water is the source of life, it must constantly flow or become stagnant. A student at this point in the journey should be developing perseverance in training. Consistent, small progress over time can lead to awesome results. 

Taegeuk Chil-Jang: Mountain

The opposite of Lake, students at this level are approaching the end of the Taegeuk Poomsae as their black belt test draws near. This is like reaching the top of the mountain, from their new vantage point the have a greater understanding of Taekwondo. The journey is far from over, what comes up must come down revisiting the previous lessons learned.

Taegeuk Pal-Jang: Earth

The last Taegeuk pattern. The black belt candidate possesses a large body of skills and must constantly review and refine even the most basic skills learned at white belt. The at this level should learn humility and prepare to become a beginner once again as a freshman black belt.