Hansu Poomsae

By Sir Nathaniel 3X Rhine

 

The word "Hansu" means water which is the source of substance preserving the life and growing all the creatures. Hansu symbolizes birth of a life and growth, strength & weakness, magnanimity & harmony, and adaptability.

"Han" has various meanings, namely, the name of a country, numerousness, largeness, evenness, length, the heaven and the root of evening, among others. Above all, the above significances, is the background of organizing this poomsae.

The new techniques introduced in this poomsae are:

son-nal-deung-momtong-hecho-makki

me-jumeok-yang-yopkuri[both flanks]-chigi

kodureo-khaljaebi

an-palmok-arae-pyojeok-makki

son-nal-keumgang-makki

and modum-bal as a stance.

Actions should be practiced softly like water but continuously like a drop of water gathering to make an ocean.

The Poomsae line symbolizes the Chinese letter that means water.

This is the first official Sixth Dan Black Belt (pattern) Poomsae of the World Taekwondo Federation.

There are 27 movements in this Poomsae.

Chonkwon Poomsae

By Sir Nathaniel 3X Rhine

 

The word "Chonkwon" means the Heaven's Great Mighty, which is the origin of all the creatures and itself the cosmos. Its infinite competence signifies the creation, change and completion.

Human beings have used the name of Heaven for all principal earthly shapes and meanings because they felt afraid of the Heaven's mighty.

Over 4,000 years ago, the founder of the Korean people, "Hwanin" meant the Heavenly King. He settled down in the "heavenly" town as the capital near the heavenly sea and heavenly mountain, where the Han people as the heavenly race gave birth to the proper thoughts and actions from which Taekwondo was originated. The Chunkwon Poomsae is based on such sublime history and thoughts.

The new techniques introduced in this Poomsae are nalgae-pyogi [wing opening], bam-jumeok-sosum-chigi [knuckle protruding fist springing chigi], hwidullo-makki [swinging makki], hwidullo-jabadangkigi [swinging and drawing], keumgang-yop-jireugi, taesan-milgi, etc., and a crouched walking manner.

The characteristics of movements are large actions and arm sections forming gentle curves, thus symbolizing the greatness of Chunkwon thought.

The Chonkwon Poomsae line "T" symbolizes a man coming down from the heaven, submitting to the will of Heaven, being endowed power by the Heaven and worshiping the Heaven, which means the oneness between the Heaven and a human being.

There are 27 movements in this second official World Taekwondo Federation fifth dan Black belt pattern.

Jitae Poomsae

By Sir Nathaniel 3X Rhine

The word "Jitae" means a man standing on the ground with two feet, looking over the sky. A man on the earth represents the way of struggling for human life, such as kicking, trading and jumping on the ground. Therefore, the Poomse symbolizes various aspects occurring in the course of human being's struggle for existence.

The new techniques introduced in this Poomse are han-son-nal-olgul-makki, keumkang-momtong-jireugi, and me-jumeok-yop-pyojeok-chigi only, and the Poomse line signified a man standing on earth to spring up toward the heaven.

The key point of this Poomsae lies in the movements which are derived from the harmony of willing power and strong muscles, just as the universal mind of the earth lies in the implicitness and vigor of life. Jitae Poomsae is the first official 5th Dan Black Belt pattern of the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), and has 28 movements.

Sipjin Poomsae

By Sir Nathaniel 3X Rhine

 

The word "Sipjin" derived from the thought of 10 longevity, which advocates there are ten creatures of long life, namely, sun, moon, mountain, water, stone, pine-tree, herb of eternal youth, tortoise, deer, and crane.

There are two heavenly bodies, three natural resources, two plants and three animals, all giving human beings faith, hope and love. The Sipjin Poomsae symbolizes those things.

The new techniques introduced in this Poomse are hwangso-makki [bull makki], son-badak[palm]-kodureo-makki, opeun-son-nal-jireugi, son-nal-arae-makki, bawi-milgi [rock pushing], son-nal-deung-momtong-hecho-makki, kodeo-olligi [lifting up], chettari-jireugi [fork-shape jireugi], son-nal-otkoreo-arae-makki, son-nal-deung-momtong-makki, which comes to ten.

