A form (poomse) is a combat technique of successive movements created to systematically counter imaginary adversaries. By practicing the forms, techniques of hand and foot, as well as the changes of positions can be practiced before being used in real combat. The forms make it possible to improve flexibility, the control of the power and balance, the control of breathing as well as the concentration.

WTF Taekwondo comprises three series independent of forms:
There is the series of Taegeuk, numbered from 1 to 8, which is the base forms associated the belts of color. There is a series of advanced forms which have the names: Koryo, Keumgang, Taebaek, Pyongwon, Sipjin, Jitae, Chunkwon and Ilyeo. Finally, there is an additional series of forms called Palgwae which are also numbered from 1 to 8.

Tae means " the joy " and Geuk " eternity ". Together it form the word Taegeuk which means the union between the YIN and the YANG. Taegeuk is also the philosophical principle of which rises a particular perception from the life and a manner of giving a direction to the universe. Eight major philosophical concepts result from Taegeuk, each one being represented by a character called trigram. All eight trigram is called palgwae. Each trigram is composed of three lines, those full representing the YANG and those broken the YIN. The eight Taegeuk forms are the reflection of each of eight philosophies and each form is represented by one of the trigram.

TaeGuek 1 (Orange)
 1 Taegeuk It Jang - 8th Geup - Heaven
Taegeuk 1 jang is represented by the " Keon symbol " which symbolizes the paradise and the light. " Keon " is also used to represent the beginning of the creation of the universe. Taegeuk 1 jang constitutes for its part the beginning of the drive in Taekwondo. This form is characterized by its facility of execution, since it is made up mainly of basic movements.

TaeGuek 2 (Green)
 2 Taeguk Ee Jang - 7th Geup - The Lake
Taegeuk 2 jang is represented by the " Tae symbol " which means the interior force and external softness. " Tae " is also the lake, from where emerge from the depths of the treasures and mysteries. The movements of this form should be carried out by considering that each one has limits but which it is in spite of very possible to exceed them.

TaeGuek 3 (Purple)
 3 Taeguk Sam Jang - 6th Geup - Fire
Taegeuk 3 jang is represented by the " Ri symbol" which means hot and radiant. " Ri " is also associated fire. The movements of this form should thus be carried out in a way rythmee with explosions of energy, a such flame.

TaeGuek 4 (Jr. Blue)
 4 Taeguk Its Jang - 5th Geup - Thunder
Taegeuk 4 jang is represented by the" Jin symbol ", the thunder. One associates also power and dignity it. This form should thus be carried out with a great power but also while letting show through calms immutable that which controls its fear of the storm.

TaeGuek 5 (Sr. Blue)
 5 Taeguk Oh Jang - 4th Geup - Wind
Taegeuk 5 jang is represented by the " Seon symbol " which represents the wind, forces soft which can despite everything become a furious destroying power. The such wind which often changes direction and of intensity, this form in is one of contrast, its soft movements intersected with action more energetic.

TaeGuek 6 (Jr. Brown)
 6 Taeguk Yook Jang - 3rd Geup - Water
Taegeuk 6 jang is represented by the " Gam symbol " which represents water the movements of this form should be carried out like the water, sometimes calm like a lake or agitated like a river

TaeGuek 7 (Sr. Brown)
 7 Taeguk Chil Jang - 2nd Geup - The Mountain
Taegeuk 7 jang is represented by the " Gan symbol", the mountain. Like the immutable mountain, this form should be carried out with the feeling that all its movements are majestic.

TaeGuek 8 (Red)
8 Taeguk Stake Jang - 1st Geup - Earth
Taegeuk 8 jang is represented by the " Gon symbol", the earth. This form is the last before the passage to the black belt, it is also a revision of the fundamental concepts learned in the preceding forms. It is the foundation for the training of the advanced forms.

Advanced Poomse

The Advanced Poomses are associated legends or historical facts related to Korea.