Improving Your Form: A Guide for Taekwondo Students

Taekwondo is a Korean martial art made up equally of hand and foot techniques. The form (poomsae) is an important part of taekwondo studies. This is where a student is able to show off their technique and ability. Forms are generally performed individually, making it vital that the student know and master the form to their fullest potential. Here are some tips to assist students with their forms.

First of all, the most important thing is for students to know everything about their form. This is more than just memorizing a sequence of techniques. Know what these techniques are called and what they are used for. Also learn the name of the form and what that name means. It is also important to know how many moves the form has and where the kihaps (yells) are located. If the form is broken into segments, know what they are. When a student really knows the form and its purpose, they can better execute it.

As students perform their forms it is also important to realize that every technique is designed with an imaginary opponent in mind. A block in forms is not just a block. Students should imagine someone attacking them with some type of kick or strike. The block must be in the appropriate position to correspond with the technique being blocked. When students strike and kick, they must know where on the imaginary opponent those techniques are intended to land. A strike intended for the opponent's stomach should not be executed high. It should be executed towards the mid-section. Again, by keeping the imaginary opponent in mind, a student will be better suited at properly performing their form.

As the student performs the form they must keep into consideration their eye contact. At the beginning of the form the student should find something or someplace to keep their eyes fixed upon, rather than having wandering eyes. As the form continues in that direction, the student should keep their eyes focused on that same point. Each direction the form takes the student, a point of eye contact should be established. While practicing the form, a student should work to find the flow of the form. Each form has a time frame to be completed in. By maintaining a consistent speed and keeping the flow, the form will be completed in the proper time frame. One way to work on the timing is to practice the form with music. The steady beat of the music should help a student keep a steady flow with the form.

For more assistance, look into a book that details the form and proper techniques. Or, find a video that portrays the proper execution of the form. Both of these study aids can be very beneficial to students.