The meticulous learning of the forms, and regular practice are essential to achieve a good level of development, yet it springs from the mastering of basic techniques.

To achieve this we seek the correct method of execution. The defensive techniques (ho bang kisul) and offensive techniques (konyok kisul) must be assimilated by each practitioner from the simplest to the most complex; in their execution there must be a distinct alternation between contraction and relaxation, while the proper monitoring of breathing techniques allows the exection to be carried out with as much realism as possible. There must be the constant attempt to increase the speed of execution, which should also be associated with a the correct use of the gaze:

A) The basic principles are:

• Pace,
• The direction of the gaze,
• Concentration,
• Breath control,
• Balance,
• Accuracy,
• Contraction and relaxation,
• Dynamic body control,
• Mastery of the various stances

B) The different techniques have been conceived for used against opponents practicing taekwondo and other martial arts, including adversaries armed with knives, sticks or everyday objects. The study of the specific techniques used for countering these different weapons means an improvement of the various stances, increased stability and coordination, and for particular attention to be paid to flexibility of execution.

Breath control should be synchronized with the different steps of the technique sequences and should remain inaudible.

It is through concentration that the long-term goal of unifying body and mind is achieved.

In particular, the gaze must be intent and determined. Depending on the level of the practitioner, work on the poomse should be regular for the keup or dan levels.

We must seek to accurately observe the individual techniques and their sequence in the diagram (Taegeuk Poomse). The goal of mastering these techniques is to be able to apply them in a real situation.

The various facets of traditional Taekwondo seek to maximise the practitioner’s mental and physical abilities.

This Korean martial art has helped develop a training program including the codified exercises we call Taegeuk Poumse based on ancient Oriental philosophy; this intellectual approach to the discipline serves to guide the taekwondoiste throughout their learning.

It is a scientific method of real combat against several opponents. The practitioner follows the sequence diagrams which retrace Palgue Chinese characters, as well as letters of the Korean alphabet.

There are eight traditional poomse which allow the basic techniques of Taekwondo to be acquired. They must be learned and perfected for gradings (belt tests).

POOMSE (forms)

• 1) KWAK Kun Sik (Chung Do Kwan)
• 2) LEE Yong Sup (Song Moo Kwan)
• 3) PARK Hae Man (Chung Do Kwan)
• 4) HYUN Jong Myung (Oh Do Kwan)
• 5) KIM Soon Bae (Chang Moo Kwan)
• 6) LEE Chong Woo (Jidokwan)
• 7) BAE Young Ki (Jidokwan)
• 8) HAN Yong Tae (Moo Duk Kwan)

POOMSE (forms)

• Working methods for the taegeuk Poomse in Taekwondo:
• Always start and finish at the same point in ready position (joumbi seugi)
• Prepare the techniques by directing the gaze in the right direction, while also perfectly controlling the breathing.
• Alternate contraction and relaxation. Deepen one’s grasp of each form before learning the next one.

Increase one’s effectiveness by practicing the various facets of Taekwondo regularly.