Читать книгу Taekwondo Black Belt Poomsae. Original Koryo and Koryo онлайн

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Master Doug Cook at Bulguksa Temple, South Korea. Courtesy of Patty Cook.

Keumgang Yuksa. Courtesy of Doug Cook.

But for the taekwondoist, perhaps the most significant of these images is that of Keumgang Yuksa, the stern guardian-warrior stationed at the entrance of the Tong-Il Jeon shrine in Kyongu, South Korea. Cast in bas-relief, he seems to leap out in defense against the demons that threaten the sanctity of this spiritual vortex. Naked to the waist, exposing a muscular torso adorned below in a flowing skirt, he was selected by Kim Taesong to defy the invisible enemies of Buddhism. Translated from Sanskrit as “diamond” or “thunderbolt,” Keumgang embodies the power of compassion yet manifests raw, physical power. It is from this potent example that taekwondo draws elements of its technical heritage. Martial arts historians trace the high block (olgool makki), palm heel strike (batangson chigi), and knife hand (sonnal) to this ancient warrior. Supported by one leg in some cases, his crane stance (hakdari seogi), too, has contributed to the defensive arsenal of taekwondo. Currently, Keumgang Yuksa is memorialized in Keumgang, a black belt poomsae inspired by his name as well as a majestic mountain range located within the borders of Korea. Featuring the diamond block (keumgang makki) and crane stance, this formal exercise emphasizes the strength of nature’s hardest substance, the diamond, in cutting through unforeseen adversity. Moreover, since Korea, the homeland of taekwondo, is no stranger to life’s struggle for survival, the philosophical component underscoring this poomsae is all the more poignant. As millions of martial artists worldwide acknowledge this faithful warrior through the practice of Keumgang poomsae, he remains unwavering, standing his eternal watch at the entrance of Sokkuram. Always the silent sentinel, it is forces unseen that he defies and defends against.