Taekwondo Forge - ITF Poomsae info

Poomsae 1: Chon-Ji (천지)

Chon-Ji, which literally translates to "Heaven and Earth," is the first poomsae a student learns. The name has deep roots in Eastern philosophy, symbolizing the creation of the world and the beginning of all things. In this form, heaven represents the sky and earth represents the ground. The pattern itself is a simple plus sign, representing the four directions of north, south, east, and west, as well as the beginning of a student’s journey in Taekwon-Do.

Chon-Ji is made up of two parts: one part represents Heaven, and the other part represents Earth. The 19 movements in the form are designed to teach the most basic but fundamental skills of the art: a low block, a middle punch, and the two most common stances (the walking stance and the L-stance). It is the foundation upon which all other poomsae are built.

For most students, Chon-Ji is the first poomsae required for a belt promotion test. It is typically the key requirement for advancing from a white belt to a yellow belt. Mastering this form is a significant milestone that proves a student has committed to their training and is ready to move beyond basic warm-ups into the more structured and philosophical side of Taekwon-Do.

poomsae 2 The Dan-Gun poomsae is a cornerstone of the Taekwon-Do curriculum, named in honor of the legendary founder of Korea, Dan-Gun Wanggeom. According to Korean folklore, he founded the first Korean kingdom in 2333 BC. This name symbolizes a new stage of development for the Taekwon-Do student, much like Dan-Gun's founding of a nation. The form's 21 movements are said to represent the 21st century, looking forward to a new era for both Korea and Taekwon-Do.

The pattern of the form is a strong "I" shape, which symbolizes the powerful and stable foundation of a nation. This form is a critical step for a student as it introduces more complex movements and requires a deeper level of focus. It builds on the basic fundamentals learned in Chon-Ji by incorporating new types of blocks and more precise stances. The Dan-Gun form teaches a student how to defend against more varied attacks and transition between movements with greater fluidity.

This poomsae is most often the key requirement for a student's transition from a yellow belt to a green belt. Mastering it proves that a student has a firm grasp of the foundational blocks and punches and is ready to expand their skills. The form introduces the knife hand block (sonkal makgi) and a new, important stance: the annun sogi (sitting stance). The sitting stance, in particular, is a new challenge that teaches a student to build core strength and maintain perfect balance while rooted to the ground.

Poomsae 3: The Do-San poomsae is a pivotal form in a student’s journey, named in honor of the great Korean patriot and educator Ahn Chang Ho (1878-1938). Known by his pen name Do-San, he dedicated his life to promoting education, independence, and social reform for the Korean people during the Japanese occupation. The form's movements and its pattern reflect his unwavering commitment to his country. This poomsae represents his lifelong struggle and resilience against oppression, symbolizing the practitioner's own new level of dedication and perseverance.

The form consists of 24 movements, a number that symbolizes Do-San's lifelong effort for Korean independence. The pattern of the form is a powerful horizontal line, which represents a student's journey from one side of the dojang to the other. Do-San introduces a number of new, more challenging techniques that require greater control and power. Students will be introduced to the reverse punch (bandae jirugi) and will use more complex stances and blocks. It also includes the difficult W-shape block (annun sogi) which requires a high level of concentration and strength to perform correctly.

This poomsae is the key requirement for a student's promotion from a green belt to a blue belt. By this point, a practitioner has a solid foundation in the basics, and Do-San is the form that truly begins to test their ability to transition smoothly between techniques, generate power from their hips, and maintain perfect balance. Mastering this form proves that a student is not just memorizing movements, but is beginning to understand the deeper principles and philosophy of Taekwon-Do.

Poomsae 4:The Won-Hyo poomsae is named in honor of the renowned Buddhist monk and scholar, Won-Hyo (617-686 AD), a key figure in Korean history. He was a pivotal figure who played a significant role in spreading Buddhism throughout Korea during the Silla Dynasty. The form is named after him to honor his contributions to philosophy and his quest for spiritual enlightenment. This poomsae represents a student's own philosophical and physical growth, symbolizing their new understanding of the deeper meaning of Taekwon-Do.

The form consists of 28 movements, a number that signifies Won-Hyo's quest for enlightenment and his dedication to his teachings. The pattern of the form is a powerful horizontal line that mirrors the path of a student's journey. Won-Hyo is the first poomsae to introduce the twin knife-hand block (sonkal makgi), a technique that requires a high level of coordination and precision. The form also features a twin fist punch and a jump kick, requiring a greater level of balance and athletic ability.

This poomsae is the key requirement for a student's promotion from a blue belt to a red belt. By this point, a practitioner has a strong foundation in the basics, and Won-Hyo is the form that truly begins to test their ability to transition smoothly between complex techniques. Mastering this form proves that a student is not just memorizing movements, but is beginning to understand the deeper principles and philosophy of Taekwon-Do.

Poomsae 5: The Yul-Gok poomsae is a pivotal form named in honor of the great Korean philosopher and scholar, Yi I (1536-1584), who was also known by his pen name Yul-Gok. He was a foundational figure in Korean history, and his philosophical principles continue to influence thought today. The form's 38 movements are said to represent his birthplace at 38 degrees latitude and the two diagrams at the top and bottom of the form symbolize the scholar. This poomsae represents a student's own philosophical and physical growth, symbolizing their new understanding of the deeper meaning of Taekwon-Do.

