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Master Kim often tells us that every movement in our hyungs has a meaning. While doing our hyungs we must recognize what the purpose of each movement is so that we can execute all of the techniques properly. In addition to the movements having a meaning, the name of the hyung, as well as the number of moves or the shape of the hyung often has a significance as well. Here is a list of the first eleven Tae Kwon Do hyungs and what the name represents.

Chon-Ji --- The literal translation is "the Heaven, the Earth." It is, in the Orient, interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history, therefore, it is the initial hyung practiced by the beginner. This hyung consists of two similar parts, one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth.

Dan-Gun --- Named after the holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 BC.

Do-San --- The pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1876-1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life which he devoted to furthering education in Korea and its independence movement.

Won-Hyo --- The noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year of 686 AD.

Yul-Gok --- The pseudonym of the great philosopher and scholar Yi I (1536-1584) nicknamed "the Confucius of Korea." The 38 movements of this hyung refer to his birthplace on 38° latitude and the diagram (+) represents "scholar."

Joon-Gun --- Named after the patriot Ahn Joon-Gun who assassinated Hiro-Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-general of Korea, known as the man who played the leading part in the Korea-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in this hyung to represent Mr. Ahn?s age when he was executed at Lui-Shung prison (1910).

Toi-Gye --- The pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th Century) an authority of neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements in this hyung refer to his birthplace on 37° latitude, the diagram (+) represents "scholar."

Hwa-Rang --- Named after the Hwa-Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th century. The 29 movements refer to the 29th infantry division, where Tae Kwon Do developed into maturity.

Choong-Moo --- The name given to the great Admiral Yi Soon-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armored battleship (Kobukson) in 1592, which is said to be the precursor of the present day submarine. The reason why this hyung ends with a left hand attack is to symbolize his regrettable death, having no chance to show his unrestrained potentiality checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to the king.

Kwang-Gae --- Named after the famous Gwang-Gae-Toh-Wang, the 19th King of the Koguryo Dynasty, who regained all of the lost territories including the greater part of Manchuria. The Diagram (+) represents the expansion and recovery of lost territory. The 39 movements refer to the first two figures of 391 A.D., the year he came to the throne.

Po-Eun --- Is the pseudonym of a loyal subject Chong Mong-Chu (1400) who was a famous poet and whose poem "I would not serve a second master though I might be crucified a hundred times" is known to every Korean. He is also a pioneer in the field of physics. The diagram (---) represents his unerring loyalty to the king and country towards the end of the Koryo Dynasty.

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Korean New Year While many Koreans celebrate the New Year on January 1st of the solar calendar, the lunar new year is still popular today. In many Korean communities, the New Year is celebrated twice. The Lunar New Year started on January 24 in 2001. According to the Asian Zodiac, 2001 is the Year of the Snake (or Serpent). The Koreans focus on the family as they celebrate the beginning of the New Year. Children put on new traditional clothes called hanbok. They kneel and bow to their ancestors and elders. Family members wish each other prosperity and good fortune. Then they exchange gifts. Children receive lucky money, candy, and fruit from the elders. The family spends time together and have rice-cake soup for breakfast. Children often take this day to play special New Year games. In parts of Korea, people usher in the New Year with a ritual called Jishin Balpgi. Loud drums and gongs are played to scare off evil spirits of the old year. At the end of the day, friends and relatives join together for dinner to renew their friendship. For the Koreans, the New Year is about family and community and is a celebration of family and good friends. Here are the twelve characters in the Asian Zodiac:
	1923, 1935, 1947, 1959, 1971, 1983, 1995, 2007 Character: Pure of heart, Boar people are generous and kind. Full of inner strength and courage, they can take on any task. A friend who listens, the Boar is sincere and trustworthy. They are driven by their passion for life.
	1912, 1924, 1936, 1948, 1960, 1972, 1984, 1996, 2008 Character: Full of charm, the Rat is the object of admiration. A true sentimentalist, family and friends are close to their heart. Their intellect and foresight brings success, money and work. Rats are constant seekers of new ventures and travel.
	1913, 1925, 1937, 1949, 1961, 1973, 1985, 1997 Character: Keeper of tradition, the Ox maintains a classic and sophisticated style. Iron-willed, they remain true to their beliefs. A strong leader, their hard work and dedication are an inspiration to all. Ox people never stray from their chosen path.
	1914, 1926, 1938, 1950, 1962, 1974, 1986, 1998 Character: Brave and courageous, the Tiger is ready for any challenge. Nothing can tame their adventurous & rebellious spirit. A supreme optimist, they pursue their goals with fierce intensity. Tigers are admired for their vibrant and playful personality.
	1915, 1927, 1939, 1951, 1963, 1975, 1987, 1999 Character: Wise & Insightful, Rabbits have a deep understanding of others. Not a risk-taker, they are cautious when making decisions. A protector of diplomacy, they seek compromise to conflicts. Their creativity and style surround them with beauty.
	1916, 1928, 1940, 1952, 1964, 1976, 1988, 2000 Character: Never cautious, the Dragon is not afraid when faced with a challenge. They will defend and protect any cause close to their heart. Confident and strong, they enter all battles. Dragons are known for their powerful and majestic spirit.
	1917, 1929, 1941, 1953, 1965, 1977, 1989, 2001 Character: A natural philosopher, the Snake is blessed with a profound wisdom. Always on a mission, they are dedicated to their chosen quest. Seductive and mysterious, many are blinded by their hypnotic charm, unforgettable elegance and style.
	1918, 1930, 1942, 1954, 1966, 1978, 1990, 2002 Character: A free spirit, Horse people cherish their independence. Always on the move it is hard to slow them down. Given the power of persuasion, they can obtain whatever they desire. Horses need constant stimulation to appease their wild soul.
	1919, 1931, 1943, 1955, 1967, 1979, 1991, 2003 Character: Gentle and docile, the Ram is sincere & kind-hearted. A pacifist, they never question authority. Fueled by compassion, they admire all of nature?s beauty. Rams strive to create a secure & tranquil environment.
	1920, 1932, 1944, 1956, 1968, 1980, 1992, 2004 Character: Clever & quick-witted, Monkeys are successful in every endeavor. Inquisitive, they constantly seek new opportunities & adventure. Their intellect & versatility allow them to adapt to any situation. Their mischievous spirit is entertaining.
	1921, 1933, 1945, 1957, 1969, 1981, 1993, 2005 Character: Self-reliant and independent, the Rooster is not one to seek counsel. They are confident and aggressive and are most at home in a crowd. A perfectionist, they leave no detail undocumented. Roosters will never abandon their dreams.
	1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006 Character: Noble & true, the Dog will fight to mend all that is unjust. A loyal & faithful friend, Dogs make any sacrifice for the sake of another. They will never abandon their post. A genuine listener and confidant, the Dog is the keeper of all secrets.