The Five Major Areas of Tae Kwon Do Practice

The Five Major Areas of Tae Kwon Do Practice

POOM SE (Pattern or Form) is a choreographed demonstration of the various kicks, blocks, and hand techniques of Tae Kwon Do which the student utilizes with an imaginary opponent or opponents. Observing a skilled practioner is like watching a ballet, since both are very graceful, while calculated and controlled. Forms are used to develop concentration, balance, precision, endurance, reflex action, power, speed, and agility.

GRY ROO GI (Sparring or Fighting) is the practial application of various forms of self-defense with an actual partner. In this area practice, control (to prevent injury and accidents), cooperation, coordination, speed, power, strength, skilled technique, precision, timing, endurance and confidence are the deciding factors.

KYUK PAH (Breaking) is done to practice and illustrate the formidable power, precision and great mental concentration of the Tae Kwon Do practitoner. Bricks, rocks, boards, cement blocks, and such are broken since it is not feasible to use this sort of power on another person in everyday practice!

HO SIN SOOL (Self Defense) is the study of how to use an attacker's strength or skill and weapons against him/her. The practitioner learns when, how, and where to attack an assailant using "pressure points" (areas of the body that when pressed cause intense pain), grappling and joint locking techniques, falling, rolling, throws, and some weapons.

JUNG SHIN TONG IL (Meditation) is for the purpose of concentration practice in order to focus precision and power, visualize goals, and listen to one's conscience for internalizing important truths and moral standards.