Poomse

W.T.F. (World TaeKwonDo Federation) 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 trigrams. 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-guk. This explains the term Poomse Taeguk.

Image: Chloe Bruce medal winning poomse competitor. Watch the video !

Poosmes are defiined movements of defensive and offensive actions. They are used to focus the mind and body towards synchronous movement. There are many groups and levels of Poomses as you move through various belt levels. However, in competition, 'freeform' poomses can be found that express individualism of this structured set of movements.