Hyeong · Poomsae · Tul · The language of the body
Formsarethealphabetofthemartialart
“Each form is a fight against imaginary opponents written into the body. Before being technique, it was calligraphy.”
Chapter 01 · The concept
Whatisaform?
“A form is a codified sequence of techniques that simulates a fight against multiple invisible opponents. Every step, every turn, every strike occupies an exact spot on the floor and an exact instant in time.”
In Korea it took three names through the 20th century. The oldest is Hyeong, used by masters trained under Japanese occupation. Later Tul was coined to distance the art from its Japanese legacy, and the Kukkiwon eventually adopted Poomsae as the official term.
Three names for the same idea: the martial art written like calligraphy on the floor. A form is not reinvented each time it is practiced. It is inherited, repeated, refined. It is the living memory of the lineage.
“A well-executed form is not a series of movements: it is a conversation with whoever created it a hundred years ago.”
Oral tradition of Taekwondo
Chapter 02 · The components
Thebasicmovements
“Sijak literally means "to begin". It is the command that opens every form, and also the name we give to the universe of elementary techniques out of which every form is built.”
Every form, regardless of branch, is made of the same bricks. Stances that root the body, strikes that project power, blocks that redirect it. Mastering the basic movements is owning the alphabet before writing the poem.
Seogi
Stances
서기
The base on which every technique is built.
Jireugi
Hand attacks
지르기
Punches, knife-hand strikes, elbow strikes, open palm.
Chagi
Kicks
차기
Front, roundhouse, side, hook, axe, spinning.
Makgi
Blocks
막기
High, middle, low blocks, outer, inner, doubles.
Hosinsul
Self-defense
호신술
Releases, throws, controls, falls.
103 techniques catalogued
View the full catalogue →
Chapter 03 · The structure
Howaformisperformed
“Every form has followed the same ritual protocol for half a century. Seven moments frame the execution and turn it into formal practice, not gymnastics.”
Charyeot
Attention
차렷
Feet together, hands closed at the sides. The body prepares to listen.
Kyong Ye
Bow
경례
Forward bow. Respect to the master, the dojang, the lineage.
Joonbi
Ready
준비
Feet shoulder-width apart, fists in front of the solar plexus. The instant before the first movement.
Sijak
Begin
시작
The voice that breaks the silence. The form starts.
Dongjak
Execution
동작
Each step occupies an exact place on the diagram. The body writes the form on the floor.
Baro
Return
바로
Back to the ready position. The form ends where it began.
Shwieo
Rest
쉬어
Feet apart, hands crossed behind. The body breathes.
Choose your branch
Where do you want to start?
“Choose the branch whose system of forms you want to explore.”