Taekwondo began it’s life in the middle of the 20th century in Korea. The art was developed from traditional Korean martial arts taekkyon and subak however it was also influenced by Karate.

Since it’s creation, patterns have been an important part of the Taekwondo syllabus. In the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF) patterns are usually referred to as Poomse. in International Taekwondo Federation (ITF) they are sometimes called tul, other times they are simply called forms, they all refer to the same thing : a pre-determined set of moves against an imaginary enemy.

1. Taekwondo Poomsae Taegeuk Il Jang (WTF)

The general meaning of this form and associated trigram is Yang, which represents Heaven and Light. Also, this trigram has a relationship to South and Father. The first Taegeuk form is the beginning of all Poomsaes, the “birth” of the martial artist into Taekwondo. This Poomsae should be performed with the greatness of Heaven.

2. Taekwondo Poomsae Taegeuk I Jang (WTF)

This poomsae represents the Lake. Also, related to the symbol is South East and the relationship of the youngest daughter. The movements of this Taegeuk/Palgwe are aimed to be performed believing that man has limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. The Lake and its water symbolize the flowing and calm nature of the martial artist. This form is to reflect those attributes.

3. Taekwondo Poomsae Taegeuk Sam Jang (WTF)

This poomsae represents Fire. Related to this symbol is also East and the relationship of the Second Daughter. Fire contains a lot of energy. The symbol behind the fire is similar to the symbolism of the water in that both can aid and both can destroy. This form is intended to be performed rhythmically, with some outbursts of energy to reflect fire’s rhythmic and energetic dualism.

4. Taekwondo Poomsae Taegeuk Sa Jang (WTF)

This poomsae represents Thunder. Also, the trigram is strongly connected to northeast and the relationship of the Eldest son. Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth, thus, according to the beliefs of the I Ching, thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces. This poomse is associated with power and the connection between the heavens and earth. This poomse is intended to be performed with power resembling the Thunder for which it is named.

5. Taekwondo Poomsae Taegeuk Oh Jang (WTF)

This poomse represents Wind. Thepoomsae is also related to southwest and the relationship with an eldest daughter. The I Ching promotes that wind is a gentle force, but can sometimes be furious, destroying everything in its path. As such, it is intended that this poomsae is performed like the wind: gently, but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement. The performer and audience should be aware of the duality of the form.

6. Taekwondo Poomsae Taegeuk Yook Jang (WTF)

This poomse represents Water. Also, there is a relation to West and the relationship with a Second son. The movements of this Poomsae are intended to be performed like water; flowing, powerful and cleansing. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river, sometimes powerful like a waterfall. The water is to symbolize calm and cleansing, while also possessing the attribute of being violent and destructive.

7. Taekwondo Poomsae Taegeuk Chil Jang (WTF)

This poomsae represents a Mountain. Also, it represents the northwest and youngest son. The symbolism behind the mountain is the indomitable and majestic nature that all mountains possess. This Poomsae is intended to be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic due to their unconquerable nature.

8. Taekwondo Poomsae Taegeuk Pal Jang (WTF)

This poomsae represents the Earth. Also, there is a representation of North and Mother. The associated trigram of this Poomsae is Yin. Yin, here, represents the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. This being the last of the Poomsae Taegeuk, it represents the end of the circle and the cyclic nature of the Earth.

9. Taekwondo Poomsae Koryo (WTF)

Koryo, or Goryeo, is the name of an old Korean Dynasty. The people from the Goryeo defeated the Mongolian aggressors. It is intended that their spirit is reflected in the movements of the Poomsae Koryo. Each movement of this Poomsae represents the strength and energy needed to control the Mongols.

10. Taekwondo Poomsae Kuemgang (WTF)

Keumgang means “diamond,” symbolizing hardness. Keumgang is also the name of the most beautiful mountain in Korea, as well as the Kuemgang warrior, named by Buddha. Thus, the themes of hardness, beauty, and pondering permeate this Poomsae.

11. Taekwondo Poomsae Taebaek (WTF)

The legendary Dangun founded a nation in Taebaek, near Korea’s biggest mountain Baekdoo. Baekdoo is a known symbol for Korea. The definition of the word taebaek is literally “lightness”. Every movement in this Poomsae is intended to be not only be exact and fast, but with determination and hardness resembling the mountain Baekdoo, the origin of the nation of Korea.

12. Taekwondo Poomsae Pyongwon (WTF)

The definition of Pyongwon is “stretch, vast plain.” The name carries with it a connotation of being large and majestic.

13. Taekwondo Poomsae Sipjin (WTF)

Sipjin stands for ten symbols of longevity, which are Sun, Moon, Mountain, Water, Stone, Pine tree, Herb of eternal youth, Turtle, Deer, and Crane. This Poomsae represents the endless development and growth by the basic idea of the ten symbols of longevity and the decimal system.

14. Taekwondo Poomsae Jitae (WTF)

This poomsae is derived from the meaning of the earth. All things evolve from and return to the earth, the earth is the beginning and the end of life, as reelected through the Yin and Yang.

15. Taekwondo Poomsae Cheonkwon (WTF)

Cheonkwon literally means ‘sky’. In the poomsae, the sky symbolizes the ruler of the universe. According to belief, it is mysterious, infinite and profound. The motions of Cheonkwon are full of piety, vitality and reverence.

16. Taekwondo Poomsae Hansoo (WTF)

This poomsae is derived from the fluidity of water which easily adapts within nature. The symbol of the water repeats itself many times throughout all Poomsae, Hyungs and in martial arts in general.

17. Taekwondo Poomsae Ilyo (WTF)

The state of spiritual cultivation in Buddhism is called ‘Ilyo’ which means ‘oneness’. In Ilyo, body and mind, spirit and substance, “I” and “you” are unified. The ultimate ideal of the martial art and poomsae can be found in this state. It is a discipline in which every movement is concentrated on leaving all materialistics thoughts, obsessions and external influences behind.