The Chinese letter meaning "ten" is the form of the Poomse line, which signifies an infinite numbering of the decimal system and ceaseless development.

Kukkiwon Black Belt Testing at World Taekwondo Instructors' Academy - October 24, 2010

By Sir Nathaniel 3X Rhine

Sunday, October 24, 2010 marked the date for the Kukkiwon Black Belt Testing held at the dojang of the World Taekwondo Instructors' Academy (Malaysia), in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

The vast majority of the participants were red belt holders wanting to be promoted to their first black belt, First Dan Black Belt.

There were two First Dan Black belt holders who sat to be promoted to Second Dan Black Belt.

There were two Third Dan Black Belt holders who sat to be promoted to the Fourth Dan Black Belt.

Two Fourth Dan Black Belt holders sat for the promotion test to be promoted to Fifth Dan Black Belt.

And one Sixth Dan Black Belt holder sat to be promoted to the Seventh Dan Black Belt.

This was the very first time in which I had the honor and privilege of seeing high ranking Black Belt holders being examined for their promotions. Not only that, but it was the very first time in which I saw Korean Masters being promoted! That in itself was inspiring.

Unfortunately, the few photographs that I was able to capture didn't turn out so well, for the two reasons being that I do not have a good camera and secondly, because I am not a great photographer. I do hope that you will get a sense of the event that took place. However, it was nothing like being there in person seeing the Masters perform their promotional testing.

Moreover, possessing a Black Belt certificate from Kukkiwon, the Headquarters of The World Taekwondo Federation, in Korea is a must if one desire to be recognized worldwide as a Taekwondo Instructor/Master of Taekwondo. Anywhere in the world, one will recognize and respect your credentials as a martial arts of Taekwondo with a Kukkiwon Black Belt Certificate. Yes, it is costly to obtain, however, the benefits are priceless. To learn more about Kukkiwon, please visit their website for more details.

To all of the participants of this weekend's Black Belt Promotional Testing, I would like to congradulate you on a job well done and encourage you to continue in this wonderful way of life we call, Taekwondo.

Pyongwon Poomsae

By Sir Nathaniel 3X Rhine

“Pyongwon” means a plain which is a vast stretched-out land. It is the source of life for all the creatures and the field where the human beings live their life. The Pyongwon Poomsae was based on the idea of peace and struggle resulting from the principles of origin and use. The line of poomsae means the origin and transformation of the plain. It is the third dan black belt pattern in the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF).

Taebaek Poomsae

By Sir Nathaniel 3X Rhine

Taebaek is the name of a mountain with the meaning of "bright mountain", where Tangun, the founder of the nation of Korean people, and the bright mountain symbolizes sacredness of soul and Tangun's thought of "hongik ingan" (humanitarian ideal).

There are numerous sites known as Taebaek, but Mt. Paektu, which has been typically known as the cradle of Korean people, is the background of naming the Taebaek poomsae.

The line of poomsae is like a Chinese letter, which symbolizes the bridge between the Heaven and the earth, signifying human beings founded a nation by the Heaven's order.

Keumgang Poomsae

KEUMGANG has the original meaning of “being too strong to be broken ”. Also, in Buddhism, what can break off every agony of mind with the combination of wisdom and virtue is called “Keumgang”.

The Korean people have named the most beautiful mountain in the Korean peninsula Keumgang-San which is located in the Taebaek range of mountains, and call diamond, the hardest known substance, Keumgang-Seok.

Accordingly, Keumgang in Taekwondo means movement based on spiritual strength that is as beautiful and majestic as the Diamond Mountains , and as hard and adamant as the diamond.

Keumgang poomse is the official 2nd Dan black belt pattern of the World Teakwondo Federation (WTF). The movements should reflect the majestic spirit of the Diamond mountains. There are 27 sequences or movements to this poomsae.

Koryo Poomsae

KORYO is the name of an ancient dynasty (918 AD – 1392 AD) in Korea . The English word ‘ Korea ' is originated from the name of “koryo” dynasty. Koryo's legacy to the Korean people is very significant.

