Hyeong

The Korean terms hyeong, pumsae, poomsae and teul (meaning "form" or "pattern") are all used to refer to martial arts forms that are typically used in Korean martial arts such as Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do.
* Hyeong is often romanized as ''hyung''. This term is used primarily in earlier styles of taekwondo, often referred to as ''traditional taekwondo''.
* Pumsae is often romanized as ''poomsae'' or ''poomse''. This term is used primarily in Kukkiwon/ WTF-style taekwondo.
* Teul is often romanized as ''tul''. This term is used primarily in ITF-style taekwondo.
A hyeong is a systematic, prearranged sequence of martial techniques that is performed either with or without the use of a weapon. In traditional dojangs (training halls), hyeong are used primarily as a form of interval training that is useful in developing mushin, proper kinetics and mental and physical fortitude. Hyeong may resemble combat, but are artistically non-combative and woven together so as to be an effective conditioning tool. One's aptitude for a particular hyeong may be evaluated in competition. In such competitions, hyeong are evaluated by a panel of judges who base the score on many factors including energy, precision, speed, and control. In western competitions, there are two general classes of hyeong: creative and standard. Creative hyeong are created by the performer and are generally more acrobatic in nature and do not necessarily reflect the kinetic principles intrinsic in any martial system.

Summary table of taekwondo forms

Taekwondo forms

Traditional taekwondo forms

Beginning in 1946, shortly after the conclusion of the Japanese occupation of Korea, new martial arts schools called kwans were opened in Seoul. These schools were established by Korean martial artists who had studied primarily in Okinawa and China during the Japanese occupation. Accordingly, the martial arts practiced in the kwans was heavily influenced by shotokan karate and Chinese martial arts, though elements of taekkyeon and gwonbeop were also incorporated.

Five of these kwans were established during the interval between World War II and the Korean War. During the Korean War, establishment of new schools was halted; at the conclusion of the war four new schools were established by students from the five original kwans. Collectively, these schools are referred to as the nine original kwans of taekwondo. Each kwan practiced its own style of martial art (the term ''taekwondo'' had not yet been coined) and employed their own set of forms. The majority of the forms used, however, derived from Shotokan karate. In many cases they were given new names. These forms are still used today in martial arts style such as Tang Soo Do, Soo Bahk Do, Moo Duk Kwan Taekwondo, and Chun Kuk Do. The article Karate kata lists many of the forms used in traditional taekwondo:

* Five ''Pyung Ahn'' forms are used in traditional taekwondo as relatively simple, introductory forms. These correspond to the five Pinan forms of Shotokan.
* Three Shotokan forms called Naihanchi are used, though sometimes they are called ''Chul-Gi'' forms when used in taekwondo.
* Shotokan form Bassai is sometimes called ''Pal-sek''.
* Chintō is used under the name ''Jin-Do''.
* Rōhai is used, sometimes under the name ''Lohai''.
* Kūsankū is used under the name ''Kong-Sang-Koon''.
* Enpi is used under the name ''Sei-shan''.
* Jitte is used under the name ''Ship-soo''.
* Gojūshiho is used under the name ''Oh-sip-sa-bo''.

In addition to these Shotokan forms, Tang Soo Do and other traditional styles incorporate additional forms as well, many developed by Hwang Kee.

WTF/Kukkiwon Pumsae

Kukkiwon-style taekwondo (and thus the World Taekwondo Federation) uses the word ''pumsae'' for form.

Prior to 1971, Kukkiwon-style taekwondo used a series of eight forms called the ''palgwae'' forms for color-belt forms. The term "pal-gwae" refers to the eight trigrams associated with the I Ching hexagrams. Symbolically, each form in the palgwae series corresponds to one trigram. Subsequent to 1971, the palgwae forms were deprecated in favor of eight ''taegeuk'' forms. The term ''taegeuk'' refers to the principle of the "unity of opposites". Though the movements in the taegeuk forms are different from those of the palgwae forms, each taegeuk form is likewise associated with a corresponding I Ching trigram.

Kukkiwon-style taekwondo uses a series of nine forms for dan-level black belts; this series is called the ''yudanja'' series. The first form in the series, Koryo, was replaced by a new form of the same name in 1971, as part of the transition from the palgwae to taegeuk forms.

Color Belt forms

*Taegeuk Il Jang/Palgwe Il Jang
The general meaning of this form and associated trigram is Yang, which represents Heaven and Light. Also, this trigram has a relationship to South and Father. The first Taegeuk/Palgwe form is the beginning of all ''pumsae''s, the "birth" of the martial artist into Taekwondo. This ''pumsae'' should be performed with the greatness of Heaven.

*Taegeuk Yi Jang/Palgae Yi Jang
The associated trigram of this ''pumsae'' represents the Lake(joy, a calm sturdy spirit:). Also, related to the symbol is South East and the relationship of the youngest daughter. The movements of this Taegeuk/Palgwe are aimed to be performed believing that man has limitations, but that we can overcome these limitations. The Lake and its water symbolize the flowing and calm nature of the martial artist. This form is to reflect those attributes.

