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Poomsae Philosophy

TaeKwonDo poomsae is a combination of techniques that include stances, blocks, punches, strikes, and kicks arranged in a meaningful sequence in response to imaginary attacks coming from several directions.

Balance, focus, coordination, proper breathing, and self-discipline emerge as benefits of continuous poomsae practice. With repetition, the student begins to discover the mental and spiritual nature of TaeKwonDo. Watching the performance of someone who has mastered a poomsae is a breathtaking experience.

Poomsae practice is considered extremely important by TaeKwonDo masters. It comprises 40–50% of the testing requirements for promotion to a higher rank. It is impossible for a student to truly understand the art of TaeKwonDo without understanding poomsae. Learning all Taegeuks from 1 to 8, plus Koryo, is required for promotion to Yu Dan Ja (1st Degree Black Belt). The forms are learned in order, allowing the student to assimilate the more advanced poomsae. A student should never seek to learn an advanced poomsae without the consent of their instructor, as doing so may lead to missing essential foundations or the deeper meaning of the form.

Each poomsae has its own distinct essence and character. Each is understood as a whole rather than an assortment of separate techniques. There is an inherent unity to every poomsae. Ultimately, this unity is perceived and understood by the student as they become able to perform the entire poomsae in a fluid and connected manner.

In addition to developing technical skill, poomsae also trains the student’s mind and spirit. We are often our own worst enemy; we must learn to overcome complacency, laziness, and wandering attention. Through practice, we polish the rough edges of our character and eventually understand that TaeKwonDo is an art—far more than self-defense.

According to the World TaeKwonDo Federation (WTF), each Taegeuk form is represented by a trigram, originally derived from the I-Ching (The Book of Changes). Each trigram contains three lines, either Um (Yin in Chinese), representing the receptive female principle, or Yang, representing the creative male principle. These trigrams are similar to those found on the South Korean flag.

The word Taegeuk refers to the universe from which all things and values arise. It is also the symbol at the center of the South Korean flag and represents Korean Taoist and shamanistic philosophical values.

The floor pattern (Yeon-Mu) of each Taegeuk poomsae corresponds to its trigram. On each line, a 180-degree turn is performed. If the turn is executed by pivoting in place, the line is considered a broken (Um/Yin) line. If the turn is performed by stepping the lead foot backward, the line is a solid (Yang) line.

Nature of Um and Yang

Um and Yang (Yin and Yang) are complementary opposites rather than absolutes. Though they oppose each other, they coexist, depend on each other, and continuously transform into one another. Nothing in the universe is entirely Um or entirely Yang. Each contains the seed of the other.

Their qualities are relative and temporary. Um constantly becomes Yang, while Yang becomes Um. When one becomes excessive, the other strengthens to restore balance.

The Taijitu, often associated with Taoism, visually represents the harmony of these opposing forces.

The dynamic balance and imbalance of Um and Yang continuously transform through expansion and contraction, producing eight phenomena called Palgwae. Between 1967 and 1971, Kukkiwon-style TaeKwonDo used an older set of forms called the Palgwae, developed by the Korea TaeKwonDo Association with input from several of the original Kwans. By 1970, as more Kwans joined the KTA, the newer Taegeuk forms were created to represent a unified system. By 1971, the Palgwae forms were deprecated in favor of the Taegeuks.

What Are the Eight Trigrams?

Palwae is the by-product of the transformational cycle of the Taegeuk, which eventually returns to Taegeuk.

The symbol for Um is a broken bar; the symbol for Yang is a solid bar. Together they divide into the four stages of Um and Yang, and further into the eight trigrams.

In Chinese philosophy, these trigrams form the Bagua, the energy map used in Feng Shui, representing eight life areas surrounding a center.

You can activate a Gua by bringing in the color, element or shape. The octagonal trigram template is a common symbol for the term Bagua. The template has eight (Ba) areas (Guas), connecting two neighboring corners of the octagonal trigram towards the center to form one Gua. The center contains the Um ( Yin in Chinese) and Yang symbol, or Taijitu as per Taoist philosophy. Each of the “Guas” shows three Yao symbols, stretching in three rows from the center to the outer side. Each simple Yao symbol (line symbol) is either Um ( Yin in Chinese), representing the receptive (female) force of nature, or Yang, representing the creative (male) force of nature.

Balance is the first step toward harmony. Harmony is an ever changing state of balance. When two elements are in harmony, their energies are not just equally proportioned but blended together into a seamless whole. To be in harmony you must balance the Um and Yang energy in the body and in your lifestyle.

Select one of the belts below to learn more about the specific form or Poomsae for each Gup.