Back to Basics: The Surprising Challenge of Taekwondo's Poomsae

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Taekwondo poomsae are known for their strict, formulaic movements. There's no denying they're highly standardized. However, this is the mainstream approach in Taekwondo, and I've had to embrace relearning them. Thankfully, Kukkiwon's official educational materials are quite generous. They've meticulously organized the poomsae tutorials, making them excellent resources for both instructors and self-learners.

Kukkiwon's Educational Resources: A Boon for Learning and Teaching

Kukkiwon categorizes Taegeuk Chapters 1 to 3 as entry-level poomsae, available in both English and Korean versions. The videos even include the Korean pronunciation of the movements, offering a great opportunity to pick up some Korean along the way.

Here are the international versions of Taegeuk 1 to 3, along with their key movements:

Taegeuk Il Jang (태극 1장) - Taegeuk Chapter 1

  • Key Movements:
    • Narani Seogi (나란히 서기): Parallel Ready Stance
    • Ap Seogi (앞 서기): Forward Stance
    • Ap Kubi (앞굽이): Long Forward Stance
    • Chumbi Seogi (준비 서기): Ready Stance
    • Are Maki (아래 막기): Low Block
    • Momtong Maki (몸통 막기): Middle Block
    • Olgul Maki (얼굴 막기): High Block
    • Momtong Jireugi (몸통 지르기): Middle Punch
    • Ap Chagi (앞 차기): Front Kick

Taegeuk Ee Jang (태극 2장) - Taegeuk Chapter 2

  • Key Movements:
    • Chumbi Seogi (준비 서기): Ready Stance
    • Ap Seogi (앞 서기): Forward Stance
    • Ap Kubi (앞굽이): Long Forward Stance
    • Narani Seogi (나란히 서기): Parallel Ready Stance
    • Are Maki (아래 막기): Low Block
    • Momtong Maki (몸통 막기): Middle Block
    • Olgul Maki (얼굴 막기): High Block
    • Momtong Jireugi (몸통 지르기): Middle Punch
    • Ap Chagi (앞 차기): Front Kick
    • Sonnal Momtong Maki (손날 몸통 막기): Knife-Hand Middle Block (or Outer Knife Hand Block)
    • Ap Chook Ollyeo Chagi (앞축 올려 차기): Front Rising Kick (or just Ollyeo Chagi / Front Rising Kick)
    • Yeop Chagi (옆 차기): Side Kick

Taegeuk Sam Jang (태극 3장) - Taegeuk Chapter 3

  • Key Movements:
    • Chumbi Seogi (준비 서기): Ready Stance
    • Ap Kubi (앞굽이): Long Forward Stance
    • Dwi Kubi (뒷굽이): Back Stance (or L-Stance)
    • Ap Seogi (앞 서기): Forward Stance
    • Narani Seogi (나란히 서기): Parallel Ready Stance
    • Are Maki (아래 막기): Low Block
    • Momtong Maki (몸통 막기): Middle Block
    • An Momtong Maki (안 몸통 막기): Inside Middle Block (or Inside Forearm Block)
    • Sonnal Momtong Maki (손날 몸통 막기): Knife-Hand Middle Block
    • Deung Jumeok Olgul Ap Chigi (등주먹 얼굴 앞 치기): Back Fist High Front Strike (or Back Fist Strike to the Face)
    • Momtong Jireugi (몸통 지르기): Middle Punch
    • Yeop Chagi (옆 차기): Side Kick

The Challenge of Poomsae Instruction: Making "Boring" Engaging

Poomsae can inherently feel a bit tedious, and their highly standardized nature often amplifies this. However, when teaching, especially children, demonstrating poomsae results is often a key expectation from parents and schools. This puts instructors in a tough spot.

Thankfully, many Taekwondo instructors have put significant effort into this area. I've personally found success with a Taekwondo Dance curriculum, which surprisingly, has been a hit with children.

Taegeuk Il Jang Taekwondo Dance Video:


Taegeuk Ee Jang Taekwondo Dance Video:

Taegeuk Sam Jang Taekwondo Dance Video:


The Instructor's Edge: Adapting Resources to Spark Motivation

It's simple: if kids are having fun, they're willing to endure even the toughest training. By cleverly interweaving engaging Taekwondo dance with traditional poomsae, their learning motivation skyrockets (though this definitely pushes instructors to be creative!).

While some of the poomsae videos might be a bit older, their rhythm and execution offer a glimpse into how poomsae might have evolved from merely "boring" to "even more boring." But remember, people are dynamic! The true value of an instructor lies in their ability to flexibly use available materials and adapt their teaching methods to suit their students.

Additional Resource: Kukkiwon's Korean Version of Taegeuk Poomsae

If you're interested in practicing the Korean pronunciations or exploring alternative teaching styles, here are the Kukkiwon Korean versions of Taegeuk 1 to 3:

Taegeuk Il Jang Korean Video:


Taegeuk Ee Jang Korean Video:


Taegeuk Sam Jang Korean Video:

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