Poomsae in pairs: synchronisation

Setup

1. Groups of three: two performers side by side, about two arm-spans apart and facing the same way, and one observer in front of them.
2. Pick a form everyone in the group knows well, from Taegeuk Il Jang to Pal Jang (Koryo for black belts). ITF clubs can adapt this to their tul.
3. Agree the tempo together before starting: where the form is quick, where it slows and where it pauses.

How it runs

1. Run the first section of the form on the instructor's count, one count per movement, with the bow and junbi (ready) done together.
2. Repeat the same section with no count. The performers listen for each other's feet and breathing and keep together; the observer watches for who is early or late.
3. The observer gives one thing that matched and one thing to fix: timing, stance length, height of a block or punch, or the kihap.
4. Rotate so everyone performs twice and observes once.
5. Then join two sections together, and finish with the whole form, synchronised from the opening bow to the closing bow.

Coaching points

• Match stance length and the height of each technique, not only the timing.
• Use your side vision; don't turn the head to look at the partner.
• Kihap together, from the belly, at the same moments.
• Turn at the same speed so the gap between you stays the same all the way through.
• Finish together and hold the final ready position for a moment before the bow.

Common mistakes

• One performer leading and the other chasing a beat behind.
• Different turning speeds that drift the pair apart or towards each other.
• Rushing the slow movements to catch up.