What is poomsae in taekwondo competition?
B · Beginner · The forms and the score · 1 of 2Poomsae is the forms side of taekwondo: a fixed sequence of blocks, strikes, kicks and stances performed alone, in a pair or in a team of three, and marked by judges. In recognised poomsae the forms come from World Taekwondo's list. Each age division has eight of them, and two are assigned for each round.
How it works
- The area: a square of 10 m by 10 m.
- The forms: Taegeuk 1 to 8 Jang, then Koryo, Keumgang, Taebaek, Pyongwon, Shipjin, Jitae, Chonkwon and Hansu.
- By division: each age division has a set of eight. Cadets have Taegeuk 4 to 8, Koryo, Keumgang and Taebaek.
- Assigned, not chosen: the Technical Delegate decides the compulsory poomsae for each division at the draw.
- Two a round: two of the designated forms are performed in each of the preliminary, semi-final and final rounds.
- Time: "up to 90 seconds" for each form.
- Between the two: a wait of at least 30 seconds.
- Events: individual, pair and team for men and women. A team has three members.
- Age divisions: cadet (12 to 14), junior (15 to 17), under 30, under 40, under 50, under 60, under 65 and over 65.
- Who may enter: holders of a dan certificate from World Taekwondo or the Kukkiwon.
- How many events: an athlete may compete in up to two categories.
The glossary has poomsae, the recognised poomsae entry, the belt, the dobok, the corner judges and taekwondo.
Tricky cases
Can an athlete choose their best form?
No. The compulsory poomsae are decided by the Technical Delegate at the drawing of lots.
A form is finished in 95 seconds. Is the athlete disqualified?
No. It costs 0.3 points from the final score.
Does a team have to perform in unison?
The scoring rules read list unity between performers under freestyle harmony. For recognised team poomsae they do not set out a separate mark for it.
Is poomsae an Olympic event?
The rules read do not say. The sparring rules name the Olympic weight categories, and the poomsae rules do not mention the Games.
Why the rule exists
A fixed form lets judges compare athletes on the same movements, which is the only fair way to mark precision. Assigning the forms at the draw, and not letting athletes pick, means everyone must be ready to perform any of the eight in their division.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Cadet division | Taegeuk 4 to 8, Koryo, Keumgang, Taebaek | WT Poomsae Article 8 |
| Junior division | Taegeuk 5 to 8, Koryo, Keumgang, Taebaek, Pyongwon | WT Poomsae Article 8 |
| Under 60 and older | Koryo to Hansu | WT Poomsae Article 8 |
| Freestyle | The athlete composes the performance | WT Poomsae Article 9 |
From the rule book
World Taekwondo, Poomsae Competition Rules & Interpretation (in force 30 September 2024), Articles 3 to 8 and 10. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: WT Poomsae Competition Rules & Interpretation, 30 September 2024 (PDF).