The Korean terms hyeong, pumse, poomsae and teul (meaning "form" or "pattern") are all used to refer to martial arts forms that are typically used in Korean martial arts such as Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do. Hyeong (형) is often romanized as hyung. This term is used primarily in earlier styles of taekwondo, often referred to as traditional taekwondo. Pumse (품세) is often romanized as poomsae or poomse. This term is used primarily in Kukkiwon/WT (Formerly World Taekwondo Federation or WTF) -style taekwondo. Teul (틀) is often romanized as tul. This term is used primarily in ITF-style taekwondo. A hyeong is a systematic, prearranged sequence of martial techniques that is performed either with or without the use of a weapon. In traditional dojangs (training halls), hyeong are used primarily as a form of interval training that is useful in developing mushin, proper kinetics and mental and physical fortitude. Hyeong may resemble combat, but are artistically non-combative and woven together so as to be an effective conditioning tool. One's aptitude for a particular hyeong may be evaluated in competition. In such competitions, hyeong are evaluated by a panel of judges who base the score on many factors including energy, precision, speed, and control. In Western competitions, there are two general classes of hyeong: creative and standard. Creative hyeong are created by the performer and are generally more acrobatic in nature and do not necessarily reflect the kinetic principles intrinsic in any martial system.
Summary table of taekwondo forms
WT Kukkiwon-styleITF Chang Hon-styleGTF styleJhoon Rhee styleATA Songahm-style Unofficial Beginner Forms (usually 3–5)Beginner Exercises (3)Beginner Forms (2)Kicho Hyeong Il Bu, or Kibon HanaSaju jirugiKamsahKicho Hyeong Ee Bu, or Kibon DoolSaju makgiKyu-YoolKicho Hyeong Sam Bu, or Kibon SetSaju tulgiColor Belt Forms – Taegeuk (8)Color Belt Forms (9)Color Belt Forms (11)Color Belt Forms (8)Color Belt Forms (9)Taegeuk Il Jang (Palgwae Il Jang until 1971)Chon-JiJayooSongahm 1Taegeuk Ee Jang (Palgwae Ee Jang until 1971)Dan-GunChosangSongahm 2Taegeuk Sam Jang (Palgwae Sam Jang until 1971)Do-SanHangukSongahm 3Taegeuk Sa Jang (Palgwae Sa Jang until 1971)Jee-SangJung-YiSongahm 4Taegeuk Oh Jang (Palgwae Oh Jang until 1971)Won-HyoPyung-WaSongahm 5Taegeuk Yook Jang (Palgwae Yook Jang until 1971)Yul-GokMeegookIn Wha 1Taegeuk Chil Jang (Palgwae Chil Jang until 1971)Dhan-GoonChasinIn Wha 2Taegeuk Pal Jang (Palgwae Pal Jang until 1971)Joong-GunMight for RightChoong Jung 1Toi-GyeChoong Jung 2Hwa-RangChoong-MooBlack Belt Forms (9)Black Belt Forms (15)Black Belt Forms (19)Black Belt FormsBlack Belt Forms (8)Koryo (Original Koryo until 1971)Kwang-GaeSame as ITFShim JunKeumgangPo-EunJung YulTaebaekGe-BaekChung SanPyongwonJee-GooSok BongSipjinEui-AmChung HaeJitaeChoong-JangJhang SooCheonkwonJuche/Ko-DangKo-DangChul JoonHansooJook-AmJeong SeungIlyeoSam-IlYoo-SinChoi-YongPyong-HwaYon-GaeUl-JiMoon-MooSun-DukSo-SanSe-JongTong-IlU-Nam (former)Candidate Demo Forms (never officially finalized)HanryuBikkakNew Competition PoomsaeHimchariYamangSaebyeolNareusyaBigakEoullimSaearaHansolNaraeOnnuri
Taekwondo forms
Traditional Taekwondo forms
Beginning in 1946, shortly after the conclusion of the Japanese occupation of Korea, new martial arts schools called kwans were opened in Seoul. These schools were established by Korean martial artists who had studied primarily in Okinawa and China during the Japanese occupation. Accordingly, the martial arts practiced in the kwans was heavily influenced by shotokan karate and Chinese martial arts, though elements of taekkyeon and gwonbeop were also incorporated.
