Taekwondo Patterns (Poomsae)
Patterns (Poomsae in Korean) are choreographed sequences of techniques performed against imaginary opponents. They develop balance, technique, breathing, and mental focus. Each pattern has a meaning and teaches specific skills.
About the Taegeuk Series
We follow the WT/Kukkiwon (World Taekwondo) system, which uses the Taegeuk pattern series for colour belt students. "Taegeuk" represents the ultimate reality from which all things arise - the yin and yang symbol seen on the Korean flag.
Each Taegeuk pattern corresponds to one of the 8 trigrams (Gwae) from Korean philosophy, representing fundamental aspects of life and nature.
Colour Belt Patterns (Taegeuk 1-8)
Taegeuk 1
태극 1장 (Il Jang)
18 movements | Heaven & Light
Taegeuk 2
태극 2장 (Ee Jang)
18 movements | Joyfulness
Taegeuk 3
태극 3장 (Sam Jang)
20 movements | Fire & Sun
Taegeuk 4
태극 4장 (Sa Jang)
20 movements | Thunder
Taegeuk 5
태극 5장 (Oh Jang)
20 movements | Wind
Taegeuk 6
태극 6장 (Yuk Jang)
19 movements | Water
Taegeuk 7
태극 7장 (Chil Jang)
24 movements | Mountain
Taegeuk 8
태극 8장 (Pal Jang)
24 movements | Earth
Black Belt Patterns (Dan Grade)
Koryo
고려 (Koryo)
30 movements | 1st Dan
Keumgang
금강 (Keumgang)
27 movements | 2nd Dan
Taebaek
태백 (Taebaek)
26 movements | 3rd Dan
Pyongwon
평원 (Pyongwon)
22 movements | 4th Dan
Sipjin
십진 (Sipjin)
26 movements | 5th Dan
Jitae
지태 (Jitae)
28 movements | 6th Dan
Cheonkwon
천권 (Cheon-gwon)
27 movements | 7th Dan
Hansu
한수 (Hansu)
27 movements | 8th Dan
Ilyo
일여 (Ilyeo)
23 movements | 9th Dan
Tips for Practising Patterns
Start & Finish
- Begin and end in the same spot
- Return to ready stance at the end
- Check your position after practice
Breathing
- Exhale on each technique
- Breathe naturally between moves
- Kihap (shout) on key techniques
Focus
- Look before you move
- Imagine real opponents
- Show intent in every technique