Dan Poomsae

Koryo:

Koryo is the name of an ancient Korean dynasty (AD918 – 1392). The English word Korea is derived from the name Koryo. Koryo’s legacy to the Korean people is very significant, as they successfully defeated and thus defended Korea from the attacking aggression of the Mongolian Empire, who were sweeping the known world at the time. In Poomsae, Koryo the spirit of the Koryo dynasty should be emphasized. Consequently every motion of the Poomsae should show a strong conviction like that shown by the Koryo people in their struggle with Mongolians. It has 30 moves.

Kumgang:

The word Kumgang has the meaning of the being too strong to be broken. The Korean people named their most beautiful mountain Keumgang-san, it is also the name of natures hardest substance, diamond, Keumgang Seok.
Therefore, Kumgang in Taekwondo means movements based on spiritual strength that is both beautiful and majestic, as are mountains and diamonds. Strong and beautiful. The lines of the Poomsae correspond to the Chinese character for mountain. In the movement of Poomsae Kumgang therefore, such sharp and endlessly changeable majestic spirit, as that of mountains should be displayed. This is a rewarding art both physically and spiritually, and is applicable to people regardless of whether they play party poker or have learnt other martial arts- all skills must be learnt, and the rewards are easy to see. It has 27 moves.

Taebaek:

There is an ancient Korean story about the origin of Korea. It says that about 4,300 years ago, legendary founded the nation for the first time in Taebek, the present day Mount Baekdoo. Mount Baekdoo is the largest and highest mountain in Korea. As may be understood, poomsae Taebek has its basic principles of movement from the word “Taebek” with its meaning of light, and being looked upon as being sacred by the Korean people. Mount Baekdoo is regarded as the symbol of Korea. Therefore, every movement in Taebek should not only be displayed precisely and nimbly, but also with rigor and a determined will. It has 40 moves.

Pyongwon:

The definition of Pyongwon is “stretch, vast plain, big, majestic.” It has 33 moves.

Sipjin

Sipjin stands for decimal. This Poomsae represents the orderliness of the decimal system. It also means the endless development and growth in a systematic order: stability. It has 37 moves.

Jitae

Jitae is derived from the meaning of the earth. All things evolve from and return to the earth, the earth is the beginning and the end of life. It has 37 moves.

Cheonkwon

Cheonkwon means ‘sky’. The sky should be seen as ruler of the universe. It is both mysterious, infinite and profound. The motions of Cheonkwon are full of piety and vitality. Has 38 moves.

Han Su

This poomsae is derived from the fluidity of water which easily adapts within nature. It has 33 moves.

Il Yo

The state of spiritual cultivation in Buddhism is called ‘Ilyo’ which means more or less ‘oneness’. In Ilyo, body and mind, spirit and substance, I and you are unified. The ultimate ideal of Taekwondo can be found in this state. It is a discipline in which we concentrate on every movement leaving all materialistic thoughts, obsessions and external influences behind. It has 28 moves.