What is Taekwondo Poomsae?
Taegeuk
The Uhm and Yang (the blue and the red on the Taegeukdo) represent the harmony
of all life force. This harmony becomes imbalanced and the stronger of the two
overflows into the weaker, creating an imbalanced state of Uhm and Yang. The
state of balance and imbalance of the two forces constantly fluctuate throughout
life. These constant changes however, follow a certain orderly course without
exception.
Taegeuk Poomses are designed according to the Taegeuk Principle. The opposing
phenomena of nature are the main formula of the Taegeuk Poomses -- challenge and
response, offense and defense, attack and retreat, fast and slow, hard and soft.
The keys in practicing Taegeuk Poomses are to manage internal and external
energy properly and to perform in an accurate and timely manner, with adequate
breath, speed, and power control. Special attention also must be given to
transitional techniques, by shifting the center of gravity perpendicular to the
ground, so as not to lose overall body balance. Each technique must be performed
with complete focus and dynamic energy.
Taegeuk Poomse 1 IL JANG: [For the 8th Kup]
Symbol is Geun, meaning the sky, yang � the base of the
cosmos.
See Taekwondo Poomsae Training Video
This is the first and most basic form of Taekwondo training. The movements are
walking stance, front stance, low block, high block, inside block, middle punch,
front kick.
Taegeuk Poomse 2 EE JANG: [For the 7th Kup]
Symbol is Tae; meaning �internal strength and external
gentleness�
See Taekwondo Poomsae Training Video
After diligent practice of Taegeuk IL JANG, now you have a stronger base to
develop yourself further. There are more front kicks and block-kick-punch
combinations in Taegeuk EE JANG. Techniqures must be performed gently but with
dynamic inner power.
Taegeuk Poomse 3 SAM JANG: [For the 6th Kup]
Symbol is Yi, meaning fire.
See Taekwondo Poomsae Training Video
Through Taekwondo training, you have developed physical strength, and inner
power. Now is the stage where the more effort you put out, the more your
enthusiasm burns. New movements in Taegeuk SAM JANG are back stance, knife hand
strike, knife hand block. The combinations of block-punch and block-kick require
quick speed and ability to coordinate bodily parts to create integral forces.
Put speed in defense and power in attack.
Taegeuk Poomse 4 SAH JANG: [For the 5th Kup]
Symbol is Jin; meaning thunder, the undeniable power and
dignity of space.
See Taekwondo Poomsae Training Video
There are more advanced movements in this Poomse such as double knife hand
blocks, finger tip thrust, swallow stance, knife hand strike, consecutive side
kicks, cross stance back fist. To prepare you for the Kyuroogi practice there
are more transitional movements to help you to improve correct body shifting and
coordination.
Taegeuk Poomse 5 OH JANG: [For the 4th Kup]
Symbol is Sohn; meaning wind.
See Taekwondo Poomsae Training Video
The wind is so gentle when it is a breeze and devastating when it becomes a
hurricane. Human power can also be used either way. Taegeuk OH JANG is designed
to develop the inner energy and kinetic force of the body with the application
of the two opposite phenomena of nature. New movements are hammerfist, elbow
strike, side kick with side punch and jumping cross stance. Special attention is
required in striking a specific target area with the elbow.
Taegeuk Poomse 6 YUK JANG: [for the 3rd Kup]
Symbol is Kahm, meaning water � the origin of life.
See Taekwondo Poomsae Training Video
Water symbolizes a constant flow nd the ultimate flexibility. Not only must the
techniques flow like the water, but the mind must be flexible as well. New
techniques are single knifehand high section block, roundhouse kick, palm press
block and pyunhee sughi in the middle of the poomse. Special attention must be
paid to the foot position right after executing the two roundhouse kicks.
Taegeuk Poomse 7 CHIL JANG: [For the 2nd Kup]
Symbol is Kahn; meaning a mountain.
See Taekwondo Poomsae Training Video
A mountain is the spirit of firmness and strength. At this level the
practitioner�s resolution for training Taekwondo starts firmly rooting in the
heart. The meaning of self-
improvement through Taekwondo becomes deeper daily. Therefore, it is recommended
to re- examine all of the learned skills so that the base for progress is
strongly secured. You may experience some difficulties and obstacles mentally
and physically. Effort is required to get through this stage. New techniques are
low double knife hand block, palm press block, scissors block, knee strike,
middle section opening block, cross hand block, side punch, cat stance and
horseriding stance. Powerful and articulate exedcution is required in single
movements and smooth transition in combination techniques.
Taegeuk Poomse 8 PAL JANG: [For the 1st Kup]
Symbol is Kohn; meaning the Earth.
See Taekwondo Poomsae Training Video
The earth is the foundation of the growth for all life. It is the beginning of
life and all lives must return to where they began. Taegeuk PAL JANG is the last
poomse before becoming a black belt. The end means a new beginning. Perfection
of all basic Taekwondo and maturity of character is the goal at this stage. If
pride, confidence, and dignity were the results of training, honesty and
humbleness are the preresquisites for the black belt stage. It is required to
perfect from Taegeuk IL JANG to Taegeuk PAL JANG to be eligible to apply for the
1st Dan black belt test. New techniques are jump front kick, elbow strike,
single mountain block and uppercut. Accurate footwork is required in
combinations.
TAEKWONDO POOMSAE INTERNATIONAL RULES
<<< CLICK HERE
WTF POOMSAE RULES 2014 in PDF <<< CLICK HERE
General Rules When Practicing Poomsae.
● Your poomsae should finish
in the same position as you started. If you don’t there is a chance
the length of your stances are incorrect.
●
Control your breathing. This will help you focus your energy on the
target intended and use your strength efficiently.
●
Add power only where necessary on moment of impact. During
preparation relax and breathe abdominally.
●
Ensure that during the whole poomsae your weight is distributed
correctly on the balls of your feet thus finding maximum balance and
control. This also enables you to dodge an attack and counter-attack
instantaneously.
●
Try not to alter your height throughout the poomsae. When stepping
from stance to stance remain the same height. The lower you are to
the floor the more balance you have.
●
Concentrate on every individual technique whether it be a block,
strike or kick, and try to get maximum power into each. This is just
as much a mental exercise as it is physical.
●
Whenever kihaping (shouting) make sure it is short and powerful.
●
Always keep your eyes level. This ensures your head is straight and
therefore you will have more balance when performing.
●
Never favour a particular poomsae as each Pal Jung Do poomsae is
designed for health benefits.