The men of Koryo showed great fortitude by persistently defeating the aggression of Mongolians who were sweeping the known world at the time.



The application of the spirit of Koryo men into the movement of Taekwondo is  “Koryo” poomsae. Consequently, every movement is the presentation of the strong conviction and with which Koryo men held in check the Mongolians.

Koryo is the first of 9 official black belt patterns of the WTF.

There are 30 sequences or movements to this poomsae.

The Importance of Warming Up and Stretching in the Martial Arts

By Sir Nathaniel 3X Rhine

 

Warming up and stretching in all sports activities is importance, but it is even more so in the martial arts. Please be informed that stretching is not warming up! It is, however, a very important part of warming up. Warming up is quite literally the process of "warming up", raising your core body temperature. A proper warm-up should raise your body temperature by one or two degrees Celsius (1.4 to 2.8 degrees Fahrenheit).

There are three phases:

1. General warm-up

2. Stretching

3. Sport-specific activity

It is very important that you perform the general warm-up before you stretch. It is not a good idea to attempt to stretch before your muscles are warm, something which the general warm-up accomplishes. A general warm-up may be light jogging, skipping rope, riding on the stationary cycle machine or simply running in place for about 5 minutes or so.

 

Warming up can do more than just loosen stiff muscles. When done properly, it can actually improve performance. On the other hand, an improper warm-up, or no warm-up at all, can greatly increase your risk of injury from engaging in athletic activities. For older individuals, as myself, it would be very wise to get plenty of warm-up before proceeding with a strenuous activity.

It is important to note that active stretches and isometric stretches should not be part of your warm-up because they are often counterproductive. The goals of the warm-up are an increased awareness, improved coordination, improved elasticity and contractibility of muscles, and a greater efficiency of the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. Active stretches and isometric stretches do not help achieve these goals because they are likely to cause the stretched muscles to be too tired to properly perform the athletic activity for which you are preparing your body.

In closing, I would like to encourage all martial artists to arrive at least 15 minutes early to the dojang or your place of training and get in a good warm up. Use that time wisely. No running around the dojang playing tag or whatever, but use the time to skip rope, jog in place or any kind of activity that will increase your body temperature. Note, do not over do it. You may do too much warming up that you have no energy left for the actual training. That too is no good. Try the above mentioned advice this week and within a few weeks you shall see the benefits.

Thank you for reading this article and enjoy your training.

Training at World Taekwondo Instructors' Academy - October 09, 2010

Training at World Taekwondo Instructors' Academy on Saturday, October 09, 2010. All photographs were taken by Rubi-Ain Dahlan, a martial artist. Thank you Rubi for a job well done.

Ethics of Taekwondo

By Sir Nathaniel 3X Rhine

As in all martial arts, ethics are of great importance. One can look at individual ethics, treat a fellow-man right, or one can look at social ethics, as part of a whole.

Ethics basically all comes down to one point, the difference between 'good' and 'evil'. When one views the practice Taekwondo, it is often seen as an aggressive martial art/sport, but does this mean that we can be aggressive? Do we want to be aggressive?

While training and/or competing protective equipment is worn, because we don't want our opponent to be injured, nor do we want to get injured ourselves. Taekwondo is not a destructive and aggressive martial art/sport, but a comprehensive one. As I see it, taking part in a competition is not to hurt your opponent. Rather, it is an opportunity to demonstrate your strength, skills, knowledge and techniques.

Taekwondo students can improve themselves physically and mentally by training hard and regularly. The final goal is to achieve harmony with nature and oneself, not to get a black belt, like so many people believe. Balance is gained by controlling both evil and good forces. A true student of Taekwondo knows how to behave in all situations.

Moreover, Taekwondo is more for than improving one’s skills of self defence, strength and many other positive things. Taekwondo is a way of life. Practicing Taekwondo gives the student more self-confidence, but this should not result in a false sense of superiority.

There is much more I wish to share with you. In future posts, I will go further into details of some of the points just mentioned. Thank you for your time and enjoy your training.

