The Meaning of WTF Black Belt Forms

Koryo

The English word Korea comes from the ancient dynasty called Koryo. The people of Koryo were known 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." In Buddhism it further means, "what can break off every agony of mind, with the combination of wisdom and virtue." Diamonds are the hardest substance known, and the Korean word for diamond is keumgang-seok. The most beautiful mountain in Korea's Taebaek range is called Keumgang-san. In Taekwondo keumgang stands for movement that is based on spiritual strength; that is both as 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. Like the Great Plains of the U.S., it is their "breadbasket". 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 the Chinese character that means 10.

Jitae