Poomsae Himchari: The Powerful Challenge (Moves 1-16)

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The Kukkiwon's Himchari poomsae (meaning "strength") symbolizes "A Powerful Challenge"—strength achieved through the accomplishment of a difficult challenge. The form’s flow and floor pattern are intended to symbolize a sprout stretching skyward in its growth, emphasizing dynamic power, verticality, and relentless progression.

This article details the first 16 movements, establishing the poomsae's theme of aggressive dynamism, complex transitions, and close-quarters control.

1. Up the Stem: The Opening Sequence and Grappling (Moves 1-3)

The form begins from the joonbee spot, facing GA (north), moving up the core stem of the floor pattern. The opening posture is the Covered Fist Joonbee , executed over an 8-count, setting a tone of deep focus and readiness.

  • Move 1: Stepping the right foot back into a Left Walking Stance, the practitioner executes a Left Knifehand Inward Block. Crucially, the blocking hand is left in position, immediately followed by a Right Inward Knifehand Strike at neck level . This is a classic block-and-counter where the left hand is interpreted as controlling or grabbing the opponent's attacking arm or collar, allowing the right hand to deliver a decisive strike.

  • Move 2: Shuffling forward slightly to a Left Front Horse-Riding Stance, the arms chamber out to the side before coming together for an Ear Clap . This is a powerful, close-quarters striking technique used to stun or disorient an opponent by striking both sides of the head simultaneously.

  • Move 3: The practitioner drops back into a defensive Left Tiger Stance (still with the left foot forward). Both arms chamber out, and both Knifehands slice inward at torso height . This movement suggests regaining balance or countering a rush, using the back-weighted stance for stability while delivering a double strike to the ribs or body.

2. The Sprout Stretches: Dynamic Kicking and Turns (Moves 4-12)

This sequence embodies the "Powerful Challenge," requiring intense balance, timing, and the aggressive projection of power through the body's center line.

  • Moves 4 & 5 : A Right Front Kick is executed, the leg remaining in the air, followed immediately by a Right Back Kick. This advanced combination demands exceptional control and represents attacking an opponent in front, then rapidly twisting to kick a target to the rear or side.

  • Moves 7 & 9 : After stepping down and chambering, the practitioner executes two consecutive jumping kicks: a Right-Left Double Front Kick and then a Right-Left Double Roundhouse Kick. These powerful, vertical maneuvers emphasize the "sprout stretching skyward" theme, showcasing explosive power and agility.

  • Moves 11 & 12 : After landing and pivoting, the practitioner executes a Right Back Hook Kick, continuing the rotation to return to a Left Walking Stance facing GA (north). This is immediately followed by a slight step forward and a Left Jump Back Hook Kick with Kihap , landing in a Left Back Stance (right foot forward). This sequence features a fast, whipping kick followed by an even more powerful, committed jumping technique, concluding the dynamic rotation with the signature yell of focus.

3. Controlling the Challenge: Close-Quarters Focus (Moves 13-16)

The final four moves of this opening section introduce a sophisticated element common in advanced Kukkiwon poomsae: combining control (grappling/holding) with striking.

  • Move 13: Still facing GA in the Left Back Stance, the practitioner pivots to a Front Horse-Riding Stance while simultaneously executing a Right Outward Knifehand Block and a Left Middle Punch . The knifehand is often interpreted as controlling or hooking the opponent's head or shoulder while the punch delivers a devastating blow to the torso.

  • Move 14: Remaining in the Front Horse-Riding Stance, the arms re-chamber and then simultaneously execute a Right Outward Knifehand Block (at head height) and a Left Head-Height Inward Elbow Strike . This is a focused, close-quarters attack: the knifehand potentially controls the head, pulling it into the path of the powerful elbow strike.

  • Move 15: The left foot steps forward into a Right Back Stance (a mirror of the initial positioning). The arms chamber back and simultaneously execute a Left Outward Knifehand Block and a Right Middle Punch . This mirrors the application of Move 13 on the opposite side.

  • Move 16: Sliding the left foot forward into a Left Front Stance, the practitioner chambers, then simultaneously performs a Left Outward Knifehand Block (at head height) and a Right Head-Height Inward Elbow Strike. Mirroring Move 14, the aggressive Front Stance adds linear power to the close-range elbow attack, concluding the opening sequence.


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