Poomsae power, speed and rhythm

Setup

1. Students in rows with room to perform; each uses the form for their current belt (Taegeuk Il Jang to Pal Jang). ITF clubs can adapt this to their tul.
2. Agree which section to use: the first section of the form, up to the first turn back along the line.

How it runs

1. Slow tempo: perform the section at half speed, holding each finished stance for a moment to check it.
2. Rhythm: the sabeom claps the timing of the section; techniques snap on the clap and the body relaxes between them.
3. Power: perform at full speed, tightening the body at the instant each technique finishes, with a kihap where the form has one.
4. Half the group sits at the edge and watches a partner for one quality only, then gives one specific comment. Swap.

Coaching points

• Relaxed while travelling, tight at the finish: power arrives at the end of each technique.
• Breathe out sharply as each technique finishes; don't hold the breath.
• Linked techniques flow together; separate techniques get a clear pause.
• Eyes reach the next direction before the body turns.
• Stance length and height stay the same throughout the section.

Common mistakes

• Same speed for every move, so nothing stands out.
• Tensing the whole time, which makes techniques slow and stiff.
• Kihap in the wrong place or missing.
• Stances shrinking as the student speeds up.