Understanding Taekwondo Poomsae

Through the practice of forms (Poomsae), students learn the applications of various techniques of Taekwondo. Poomsae serve a multi-dimensional role, aiding in development and refinement of coordination, balance, timing, breath control and rhythm, all of which are essential skills to the Taekwondo student. This blog post lists and describes the World Taekwondo Federation Poomsae. 

World Taekwondo (WT) is an international governing body for the sport of Taekwondo.

Formerly known as the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), WT oversees rules, competitions, and promotes the development of Taekwondo worldwide.

WT is a member of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF).  

Kukkiwon is the official headquarters of World Taekwondo and serves as the global center for Taekwondo education and training.

Located in South Korea, Kukkiwon is responsible for promoting and standardizing the practice of Taekwondo internationally.

The term WTF-style taekwondo refers to the style of taekwondo used in WT-sanctioned competitions.

This style is defined by theKukkiwon, so technically the more correct name for this style is Kukkiwon-Style Taekwondo.

Poomsae

A form, or poomsae, is a defined pattern of defense-and-attack motions. Poomsae vary in complexity and are performed with specific techniques, stances, and movements.

WT recognizes and standardizes poomsae (also called “forms”) for international competitions. There are recognized forms for both individual and team events.

Poomsae are categorized into color belt (kyorugi) and black belt (dan) divisions, each with its own set of forms.

Color Belt Poomsae (Kyorugi):

Kukkiwon/WT Taekwondo uses the following series of forms (called the Taegeuk series) for colored belt (mudansha) forms:

Black Belt Poomsae (Dan):

Each of the yudanja (black belt/Dan) forms has a floor pattern that traces out a Chinese character or other symbol.

Each character is said to represent a characteristic that should be exhibited by a taekwondo master: wise, unbreakable, spiritual, peaceful, long-lived, pious, adaptable, etc.

Kukkiwon/WT Taekwondo uses the following series of forms (called the Yudanja series) for Black Belt forms:

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