The form introduces a variety of new, more challenging techniques that require greater control and power. Students will be introduced to the reverse punch (bandae jirugi) and will use more complex stances and blocks. It also includes the difficult W-shape block (annun sogi) which requires a high level of concentration and strength to perform correctly. The pattern of the form is a strong horizontal line, which represents a student's journey from one side of the dojang to the other.

This poomsae is a core requirement for a student's promotion from a red belt to a black stripe. By this point, a practitioner has a solid foundation in the basics, and Yul-Gok is the form that truly begins to test their ability to transition smoothly between techniques, generate power from their hips, and maintain perfect balance. Mastering this form proves that a student is not just memorizing movements, but is beginning to understand the deeper principles and philosophy of Taekwon-Do.

Poomsae 6: The Joong-Gun poomsae is named in honor of the legendary Korean patriot, An Joong-Gun (1879-1910), a key figure in the Korean independence movement. He is revered for assassinating Ito Hirobumi, the first Japanese Resident-General of Korea. The 32 movements of the form represent his age when he was executed at the prison in Lui-Shung. The pattern of the form is a powerful horizontal line, which represents a student's journey from one side of the dojang to the other.

This poomsae is a pivotal form in a student’s journey, and it introduces a number of new, more challenging techniques that require greater control and power. Students will be introduced to the reverse punch (bandae jirugi) and will use more complex stances and blocks. It also includes the difficult W-shape block (annun sogi) which requires a high level of concentration and strength to perform correctly.

This poomsae is the key requirement for a student's promotion from a red belt to a black stripe. By this point, a practitioner has a solid foundation in the basics, and Joong-Gun is the form that truly begins to test their ability to transition smoothly between techniques, generate power from their hips, and maintain perfect balance. Mastering this form proves that a student is not just memorizing movements, but is beginning to understand the deeper principles and philosophy of Taekwon-Do.

poomsae 7: The Toi-Gye poomsae is named in honor of the great Korean scholar and philosopher, Yi Hwang (1501-1570), who was also known by his pen name Toi-Gye. He was a foundational figure in Korean history, and his philosophical principles continue to influence thought today. The form's 37 movements represent his birthplace at 37 degrees latitude and his profound contribution to philosophy. This poomsae represents a student's own philosophical and physical growth, symbolizing their new understanding of the deeper meaning of Taekwon-Do.

This poomsae is a core requirement for a student's promotion from a red belt to a black stripe. By this point, a practitioner has a solid foundation in the basics, and Toi-Gye is the form that truly begins to test their ability to transition smoothly between techniques, generate power from their hips, and maintain perfect balance. Mastering this form proves that a student is not just memorizing movements, but is beginning to understand the deeper principles and philosophy of Taekwon-Do.

Poomsae 8: Hwa-Rang (화랑)

The Hwa-Rang poomsae is named in honor of the Hwa-Rang, an elite youth group that originated in the Silla Dynasty (57 BC - 935 AD). This group was a key part of ancient Korean military and spiritual culture, and their discipline and courage helped unify the three kingdoms of Korea. The form's movements reflect their unwavering commitment to justice, courage, and discipline. The form's 29 movements are said to represent the 29th Infantry Division where Taekwon-Do was developed and perfected.

This poomsae is a pivotal form in a student’s journey, and it introduces a number of new, more challenging techniques that require greater control and power. Students will be introduced to more complex combinations of blocks and punches, and they will use more powerful kicks, such as the side kick. The pattern of the form is a powerful horizontal line, which represents a student's journey from one side of the dojang to the other.

This poomsae is a core requirement for a student's promotion from a red belt to a black stripe. By this point, a practitioner has a solid foundation in the basics, and Hwa-Rang is the form that truly begins to test their ability to transition smoothly between techniques, generate power from their hips, and maintain perfect balance. Mastering this form proves that a student is not just memorizing movements, but is beginning to understand the deeper principles and philosophy of Taekwon-Do.

Poomsae 9:

The Choong-Moo poomsae is named in honor of Admiral Yi Sun-Sin (1545-1598), a legendary Korean naval hero who is revered for his victories against the Japanese during the Imjin War. The form's 30 movements are said to symbolize his unwavering loyalty and his strategic genius. The form ends with a left-hand attack, which is a key philosophical part of the form. This is said to represent the Admiral's unfulfilled loyalty to his king and country.

The form introduces a number of new, more challenging techniques that require greater control and power. Students will be introduced to the reverse punch (bandae jirugi) and will use more complex stances and blocks. It also includes the difficult W-shape block (annun sogi) which requires a high level of concentration and strength to perform correctly. The pattern of the form is a strong horizontal line, which represents a student's journey from one side of the dojang to the other.

This poomsae is the key requirement for a student's promotion from a red belt to a black stripe. By this point, a practitioner has a solid foundation in the basics, and Choong-Moo is the form that truly begins to test their ability to transition smoothly between techniques, generate power from their hips, and maintain perfect balance. Mastering this form proves that a student is not just memorizing movements, but is beginning to understand the deeper principles and philosophy of Taekwon-Do.