Poomsae (Pattern)

By Sir Nathaniel Rhine

Poomsae (patterns) are various fundamental movements, most of which represent either attack or defence techniques, set to a fixed logical sequence. In poomsae, the student systematically deals with several imaginary opponents under various assumptions using every available attacking and blocking tools from different directions.

Thus poomsae practice enables the student to go through many fundamental movements in series to develop sparring techniques, improve flexibility of movements, master body shifting, master balance, build muscle, develop breath control, develop smooth fluid motions, and gain rhythmical movements. It also enables a student to acquire certain special techniques, which can not be obtained from either fundamental exercises or sparring.

Moreover, poomsae can be compared with a unit tactic or a word if fundamental movements are an individual soldier’s training or alphabet. Accordingly, poomsae, the ledger of every movement, is a series of sparring, power test, feats and characteristic beauty. Though sparring may merely indicate that an opponent is more or less advanced, poomsae is a more critical barometer in evaluating an individual’s technique.

Like any art, it must be practiced constantly in order to perfect it. It requires patience, hard work and dedication; however, the fruits are great. Unlike sparring, poomsae can be practiced alone at any time and anywhere. Once one is able to see it performed by a student who is great at performing poomsae, immediately, one will appreciate the art.