Poomse

World Taekwondo Federation (W.T.F.) uses Poomses for patterns. Poomses originate from the book 'I Ching', a Chinese oracle. The I Ching has 64 hexagrams, a combination of two sets of three lines, closed or broken. The sets of three lines are called trigram. The closed lines represent Yang, the open lines Yin. In the Chinese language, the unity of Yin and Yang is called 'taich'i'. In the Korean language, the unity is called T'ae-guek. This explains the term Poomse Taeguek. The eight trigram together are called Pal-gwe as in Poomse Palgwe...

(South, Father) The first Taeguek/Palgwe is the beginning of all Poomses. The associated trigram represents Yang (heaven, light), therefore, this Poomse should be performed with the greatness of Heaven.

(South East, Youngest daughter) In the depths of the lake are treasures and mysteries. The movements of this Taeguek/Palgwe should be performed knowing that man has limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. This should lead to a feeling of joy, knowing that we can control our future.

(East, Second daughter) Fire contains a lot of energy. Fire helped man to survive, but on the other hand had some catastrophical results. This form should be performed rhythmically, with some outbursts of energy.

(North East, Eldest son) Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth. Thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces, circling, gyrating. This Taeguek/Palgwe should be performed with this in mind.

(South West, Eldest daughter) Wind is a gentle force, but can sometimes be furious, destroying everything in its path. Poomse Taeguek/Palgwe Oh Jang should be performed like the wind: gently, but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement.

(West, Second son) Water can move a mountain. The movements of this Poomse should be performed like water. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river.

(North West, Youngest son) Mountains will always look majestic, no matter the size. This Poomse should be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic and deserved to be praised.

(North, Mother) The associated trigram of this Poomse is Yin: the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. Even in this darkness, there is still some light. Performing this Taeguek/Palgwe, one should be aware that this is the last Taeguek/Palgwe to be learned, it also is the end of a circle, and therefore it is also the first, the second etc...

Both Palgwe's and Taeguek's are numbered from one to eight. After this point, there is no longer a difference between the patterns. The patterns below follow the Poomse Taegueks as well as the Poomse Palgwes.