*Taegeuk Sam Jang/Palgae Sam Jang
This trigram represents Fire. Related to this symbol is also East and the relationship of the Second Daughter. Fire contains a lot of energy. The symbol behind the fire is similar to the symbolism of the water in that both can aid and both can destroy. This form is intended to be performed rhythmically, with some outbursts of energy to reflect fire's rhythmic and energetic dualism.

*Taegeuk Sa Jang/Palgae Sa Jang
This trigram represents Thunder. Also, the trigram is strongly connected to northeast and the relationship of the Eldest son. Thunder comes from the sky and is absorbed by the earth, thus, according to the beliefs of the I Ching, thunder is one of the most powerful natural forces. This ''pumsae'' is associated with power and the connection between the heavens and earth. This ''pumsae'' is intended to be performed with power resembling the Thunder for which it is named.

*Taegeuk O Jang/Palgae O Jang
The trigram associated with this ''pumsae'' represents Wind. The trigram is also related to southwest and the relationship with an eldest daughter. The I Ching promotes that wind is a gentle force, but can sometimes be furious, destroying everything in its path. As such, it is intended that this ''pumsae'' is performed like the wind: gently, but knowing the ability of mass destruction with a single movement. The performer and audience should be aware of the duality of the form.

*Taegeuk Yuk Jang/Palgae Yuk Jang
The trigram associated with this ''pumsae'' represents Water. Also, there is a relation to West and the relationship with a Second son. The movements of this ''pumsae'' are intended to be performed like water; flowing, powerful and cleansing. Sometimes standing still like water in a lake, sometimes thriving as a river, sometimes powerful like a waterfall. The water is to symbolize calm and cleansing, while also possessing the attribute of being violent and destructive.

*Taegeuk Chil Jang/Palgae Chil Jang
The trigram associated with this ''pumsae'' represents a Mountain. Also, it represents the northwest and youngest son. The symbolism behind the mountain is the indomitable and majestic nature that all mountains possess. This ''pumsae'' is intended to be performed with the feeling that all movements are this majestic due to their unconquerable nature.

*Taegeuk Pal Jang/Palgae Pal Jang
The trigram associated with this ''pumsae'' represents the Earth. Also, there is a representation of North and Mother. The associated trigram of this ''pumsae'' is Yin. Yin, here, represents the end of the beginning, the evil part of all that is good. This being the last of the ''pumsae'' Taegeuk, it represents the end of the circle and the cyclic nature of the Earth.

Black belt forms

*Koryo - Koryo, or Goryeo, is the name of an old Korean Dynasty. The people from the Goryeo defeated the Mongolian aggressors. It is intended that their spirit is reflected in the movements of the ''pumsae'' Koryo. Each movement of this ''pumsae'' represents the strength and energy needed to control the Mongols. The line of direction is the shape of the Hanja for a "Scholar", learned man.
*Keumgang - Keumgang means "diamond," symbolizing hardness. Keumgang is also the name of the most beautiful mountain in Korea, as well as the Keumgang warrior, named by Buddha. Thus, the themes of hardness, beauty, and pondering permeate this ''pumsae''.
* Taebaek - The legendary Dangun founded a nation in Taebaek, near Korea's biggest mountain Baekdoo. Baekdoo is a known symbol for Korea. The definition of the word ''taebaek'' is literally "lightness". Every movement in this ''poomsae'' is intended to be not only be exact and fast, but with determination and hardness resembling the mountain Baekdoo, the origin of the nation of Korea.
* Pyongwon - The definition of Pyongwon is "stretch, vast plain." The name carries with it a connotation of being large and majestic.
* Sipjin - Sipjin stands for ten symbols of longevity, which are Sun, Moon, Mountain, Water, Stone, Pine tree, Herb of eternal youth, Turtle, Deer, and Crane. This ''pumsae'' represents the endless development and growth by the basic idea of the ten symbols of longevity and the decimal system.
* Jitae - This ''pumsae'' 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, as reelected through the Yin and Yang.
* Cheonkwon - Cheonkwon literally means 'sky'. In the ''pumsae'', the sky symbolizes the ruler of the universe. According to belief, it is mysterious, infinite and profound. The motions of Cheonkwon are full of piety, vitality and reverence.
* Hansu - This ''pumsae'' is derived from the fluidity of water which easily adapts within nature. The symbol of the water repeats itself many times throughout all pumsae, hyeongs, and in martial arts in general.
* Ilyo - The state of spiritual cultivation in Buddhism is called 'Ilyo' which means 'oneness'. In Ilyo, body and mind, spirit and substance, "I" and "you" are unified. The ultimate ideal of the martial art and ''pumsae'' can be found in this state. It is a discipline in which every movement is concentrated on leaving all materialistics thoughts, obsessions and external influences behind.

ITF ''Ch'ang Hon'' forms

Schools that follow the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) tradition typically use the Chang Hon 창헌 (also called Chang Hun, Chang 'On or Chon-Ji) forms that were developed by Choi Hong Hi, Nam Tae Hi

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