Eleven Commandments of Taekwondo

By Sir Nathaniel 3X Rhine

 

1. Loyalty to your country.

2. Respect your parents.

3. Faithfulness to your spouse.

4. Respect your brothers and sisters.

5. Loyalty to your friends.

6. Respect your elders.

7. Respect your teacher.

8. Never take life unjustly.

9. Indomitable spirit.

10. Loyalty to your school.

11. Finish what you begin.

Objectives of Taekwondo

By Sir Nathaniel 3X Rhine

 1. To develop an appreciation for Taekwondo as both a sport and as an art form.


2. To achieve physical fitness through positive participation.


3. To improve mental discipline and emotional stability.


4. To learn self-defense skills.


5. To develop a sense of responsibility for one self and others.

Poomsae Competition in Kuala Selangor, Malaysia - June 2010

This photograph was taken by Kisoi Matsudaira as soon as we arrived at the stadium for the competition.

Taekwondo Training During the Holy Month of Ramadan

By Sir Nathaniel Rhine

To the Muslims throughout the world, we at Makevelli Taekwondo would like to wish you all a very happy and blessed month of Ramadan. To the Muslim students who are martial arts, I would hope that you will find a few minutes to read and fully understand this article on training during Ramadan.

During Ramadan, we the Muslims are forbidden to eat or drink during the daylight hours. Not even a sip of water is allowed during this time. Unfortunately, many of the Muslim martial artists love to use Ramadan as an excuse not to train, for fear that they may dehydrate, faint or whatever. Cut the non-sense!

Islam has stipulated that there shall not be any food or water had during the daylight hours. It never stated or even suggested that one should abstain from any physical activities, including martial arts training.

Of course, since there is very little water in the body of a fasting person during Ramadan, one must take into consideration one’s ability or inability to perform various physical activities. I would advise you to still train, however, do not over do it. If your usual training session is an hour and a half, you may still maintain the duration of the training, but reduce the intensity of your training.

Instead of working on your turning kick by executing 200 kicks each leg, continue to work on your turning kick, but reduce the number to say 100 each leg. You will still get in a good workout, without putting a stain on the body.

Instead of a heavy sparring session, why not work on various sparring techniques, minus the speed and stepping. Continue with the attack and defence movements, yet do it in at a reduced speed and reduced power. One does not have to kick one’s training partner with full power. Simply, touch or kick your opponent lightly, just to practice the technique.

Moreover, depending on the time of day you have training; try to minimize your other physical activities throughout the day. Reserve your energy for your martial arts training, as much as you can.

I will be very frank, I hate it with a passion when any student of mine approaches me and/or begins the day’s training session, and they act as though they are about to physically die due to observing a fast, be it for religious reasons or otherwise. Just stop! Cut the crap! If you feel that you are going to die, then do not come to class. It is that simple. If one is to think positive and tell themself that they are doing to do their best during class, then they will do there best in class.

Do not use fasting in Ramadan as an excuse not to train. At least put forth an earnest effort to train. Other members in the dojang want to train hard and they are not there to give you any pity because of your fasting. Instead, they may want to give you a quick kick in the you know what for your self-pity. Let Ramadan be a form of training for you. Use it as a train tool to increase your love for the martial arts.

In conclusion, I wish all the Muslim martial artists and non-martial artists alike a safe, happy and productive Ramadan. Happy training!

Kuala Selangor, Malaysia Taekwondo Championship - July 24, 2010

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All photographs were taken by Mr Ang Chin Beng. Thank you very much for a job well done.

Promotional Testing - May 22, 2010

Fourth Promotional Test of 2010

By Sir Nathaniel Rhine

On Friday, July 23, 2010, the Fourth Promotional Test of the year will be held at The World Taekwondo Instructors’ Academy dojang at 4:00pm. To all the students who will participate in the grading, I would like to wish you all the very best.

Keep in mind that it is not the end of the world, so don’t get too worked up over it. The most important thing is to apply all that you have learned from Master Lee and the seniors and to do your very best.

For those students who are not participating in the grading, why not come out and give your support to your friends. They will appreciate it. Keep it movin’.

