These rules must be read and memorized. You should be able to recite them upon the instructor's request.

POOMSE BACKGROUND

Forms are practised to develop proper execution of techniques, co-ordination of techniques, balance and concentration. They can be performed solo, enabling an individual student to practice a large number of techniques in a small area, without the need for a partner or training aids. Forms can also be practised in groups, enabling students to develop the ability to anticipate another person`s movement.

Forms can be broken down into two portrayals: physical and mental. The physical portrayal of the form consists of the execution of the physical techniques. The mental portrayal is the mind state the student maintains while executing the physical techniques. Both portrayals are equally important and one should never be favoured over the other.

Taegeuk One (Il Jang)

Associated Trigram Heaven - Taegeuk One is the beginning of all Taegeuk Forms that follow. It is the mother of all and the initial molding force that guides the future actions and outcomes in these forms. It is pure Yang and therefore is representative of Heaven and Light. As such, it should be performed with the grandeur that is due to Heaven and with the caution that any mistakes made here will change the course of future events for the worse.

Taegeuk Two (Yi Jang)

Associated Trigram Lake - Taegeuk Two is representative of a Lake: serene, placid and halcyon. In its depths lie untold treasures, and mysteries of the life it supports. The movements of this form should be done with fluidity and the realisation that even though there are boundaries that control our actions, we have the ability to overcome them. This knowledge, however, should not cause the exaggeration of amour- propre, but increase the joy that is felt when one is in control of one's destiny.

Taegeuk Three (Sahm Jang)

Fire - Taegeuk Three flashes with the energy of the Trigram it represents: Fire. For centuries Fire has been a means of survival and without it the melioration of mankind would have come to an end. Ironically, Fire has also simultaneously been the means of catastrophe. Like, Fire, the techniques of this form should be done in an almost rhythmic fashion with occasional bursts of energy.

Taegeuk Four (Sa Jang)

Thunder - Thunder is energy at one of its most beautiful states. Thunder emanates from the Heavens and reaches down to the Earth in a fury that is seldom matched by any force created by nature. It circles, revolves and gyrates through and around the zephyr. It is in this mind state that Taegeuk Four should be performed.

Taegeuk Five (Oh Jang)

Wind - Being predominantly Yang, Wind tends to be benevolent in nature. Gently blowing the trees, grasses and inhabitants of the Earth, it is mentally and physically uplifting, however, in its rage Wind has the power to destroy villages, cities and, in extreme cases, even entire states. Taegeuk Five Poomse should be performed in this light with flowing elegance, while containing the ability to cause mass destruction with a single movement.

Taegeuk Six (Yuk Jang)

Water - Taegeuk Six is representative of Water. Like Water, it is at once the genesis and a decimation. Seemingly supple and conforming it has the ability to move a mountain. The movements of Taegeuk Six are performed in accordance with the nature of Water: Occasionally standing still as a lake, moving fast as a racing river or exploding outward as a crashing wave.

Taegeuk Seven (Chil Jang)

Mountain - Taegeuk Seven, being predominantly Yin, closely resembles the mental essence of Taegeuk Eight. Mountains can range in size from a small hill, located in central America, to the tallest apex on the planet Earth, located in the Himalayas. Regardless of their physical dimensions, all Mountains share the same grandeur and majesty. Therefore, this Poomse should be executed with the feeling that your movements deserve highest praise and esteem.

Taegeuk Eight (Pahl Jang)

Associated Trigram Earth - Gon is pure Yin: the end of the beginning, the dark side of a mountain, the evil element of all that is good, however, nothing can exist as pure Yin or Yang. Therefore, even in a state of complete darkness there is still light to be found right around the corner. It is with this mind state that Taegeuk Eight should be performed.

COMPETITION RULES

The winner is determined by superior point totals of successful hits (solid contact) using hands and feet.

One referee, four corner judges, and two juries make the decision and control the competition. The four judges keep the score and the jury decides the winner after confirmation of the referee's declaration of warnings, deduction of points, and the referees and judges' score cards. Valid scores are the scored points recognized by the majority of the judges. In the case of a tie, the referee decides the winner. The jury publicizes valid scores, superiority, deduction of points and warnings of each round. The jury's decisions are posted on the electronic scoreboard after each round.

Valid Scores

• A punch successfully delivered with the fist on the middle part of the body.
  
• A kick successfully given by the foot› on the face or middle part of the body.
  
• An attack successfully made either by the foot or fist on any part of the body above the navel except for foul parts which causes the opponent to fall.
  However, falling down intentionally or holding the opponent immediately after delivery of the effective attack by the fist or foot does not count as score.
  

Superiority

• Any technique (foot or hand) that is sufficiently powerful to result in an eight count knock-down is superior to any other technique.
  
• A foot technique is superior to a hand technique.
  
• A jumping kick is superior to a standing kick.
  
• A kick to the face is superior to a kick to the body.
  

Warnings and Deductions (Penalties)

• Kyong-go Penalty (warning)
  • Holding the opponent
  • Escaping from fighting by showing his back to his opponent
  • Moving out of the 8x8 boundary line on purpose
  • Attacking with knees
  • Pretending injury
  • Grabbing the opponent
  • Attacking the private parts
  • Pushing the opponent with his shoulder or body or pushing the opponent by his hand
  • Falling down on purpose
  • Attacking the opponent's face with a fist
  • Uttering undesirable remarks and misconduct on the part of the contestant or the coach
  • Intentionally stomping or kicking any part of the leg or foot
  • Gesturing to indicate scoring or deduction by raising hand, etc. (self cheering)
• Gamjeom Penalty (deduction)
  • Attacking the fallen opponent
  • Injuring opponent's face by a fist attack
  • Butting
  • Intentional attack after the referee's declaration of Kalyeo (break) order
  • Uttering of violent and undesirable remarks or misconduct on the part of the contestant or the coach
  • When the contestant moves out of the 12x12 competition area line
  • Throwing the opponent
  • Attacking the back and the back of the head intentionally

Weight Classes

Weight Categories for the 1992 Olympics

MEN	WOMEN
Finweight	Flyweight
Bantamweight	Bantamweight
Lightweight	Welterweight
Middleweight	Heavyweight