Poomse/Patterns

Poomse or patterns are a sequence of attacks and blocks incorporating various hand and foot techniques practised in Taekwondo. Poomse are used to help to develop the students' balance, movement, timing and breathing control. They are designed to be practised visualising an opponent in front of you.

As part of the BTMA we practice Kukkiwon poomse. We have previously practised Pal Jung Do and Pal Mudo Patterns. The Pal Jung Do patterns can be found here.

Students start to learn the Kukkiwon poomse as yellow tags after their first grading. As a white belt we teach the students our Basic Pattern, which consists of 17 basic movements.

As well as developing the students' techniques, each poomse starts with a breathing form to channel their energy and prepare them for the poomse. In the table below we show the meaning of each poomse and the organ that benefits from the movement of energy during the breathing form :

The symbols are linked by Um and Yang (also known as Yin and Yang). The symbols are complementary and opposite.