Nantz Martial Arts Academy

Taekwondo Poomse are paradigms of the martial art. They contain the basic physical movements and philosophies from which the art was derived. Also known as hyung or forms, Poomse are a series of basic attack and defense movements put together in a preset pattern and performed against imaginary opponents. The techniques, delivered in a realistic fashion, allow the practitioner to develop strength, breath control, balance, power, focus and self-discipline. As Taekwondo developed, numerous traditional forms were created or imported from its parent arts. On January 30, 1967 the Korean Taekwondo Association adopted sets of 8 Taegeuk and Palgwe as the standard forms for Gup holders, and nine forms; Koryo, Kumkang, Taebaek, Pyongwon, Sipjin, Jitae, Chonkwon, Hansu, and Ilyo for Dan (degree) holders. 

Poomse serve as a Taekwondo encyclopedia. Each new form introduces new techniques, which must be mastered by the student to advance in rank and skill. When the movements and techniques from all the Palgwe and Taegeuk forms have been learned, the individual is ready to become a Cho Dan or beginning black belt. The Yudanja Poomse develop the practitioner’s skills into the Dan levels. Poomse do not necessarily teach us fighting, they show us the methods and behaviors to excel in martial arts training.

 

Poomse Theory 

The words Taegeuk and Palgwe essentially represent the same thing, the universe. Taegeuk literally translated means, “bigness” (Tae) and “eternity” (Geuk). Palgwe means, “The eight (Pal) trigrams 
(Gwe)”. They are derived from the I Ching, The Book of Changes. In the I Ching the universe is divided into eight subsequent combinations of the major forces, um and yang. Each combination is represented by a symbol called a trigram, representing heaven, earth and man. Each trigram is comprised of three lines, which can be broken – – (um or negative principle) or solid —– (yang or positive principle). The number of possible combinations of a trigram consisting of three lines, broken or solid is (23=8) eight; thus the eight universal principles the Taegeuk and Palgwe represent. The eight trigrams are arranged in a circle around the symbol for um and yang. Each trigram is matched to a point on 
the um/yang symbol according to the amount of negative and positive principle it contains. Due to the balance inherent in the um/yang symbol, the resulting pattern represents the nature of the relationships 
between the trigrams; not as opposites, but as interdependent polarities that comprise the universe. ☰ Keon is the first trigram and represents the creative forces, heaven and light. ☱ Tae represents the concept of joy, often associated with a lake. ☲ Ri is the symbol of fire and clarity.

☳ Jin is symbolized by arousing thunder. ☴ Seon the gentle but powerful wind. ☵ Gam flowing water. ☶ Gan means stubborn and mountain. Finally, ☷ Gon the receptive earth. Together these concepts and symbols represent the balance of all nature. In Taekwondo training as well as in life we all hope to find balance. Each Poomse represents one of the trigrams, and therefore part of the balance we hope to achieve. In this way, Poomse contain the intangible meaning behind the practice of Taekwondo. 

 

Executing the Poomse 

In executing the Poomse, there are four elements that are considered; pattern, direction, stance, and technique. 

 

The first element is the pattern of the form. Each Poomse has a pattern that the practitioner follows during its execution. Traditionally these patterns were based on Chinese characters. In the figure above the student stands at the beginning of the basic Taeguek pattern. At the end of the form the student will have moved along the black lines and returned to the starting position. The Taeguek Poomse all follow the pattern (王), which is based upon the trigrams. Execution of techniques within the Taeguek form distinguishes the solid line —– (yang) or broken line – – (um). If the practitioner takes a step forward on one of the horizontal lines of the pattern, the line is a solid (yang) line. If no step forward is completed it becomes a broken (um) line. The combination of these broken and solid lines creates the proper trigram pattern on the floor. In this way the basic movements and philosophical basis are preserved. Palgwe have some variation, 1-4 and 6 all use the pattern shape of the Chinese character, (工) gong, which means work. Palgwe 5 uses (干) gan, which means shield. In 7 and 8 the patterns are (下) ha, or below, and (土) tu, the earth, respectively. The Yudanja, Black Belt, Poomse all have a different pattern, based on a Chinese character, and a philosophical meaning. 

