Pil Sung Taekwondo AcademY
Taekwondo Poomsae
Kukkiwon
Kukkiwon Taekwondo Poomsae are a series of predefined Taekwondo movements performed in a specific sequence. Think of them as choreographed forms or patterns that simulate a fight against an imaginary opponent. Poomsae are a fundamental part of Kukkiwon Taekwondo training and are essential for belt promotions, as they demonstrate a student’s proficiency in various techniques, balance, and focus. Each poomsae represents a different concept and introduces new techniques, building on the knowledge gained from previous forms.
The 8 Taeguk Poomsae
The Taeguk poomsae are the foundational forms in Kukkiwon Taekwondo and are the first eight forms a student learns on their journey to earning a black belt. The name “Taeguk” refers to the concept of the “Supreme Ultimate” in Korean philosophy, representing balance and unity. Each form corresponds to one of the eight trigrams of the I Ching, a Chinese classic, and symbolizes a different natural element.
Taeguk Il Jang (태극 1장):
Symbolizes Geon (건), which represents the sky (Heaven) and light. This is the first form, introducing basic stances and punches.
Taeguk Ee Jang (태극 2장):
Symbolizes Tae (태), representing a lake and gentleness. It introduces a high block and a front kick.
Taeguk Sam Jang (태극 3장):
Symbolizes Ri (리), representing fire and brightness. This form focuses on more advanced hand techniques.
Taeguk Sa Jang (태극 4장):
Symbolizes Jin (진), representing thunder and power. It introduces the knife-hand block and a sidekick.
Taeguk Oh Jang (태극 5장):
Symbolizes Son (손), representing wind and adaptability. This form introduces elbow strikes and back stance.
Taeguk Yuk Jang (태극 6장):
Symbolizes Gam (감), representing water and fluidity. It incorporates a twisting front kick and a low block.
Taeguk Chil Jang (태극 7장):
Symbolizes Gon (곤), representing a mountain and stillness. This form introduces the tiger stance and a wide block.
Taeguk Pal Jang (태극 8장):
Symbolizes Gon (곤), representing the Earth and strength. This is the final Taeguk form before black belt, combining all previous techniques.
“All Poomsae videos are official resources from Kukkiwon – the World Taekwondo Headquarters"
Black Belt Poomsae
Once a student achieves their black belt (1st Dan) by mastering the Taeguk forms, they advance to the Yudanja poomsae, or black belt forms. These advanced patterns demand higher precision, power, and mental discipline. Each form becomes more challenging, helping practitioners refine techniques, develop inner strength, and enhance focus. Progressing through the Yudanja poomsae signifies not just technical growth, but also deeper understanding of martial arts principles and lifelong commitment to mastery.