Taegeuk Sa Jang

Taegeuk Sa Jang, the fourth form in the Taegeuk series, is associated with the trigram Jin (☳), symbolizing thunder. The form consists of 20 movements performed on three parallel lines and embodies explosive, rhythmic energy—like the sudden power of thunder.

The form begins in a ready stance (Joon Bi Seogi) and progresses through a sequence of stances, blocks, strikes, kicks, and transitions.

Steps

First Line (Da 1 Direction – Left)

  1. Step with the left foot to turn left 90° into a right back stance (left foot forward). Perform a left double knifehand middle block.
  2. Chamber for the fingertip thrust by bending the left elbow and sweeping the left knifehand downward.
  3. Step forward into a front stance → right fingertip thrust (spearhand), supported at the elbow by the left knifehand.
  4. Chamber for the next double knifehand block (right palm-up at left waist, left palm-down extended sideways).
  5. Step with the right foot to turn right 180° into a left back stance (right foot forward). Perform a right double knifehand middle block.
  6. Chamber for a fingertip thrust using the same swatting motion.
  7. Step forward into a front stance → left fingertip thrust, supported at the elbow. Chamber for a swallowform strike (left palm-up at right waist, right palm-up to the side).

Second Line (Ra 1 Direction – Right)

  1. Step left to turn left 90° into a front stance → perform a swallowform strike (left knifehand high block + right knifehand inward neck strike).
  2. Right front kick → land in front stance.
  3. Left side kick by pivoting right → return foot down in prep for right side kick.
  4. Right side kick by pivoting left → land in left back stance (right foot forward) → chamber for and complete right double knifehand middle block.

Third Line (Returning to Start)

  1. Turn 180° left on the right foot → left middle block.
  2. Right front kick → land behind left → right middle punch.
  3. Turn 180° right on the left foot → right middle block.
  4. Left front kick → land behind right → left middle punch.
  5. Turn 90° left on the right foot → Jebipoom Sonal Mok Chigi (swallowform knifehand strike) with right arm outstretched.
  6. Right front kick → land in front of left → right middle punch.
  7. Turn 90° left on the right foot → left middle block.
  8. Transition the left middle block into a right middle punch.
  9. Turn 180° right on the left foot → right middle block.
  10. Transition the right middle block into a left middle punch.
  11. Turn 90° left on the right foot → step forward with the left foot → right middle block, then two alternating middle punches (left–right).
  12. Turn 180° left on the right foot → return to ready stance (Joon Bi).

Taegeuk Sa Jang reflects the energy of thunder—sudden, powerful, and precise. Maintain upright posture, rhythmic timing, controlled breathing (exhale on exertion), and accuracy of stance. The form should begin and end at the same point, demonstrating spatial balance and discipline.

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