Unorthodox Discipline Training

By Sir Nathaniel Rhine

Have you ever had a student or saw a student develop a bad habit simply because he refused to listen to the instructions given by an Instructor? For months even years, the bad habit has become part and parcel of the student’s behaviour or actions. What I am about to share with you may not be the greatest way to teach a student discipline, or to help break a bad habit, but it has worked for me.

This particular student had the bad habit of always scratching and itching. Not only did he scratch and itch, but he would do it continuously even while executing kicks, blocks, any and everything. At one time I would instruct him to give me 10 push ups when I saw him itching. One would think that would deter one from doing something displeasing to the Instructor, but it didn’t help at all.

Therefore, I thought about it for a while and I came up with this solution. In order for one to itch and/or to scratch, one must use their hands. So that is the solution. I decided to use an old Taekwondo belt, his old belt and I used it to tie his hands behind his back as he trained. That’s right, I tied his hands. So the only thing he could itch and/scratch would be his butt. So throughout the class he would perform all the techniques that were being taught. The only difference between he and his training mates is that he could not use his hands. But that was alright, for he was still able to perform all the exercise minus using his hands.

After about a month of having his hands tied behind his back he not only broke the bad habit of scratching and itching, but he learned to “master” his balance and movements without the use of his arms. So in the end I was able to achieve what I wanted and secondly my student improved in another area in which he also needed improvement.

Yes, it may be an unorthodox method, but sometimes such measures must be taken in order to get the results one wants. Try it you may agree with me in the end.

World Taekwondo Federation: Taeguk/Poomsae

By Sir Nathaniel Rhine

Taeguk (White Belt to Red Belt)

01. Taeguk Il Chang

02. Taeguk Ee Chang

03. Taeguk Sam

04. Taeguk Sa Chang

05. Taeguk Oh Chang

06. Taeguk Yuk Chang

07. Taeguk Chil Chang

08. Taeguk Pal Chang

Poomsae (Black Belts)

First Dan        Koryo

Second Dan    Keum Gang

Third Dan       Tae Beck

Fourth Dan     Pyong Won

Fifth Dan       Sip Jin

Six Dan         Ji Tae

Seventh Dan  Chon Kwon

Eighth Dan     Han Su

Nine Dan       Il Yo

Things to Consider When Performing Poomsae (Patterns)

By Sir Nathaniel Rhine

Poomsae should begin and end on the same spot. This will indicate the performer’s accuracy.


Correct posture and facing must be maintained at all times.


Muscles of the entire body should be tensed or relaxed at the proper critical moments in the poomsae.


The poomsae should be performed in a rhythmic movement with the absence of stiffness.


Each movement of the poomsae should be executed accordingly. Some sequences are to be accelerated or decelerated accordingly.


Each poomsae should be perfected before moving on to the next.


Students should know the purpose of each and every movement performed within the poomsae.


Students should perform the poomsae with realism.

Poomsae (Pattern)

By Sir Nathaniel Rhine

Poomsae (patterns) are various fundamental movements, most of which represent either attack or defence techniques, set to a fixed logical sequence. In poomsae, the student systematically deals with several imaginary opponents under various assumptions using every available attacking and blocking tools from different directions.

Thus poomsae practice enables the student to go through many fundamental movements in series to develop sparring techniques, improve flexibility of movements, master body shifting, master balance, build muscle, develop breath control, develop smooth fluid motions, and gain rhythmical movements. It also enables a student to acquire certain special techniques, which can not be obtained from either fundamental exercises or sparring.

Moreover, poomsae can be compared with a unit tactic or a word if fundamental movements are an individual soldier’s training or alphabet. Accordingly, poomsae, the ledger of every movement, is a series of sparring, power test, feats and characteristic beauty. Though sparring may merely indicate that an opponent is more or less advanced, poomsae is a more critical barometer in evaluating an individual’s technique.

Like any art, it must be practiced constantly in order to perfect it. It requires patience, hard work and dedication; however, the fruits are great. Unlike sparring, poomsae can be practiced alone at any time and anywhere. Once one is able to see it performed by a student who is great at performing poomsae, immediately, one will appreciate the art.

