Patterns

Patterns, or Poomsae, are a series of pre-defined moves that create a form and are used for both grading exams and competitions. The series of patterns used can vary between styles, organisations and clubs but World Taekwondo style uses the Taegeuk series for Kup Grades, and the Yudanja series for Dan grades. Below you can see details of each pattern and which grade it is typically required for.

Taekwondo patterns were developed as a way to practice techniques without the need for a partner. They involve a wide range of blocks, strikes, kicks and stances which increase in difficulty as you progress through the grades. When practising poomsae it’s important to remember you are going through a sequence of attacks and defence against multiple opponents. Often, patterns can feel abstract and impractical, but they form an important aspect of training and as you progress you’ll see how the moves can be applied in self-defence.

As well as grading exams, poomsae can be performed competitively at club, national and international levels. A more detailed overview of rules and competition setup can be found here.

For help guides to each of the Taegeuk and Yudanja patterns check out the Kup Grade or Dan Grade pages.

The outline above is the most common progression through the grades, but please note this may vary between clubs and styles. After 1st Dan it is common to learn the patterns above your grade pattern, partly because of the length of time between Dan gradings. Although the information above is set out to make it look a simple progression, dan gradings are quite different to kup gradings, particularly at the higher levels, where grades take into account teaching and knowledge as well as physical ability.