Notes on Poomse Rules

By Mindy Sautel, 6th dan

From a class at Moo Sul Kwan Summer Expo XXVII.

POOMSE TRAINING RULE #1
Students are taught poomse a few moves at a time by a black belt.

• Do not learn poomse from watching other students, from a lower belt, from a family member or from a DVD.  Memorize the line of movement.  Memorize the sequence.  Memorize the direction of the techniques.
• If you learn the moves a few at a time and practice them consistently, you will easily memorize the moves and the poomse.

POOMSE TRAINING RULE #2
In assuming ready stance, be calm, cautious and courageous.

• Be confident that you know the moves.  Be focused on the poomse you are about to perform.  Don’t let outside distractions affect you.

POOMSE TRAINING RULE #3
In learning the poomse, make each movement slowly, accurately and precisely.  When you are taught a couple of moves, practice them over and over so that you are doing the moves correctly.

• The instructor knows if you have practiced and are ready for additional moves.
• Rule #3 is most important when you are practicing by yourself. 
• You will become proficient in your technique if you concentrate on Rule #3.

POOMSE TRAINING RULE #4
Each movement must be dynamic. 

• Practicing as you mean to perform is crucial.  If you practice weakly without any power, then you are not taking advantage of your training.  Kihap loudly.  Have power, focus and sharp technique.

POOMSE TRAINING RULE #5
Maintain an objective focus. 

• Do your own poomse.  Don’t look around or try to copy other’s moves.  No eye contact should be made with anyone.  Maintain your focus no matter the surroundings.

POOMSE TRAINING RULE #6
In turning, look first, then turn. 

• Always look before you turn.  Increases your awareness of your surroundings.  Increases your focus.  Prevents injury.

POOMSE TRAINING RULE #7
In walking, maintain poise, balance and a good stance. 

• It is important to not only have power and correct moves, but to have grace.  This grace or poise increases the overall appearance of your poomse.  
• Having balance and good stances complete the poomse.

POOMSE TRAINING RULE #8
Relax while assuming a stance and executing a technique until the instant the technique would impact the opponent. 

• This provides the focus for each individual move.  The strength and power are focused sharply at the moment of contact.  
• Each move should have a focus hand and a twist at the last second.

POOMSE TRAINING RULE #9
Be certain to practice the poomse in different directions. 

• This is important so that you can perform the poomse in any surroundings.  You should be able to do the poomse in a circle or on an angle.  
• This also helps you to be able to perform well in demos.

POOMSE TRAINING RULE #10
Return to ready stance calmly, gracefully and with satisfaction. 

• If you have practiced rules 1-9, this is easily accomplished.  
• Be proud of your poomse. 
• Always practice as champion.