Purple Belt (6^th Gup)

Traditional Meaning:

The seedling is starting to grow into an oak tree with many branches and leaves. The tree absorbs sunlight as it starts to bloom. It is becoming more powerful, but remains deep rooted in the ground. The purple belt is a student whose Tae Kwon Do skills are growing. Their techniques and skills are becoming more powerful and they are beginning to branch out as a student. They still remained anchored, however, and are finding it difficult to move higher.

Our Interpretation:

As a purple belt you´re knowledge is growing as is your confidence. You are starting to be able to break more than one board with your techniques and have confidence in your free sparring ability. However, you are also, once again, the lower level belt in the class. You see yourself growing as a martial artist, but you also see your classmates at a higher level. This can cause you to feel stuck, like you are "rooted" into the ground. Do not let this negatively affect you. Just remember that they were once where you are, and you will soon be where they are.

Stances:

• Cat (Jookul Soghi)

Foot:

• Jump Spin Hook (E-Dan Dwi Dol Yeo Chagi)
• Hook Round Double Kick
• Spin Double Back
• Inverted Round

Hand:

• High Spear (Sang Dan pyeonsonkoot Chirugi)
• Low Spear (Ha Dan pyeonsonkoot Chirugi)
• Low Knife (Ha Dan Yak Gin Chirugi)
• palm Heel

Blocks:

• Twin Guarding Knife

Hyung:

Won-hyo – Won-Hyo was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year 686 AD.