Ten Points to Becoming a Good Student of Taekwondo

By Sir Nathaniel Rhine

Below are just ten points that I would like to share with you about becoming a good student of Taekwondo. It is not limited to these ten. There are much more, however, I think ten is a good start. As time goes on, I will add to the list.

1. Never tire of learning. A good student can learn anywhere and at anytime. This is the key to acquiring knowledge.

2. A good student must be willing to sacrifice for his art and his Instructor. Many students as well as parents, feel that their training is a commodity bought with monthly fees, and are unwilling to take part in any demonstration, teaching, or work around the dojang. As an Instructor I can afford to lose this type of student.

3. Always set a good example to lower ranking students. It is only natural that they will attempt to emulate their seniors.

4. Always be loyal and never criticise the Master/Instructor, Taekwondo, or the teaching methods used.

5. If a Master/Instructor teaches a technique, practice it and attempt to utilize it.

6. Remember that a students’ conduct outside the dojang reflects on art of Taekwondo and the Master/Instructor.

7. If a student adopts a technique from another dojang and the Master/Instructor disapproves of it, the student must discard it immediately, or train at the dojang where it was learned.

8. Never be disrespectful to the Master/Instructor. Although a student is allowed to disagree with the Master/Instructor, he must first follow the instructions, and then if necessary discuss the matter later in private with the Master/Instructor.

9. A student must always be eager to learn and ask questions.

10. Never break a trust.

Etiquette of the Dojang (Training Center)

By Sir Nathaniel Rhine

Every student of Taekwondo, especially those who train at my center, Makevelli Taekwondo, must observe the following etiquette of the dojang, training center. This is to ensure order in the dojang:

1. All students must bow upon entering and leaving the dojang.

2. All students must bow to the Master/Instructor at a proper distance. Proper distance meaning within a few feet of the Master/Instructor.

3. Exchange greetings amongst students.

4. Before the class officially begins, all students as a group/class must bow to the Master/Instructor.

5. Recite the Oath of Taekwondo prior to training.

6. Always address the Master, Instructors and Black Belt holders as Master, Sir, Miss, respectively.

7. Recite the Oath of Taekwondo at the end of each training session.

In future articles, I will go into more details about each of the above etiquette. As for now, I am confident that this information will suffice. Thank you for your time.

Oath of Taekwondo

By Sir Nathaniel Rhine

At the beginning and the end of my classes that I conduct at Makevelli Taekwondo, my students will recite the oath of Taekwondo. An oath is a solemn promise that one makes. In the case of my students, they are promising themselves the following:

I shall observe the tenants of Taekwondo.

I shall respect the Instructor and seniors.

I shall NEVER misuse Taekwondo.

I shall be a champion of freedom and justice and,

I shall build a more peaceful world.

This Thing Called Taekwondo. What is it?

By Sir Nathaniel Rhine

Today many people are talking about this thing called Taekwondo. In actual fact what is it? Simply put, it is a version of an ancient form of unarmed combat practiced for many centuries in the Orient. Taekwondo has matured in its present form in Korea.

Translated from the Korean language, “tae” literally means to jump, kick or smash with the foot. “Kwon” means using the hand and/or fist to punch or destroy. “Do” means the art, way or method. In simple English, Taekwondo is the martial art of using both the feet and hands. It is the technique of unarmed combat for self defence, involving the skilled application of punches, kicks, blocks, dodges and interception with the hand, arms and feet to the rapid destruction of the opponent.

The practitioner of Taekwondo, it is more than a mere use of skilled movements. Rather it implies a way of thinking and life, particularly in instilling a concept and spirit of strict self-imposed discipline and an ideal of noble moral rearmament.

In today’s world where crime, violence and intimidation are on the increase, Taekwondo enables anyone to posses a fine and powerful weapon to defend oneself and defeat the opponent as well. It is a means of building one’s level of self confidence. There are so many benefits of practicing Taekwondo. Perhaps in future articles I will share with you some of those benefits. Thank you for your time.

First Students of Makevelli Taekwondo - 2008