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Poomsae...

What is Taegeuk poomsae?

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'Poome sae' is the Korean name for pattern.

When performing a poomsae, a series of 18 to 40 different techniques are used in a series of defense, counter attack and attacking moves which must be performed in a precise sequence. These movements incorporate various stances and footwork combined with blocks, kicks and strikes, which are performed in imaginary combat against a number of different assailants.

W.T.F. Taekwondo involves the practise of the following Poomsaes. Poomsaes originate from the book 'I Ching', a Chinese oracle. The I Ching consists of 64 hexagrams, which contain two sets of three lines either closed or broken. The closed lines represent Yang and the open lines represent Yin. In the Chinese language, the unity of Yin and Yang is called 'taichi'. In the Korean language, this unity is called 'T'ae-guk'. This explains the term Poomsae Taegeuk. The eight trigrams together are called Pal-gwe as in Poomsae Palgwe.

	Taegeuk Il Jang	Pattern no.1, South / Father
	Represents: Heaven and Light	18 Movements
	The first Taegeuk is the beginning. The associated trigram represents Yang (all that is good/heaven & light). This poomsae should be performed with the greatness of heaven kept in mind.

	Taegeuk Ye Jang	Pattern no.2, South East / Youngest Daughter
	Represents: Lake and Joyfulness	18 Movements
	In the depths of the lake are hidden treasures and mysteries. The movements of this Taegeuk should be performed knowing that man has his limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. This should lead to a feeling of joy, knowing that we can control our future.

	Taegeuk Sam Jang	Pattern no.3, East / Second Daughter
	Represents: Fire and Sun	20 Movements
	Fire contains fierce energy. Fire helped man survive, but also had catastrophical results. This Taegeuk should be performed rhythmically, with outbursts of energy.

	Taegeuk Sa Jang	Pattern no.4, North East / Eldest Son
	Represents: Thunder	20 Movements
	Thunder erupts from the sky and is absorbed by the earth. Thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces. This Taegeuk should be performed with this in mind.

	Taegeuk Oh Jang	Pattern no.5, South West / Eldest Daughter
	Represents: Wind	20 Movements
	Wind can be a gentle force, yet it is sometimes furious, destroying everything in its path. Taegeuk Oh Jang should be performed in this way, gently, but knowing its' capability of mass destruction with a single movement.

	Taegeuk Yook Jang	Pattern no.6, West / Second Son
	Represents: Water	19 Movements
	Water has the force to move a mountain. The movements of this Taegeuk should be performed like water, which can be calm and still yet have the ability to flow fast and powerful.

	Taegeuk Chil Jang	Pattern no.7, North West / Youngest Son
	Represents: Mountain	25 Movements
	Mountains will always look majestic, no matter their size. This Taegeuk should be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic and deserve to be recognised and praised.

	Taegeuk Pal Jang	Pattern no.8, North / Mother
	Represents: Earth	27 Movements
	The associated trigram of this Taegeuk is Yin, the beginning, the evil part of all that is good.Even in this darkness, there will always be light. Whilst performing this Taegeuk, one should be aware that this is the last Taegeuk to be learned. It is also the end of a circle, therefore it is also the beginning...

Poomsae...

What is Taegeuk poomsae?

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