Koryo (Unified Korea) (士 sa) Scholar-Gentleman

Kumkang (Diamond Mountain) (山 san) Mountain

Taebaek (Saint Mountain) (工 gong) Work

Pyongwon (Fertile Plain) (一 il) One

Sipjin (Knowing Ten) (十 sip) Ten

Jitae (Earth) (上 shang) Above

Chonkwon (Sky) (下 ha) Below

Hansu (Water) (水 su) Water

Ilyo (Oneness) (卍 man) All Things  

The Taeguek, Palgwe and Yudanja Poomse were developed from previous forms relatively recently, but clearly contain organized thought. The pattern retains the cultural link of language and also conveys the philosophical message intended by the originator. To keep the message from being lost in time, the student must study and be diligent in their practice of Taekwondo.

 

The second element is direction, which indicates the direction the student faces. In the figure above the student is in the center of a clock. To the front of the student is twelve o'clock, back is six o'clock, right is three o'clock and left is nine o'clock. This clock method is used when describing the form to convey direction. Practitioners of Palgwe and Taeguek forms are only required to face these four directions. The third and fourth elements are related; they are the movements that make up the form.

 

Stance refers to the positioning of the feet and body.

 

Technique denotes methods of blocking, striking, and kicking. Both of these elements are important because the stance and technique must be performed in the proper way to develop Taekwondo skill and preserve the continuity of the art.

 

Developing Poomse Performance 

The practice and development of Poomse skill is the soul of Taekwondo practice. Poomse are used heavily in Taekwondo rank testing. A skilled instructor can discern the knowledge, skill level, strength, and focus of an individual just by watching them perform one form. When performing Poomse one must take into account several ideas: 
 
Technique – The Poomse is made up of Taekwondo techniques of blocking, striking and kicking. Without the understanding and development of basic skills, Poomse cannot be performed properly. Blocking motions should start and stop where they will be effective. Striking techniques should begin at the hip and use the appropriate follow-through. Balance, control and proper foot positions should be used with kicking skills. 
 
Knowledge of the Poomse – It is important to learn as much as possible about the particular form. The student should know the pattern, stances and techniques in as much detail as possible. Some of the 
motions in Poomse can appear to be very “abstract” and the practitioner must train hard to understand the motion. Knowing the history, Chinese character pattern and Palgwe idea inspires the student in practice 
and adds enrichment to the experience. 
 
Attitude – To practice Taekwondo for any extended time takes perseverance and patience. These attributes are consciously developed in the course of training, and they comprise an important step in understanding the art. Always foster a strong and determined attitude when Poomse training. Giving complete attention 
to a task will create the proper mental idea to display in Taekwondo. 
 
Eye Focus and Precision – Since the Poomse is a “simulated combat” practitioners must look where their imaginary opponent is located. Imagining an opponent will develop the precision of the attack and defense techniques. Middle punches should strike the imaginary opponent’s chest, high blocks should redirect high punches, and high kicks should hit the opponent’s face. Where the practitioner places these attack and defense techniques depends on their ability to "see" the attacks and openings. This is the first step in the formation of precise and effective techniques. 
 
Posture and Balance – Posture and balance are really about controlling the center of gravity. Proper posture, from a good stance, enables a practitioner to use maximum force. Balance allows us to control 
that force and to continue with the next technique quickly and efficiently. 

Timing – Timing deals with the rhythm of the Poomse. One should perform the Poomse so that each motion is completed fully and then move on to the next without hesitation. This does not imply doing the 
actions in a rapid fashion but rather performing each motion properly. 
 
Power – The display of power is based on using tension and relaxation in body movements. In the preparatory stage, relaxation is used. This helps to give speed to the technique. Once the technique has 
been delivered as it approaches its action, tension is applied. Learning when and how to use these two elements is one of the most important lessons of Poomse practice. 
 
Breathing and Kihop – Breathing is crucial to the development of Taekwondo skills. One should inhale during the preparatory motion and exhale on the delivery of the technique. The Kihop (氣合) or spirit 
shout, encompasses the idea that the exhalation is the strongest moment of the action. The Kihop should come from the diaphragm and not the nose or throat. 
 
There is a great amount of historical, philosophical, physiological and practical information stored in Poomse. As Taekwondo practitioners we have a responsibility to remember this information and 
practice it accordingly. Not only are we required to memorize the proper direction, pattern, stance and technique but also to display them with the proper balance and power in a consistent rhythm. The study 
and performance of Poomse is an art form. The practitioner, in the performance of Poomse, encapsulates their skill, experience and understanding of Taekwondo and martial arts. To embody this takes hours of practice and can be a lifetime challenge of Taekwondo.