Taekwondo Forms: ATA, ITF, WTF
Taekwondo forms
A “form” in Taekwondo is a series of choreographed movements, which can be performed with or without a weapon, for the purpose of interval cardiovascular training and the development of proper physical and mental technique. They are more akin to exercise and conditioning than combat, while also showing the artistic possibilities of Taekwondo. In competitions, Taekwondo forms are judged by a panel of judges, who evaluate Taekwondo forms based on criteria such as energy, precision, control, and speed.
The forms of Taekwondo are given different Korean names depending on the organization of the respective dojo.
In traditional unaffiliated Taekwondo, the forms are called Hyeong.
In ATA (American Taekwondo Association) and WTF (World Taekwondo Federation), the forms are called Poomsae.
In the ITF (International Taekwondo Federation) style, the forms are called Teul.
Types of taekwondo forms
Traditional Taekwondo – Because traditional taekwondo is unaffiliated and therefore not standardized, its collection of forms is a massive amalgamation of often very different schools. There are no “standard” forms for traditional Taekwondo.
ITF Taekwondo Forms: There are 24 forms of ITF Taekwondo, (Teul), developed mainly in the 1960s. ITF Taekwondo represents the first attempt to unify and standardize the martial art.
The ITF white belts do not do forms, but simple exercises. As students move up Taekwondo belts, the forms become increasingly complex.
In increasing order of belts, the ITF Taekwondo Forms are:
Chon Ji – Means “Heaven-Light”, referring to the beginning of the world, and is appropriate for a beginner entering the world of Taekwondo.
Dan-Gun: the name of the founder of the first kingdom of Korea in 2333 BC. C. Of course, he is the grandson of the sky god.
Do-San – Named after Ahn Chang-Ho, whose pseudonym was Dosan, a prominent Korean independence activist and leader of the Korean-American immigrant community in the US.
Won-Hyo: the name of the important thinker and writer of the Korean Buddhist tradition.
Yul-Gok: the name of the great Korean philosopher Yi I (Yul-Gok was his pseudonym), called Confucius of Korea, who theorized that Chi was the controlling agent of the Universe.
Joong-Gun: the name of the Korean patriot who assassinated the prime minister of Japan.
Toi-Gye: the name of the Yi-Hwang, the authoritative Korean scholar Noe-Confucian.
Hwa-Rang: the name of the group of famous warrior-scholars in the Korean army tradition.
Choong-Moo: the name of the undefeated Korean admiral Yi Soon-Sin, who saved Korea from collapse due to the Japanese invasion in 1592.
ITF Taekwondo Black Belt Forms
Kwang-Gae: the name of the 4th century king of Korea, who expanded the nation’s empire.
Po-Eun – The name of the 14th century Korean poet, scientist, and public servant Chong Mong Chu.
Gae-Baek – Named after the 7th century Korean general, remembered for his valiant last stand in the face of overwhelming obstacles.
Eui-Am – The pseudonym of the 20th century Korean independence leader Son Byong-Hi.
Choong-Jang: the name of a 14th century Korean general.
Juche: the name of the philosophical concept that man is the master of his destiny.
Sam-Il: literally translated to March 1, referring to the 1919 date of the Korean Independence Movement.
Yoo-Sin: the name of the 7th century Korean general, famous for helping to unify the country.
Choi-Yong: the name of the 14th century Korean general.
Yon-Gae: the name of the Korean general of the 7th century.
Ul-Ji – The name of the 7th century Korean general who repelled an invasion of nearly a million men.
Moon-Moo: the name of the Korean king of the 7th century.
So-San – The name of the great 16th century Korean monk who helped organize a force to repel Japanese pirates.
Se-Jong – Named after the 15th century Korean king, who helped develop the Hangul alphabet.
Tong-Il: denotes the eventual reunification of Korea, divided since 1945.
ATA Taekwondo Forms: The ATA and its forms (poomsae) were created at the same time as the ITF, but they tend to involve more kicks.
Color Belt ATA Taekwondo Forms (poomsae):
Songahm 1-18 movements
Songahm 2-23 movements
Songahm 3 – 28 movements
Songahm 4-31 movements
Songahm 5-34 movements
In Wha 1 – 44 movements
In Wha 2-42 movements
Choong-Jung 1-44 movements
Choong-Jung 2-46 movements
Forms ATA Taekwondo Black Belt (poomsae):
Shim Jun – 1st Dan, 81 moves
Jung Yul – 2nd Dan, 82 movements
Chung San – 3rd Dan, 83 moves
Sok Bong – 4th Dan, 84 moves
Chung Hae – 5th Dan, 95 moves
Jhang Soo – 6th Dan, 96 moves
Chul Joon – 7th Dan, 97 moves
Jeong Seung – 8th Dan, 98 moves
World Taekwondo Federation (Poomsae) Forms: These forms are less combat-oriented and more geared toward preparing students for sports and combat, with stances more upright than low.
World Taekwondo Federation Color Belt (Poomsae) Forms:
Taegeuk Il Jang – A simple walking posture poomsae, meaning “heaven”, from where everything begins, symbolizing the beginning of Taekwondo training.
Taegeuk Ee Jang: a poomsae more focused on the frontal position that means “lake”, since the movements should be fluid but firm.
Taegeuk Sam Jang – Meaning “fire,” this poomsae should be performed with fiery enthusiasm and blasts of power.
Taegeuk Sa Jang: meaning “thunder”, this poomsae is practiced with pride and dignity.
Taegeuk Oh Jang: which means “wind” as it is powerful and gentle.
Taegeuk Yook Jang: which means “water” as it is fluid and smooth, but also persistent.
Taegeuk Chil Jang: representing the mountain, this shape stands out for its stability, solidity and immobility.
Taegeuk Pal Jang – The posture of the earth, as it contains all the others, and is the basis for the upcoming black belt forms.
World Taekwondo Federation Black Belt Forms (poomsae):
Koryo – 1st Dan, named for the dynasty from which the word “Korea” comes.
Keumgang: 2nd Dan, which means diamonds, which are too strong and difficult to break.
Taebaek – 3rd Dan, referring to the “shining mountains” from which the legendary founder of Korea is believed to have ruled the nation.
Pyongwon – 4th Dan, referring to a great and vast plain.
Sipjin – 5th Dan, which means longevity and refers to continuous growth and development.
Jitae – 6th Dan, this poomsae refers to the earth, and the great power within it, related to the great power within human muscles.
Cheonkwon – 7th Dan, referring to the sky and the majesty and wonder that inspires men, forcing them to always live upwards.
Hansoo – 8th Dan, symbolizes the fluidity and adaptability of water, from which Taekwondo draws its strength.
Ilyeo – 9th Dan, refers to the Buddhist concept of unity between mind and body.