POOM-SAE/FORMS

The Korean word "poom-sae" means a "form" or "pattern of movements." It is actually a planned series of movements that combines the physical skills (such as blocks, strikes, kicks, stances and more) with the mental skills (such as balance, coordination, discipline, strategy, focus and more). The target of these movements is an imaginary opponent of the practitioner's own size.
 
Why must students learn forms? Many martial art styles have discontinued the use of the poom-sae or use them only for the purpose of testing or tournaments. This means they have taken the "do" (as in TaekwonDO), which means "the way", out of their style. They have in essence taken the "art" out of "martial art."

Songahm Taekwondo has nine Color Belt and nine Black Belt Forms. Each form teaches new hand and feet techniques. In addition, each form trains specific muscle groups. After completion of the color belt curriculum, the student will have conditioned every major muscle group and most minor muscles in their body.