Five of these kwans were established during the interval between World War II and the Korean War. During the Korean War, establishment of new schools was halted; at the conclusion of the war four new schools were established by students from the five original kwans. Collectively, these schools are referred to as the nine original kwans of taekwondo. Each kwan practiced its own style of martial art (the term taekwondo had not yet been coined) and employed their own set of forms. The majority of the forms used, however, derived from Shotokan karate. In many cases they were given new names. These forms are still used today in martial arts style such as Tang Soo Do, Soo Bahk Do, Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo, and Chun Kuk Do. The article Karate kata lists many of the forms used in traditional taekwondo:
Three Taegeuk forms (Cho Dan, Ee Dan & Sam Dan) are used in Tang Soo Do and traditional Taekwondo as basic, introductory forms for beginners. These correspond to the three Taikyoku forms of Shotokan and are distinctly different from the 8 Taegeuk poomsae practiced in Kukkiwon. Five Pyung Ahn forms are used in traditional taekwondo as relatively simple, introductory forms. These correspond to the five Pinan forms of Shotokan. Three Shotokan forms called Naihanchi are used, though sometimes they are called Chul-Gi forms when used in taekwondo. Shotokan form Bassai is sometimes called Pal-sek. Chintō is used under the name Chin-Do. Rōhai is used, sometimes under the name Lohai or Nohai due to the Hangeul spelling and varying regional pronunciations (dialect). Kūsankū is used under the name Kong-Sang-Kun. Enpi is used under the name Sei-shan. Jitte is used under the name Ship-soo. Gojūshiho is used under the name Oh-sip-sa-bo.
In addition to these Shotokan forms, Tang Soo Do and other traditional styles incorporate additional forms as well, many developed by Hwang Kee.
Kukkiwon/WT Pumsae
Kukkiwon-style taekwondo (and thus the World Federation) uses the word pumsae for form.
Prior to 1971, Kukkiwon-style taekwondo used a series of eight forms called the palgwae forms for color-belt forms. The term "pal-gwae" refers to the eight trigrams associated with the I Ching hexagrams. Symbolically, each form in the palgwae series corresponds to one trigram. Subsequent to 1971, the palgwae forms were deprecated in favor of eight taegeuk forms. The term taegeuk refers to the principle of the "unity of opposites". Though the movements in the taegeuk forms are different from those of the palgwae forms, each taegeuk form is likewise associated with a corresponding I Ching trigram.
Kukkiwon-style taekwondo uses a series of nine forms for dan-level black belts; this series is called the yudanja series. The first form in the series, Koryo, was replaced by a new form of the same name in 1971, as part of the transition from the palgwae to taegeuk forms.
Color Belt forms
Taegeuk Il Jang/Palgwe Il Jang 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/Palgwe form is the beginning of all pumsaes, the "birth" of the martial artist into Taekwondo. This pumsae should be performed with the greatness of Heaven.
Taegeuk Ee Jang/Palgae Ee Jang The associated trigram of this pumsae represents the Lake(joy, a calm sturdy spirit:). 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.
Taegeuk Sam Jang/Palgae Sam Jang This trigram 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.
Taegeuk Sa Jang/Palgae Sa Jang This trigram 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 pumsae is associated with power and the connection between the heavens and earth. This pumsae is intended to be performed with power resembling the Thunder for which it is named.
Taegeuk O Jang/Palgae O Jang The trigram associated with this pumsae represents Wind. The trigram 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 pumsae 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.
Taegeuk Yuk Jang/Palgae Yuk Jang The trigram associated with this pumsae represents Water. Also, there is a relation to West and the relationship with a Second son. The movements of this pumsae 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.
Taegeuk Chil Jang/Palgae Chil Jang The trigram associated with this pumsae 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 pumsae is intended to be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic due to their unconquerable nature.
Taegeuk Pal Jang/Palgae Pal Jang The trigram associated with this pumsae represents the Earth. Also, there is a representation of North and Mother. The associated trigram of this pumsae is Yin. Yin, here, represents the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. This being the last of the pumsae Taegeuk, it represents the end of the circle and the cyclic nature of the Earth.
Black belt forms
Koryo – 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 pumsae Koryo. Each movement of this pumsae represents the strength and energy needed to control the Mongols. The line of direction is the shape of the Hanja for a "Scholar", learned man. Keumgang – Keumgang means "diamond," symbolizing hardness. Keumgang is also the name of the most beautiful mountain in Korea, as well as the Keumgang warrior, named by Buddha. Thus, the themes of hardness, beauty, and pondering permeate this pumsae. Taebaek – 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. Pyongwon – The definition of Pyongwon is "stretch, vast plain." The name carries with it a connotation of being large and majestic. Sipjin – 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 pumsae represents the endless development and growth by the basic idea of the ten symbols of longevity and the decimal system. Jitae – This pumsae 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.