Taekwondo Poomsae Competitor Perceptions of the Official and New Competition Poomsae, Field of Play, and Competition Rules

Ten new Taekwondo poomsae (forms) were introduced for competition (including the then-named poomsae Himchari, Saebyeol, Bigak, and Nareusya) prior to their inclusion in the 2018 Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. To determine general satisfaction of the current poomsae competition rules, field of play, official poomsae, and new poomsae, a survey of Asia Taekwondo Union poomsae competitors (n=91), coaches (n=33), and referees (n=100) was conducted. A total of 224 respondents completed the survey, but only 193 surveys were viable. Results of this study indicate a positive perception of current competition rules (70%; n=139); field of play (74.6%; n=144); official poomsae (16.5%; n=32); and the new poomsae (Himchari: 73.6%; n=142), (Saebyeol: 73.6%; n=142), (Bigak: 76.7.2%; n=148), and (Nareusya: 72%; n=139). This study should assist Taekwondo governing bodies in establishing practical strategies for the future of poomsae competitions. Numerous conclusions were drawn from this study, but most notably are that athletes, coaches, and referees had little problems with the “old” poomsae but also welcome the new, more challenging ones. This suggests that the respondents understand the value of the original official poomsae and appreciate the challenges that the new poomsae offer. The new poomsae can be said to illustrate how Taekwondo is growing positively while remaining true to its roots.