Koryo (고려)

Koryo is the first black belt poomsae in the World Taekwondo (WT) / Kukkiwon system. It represents the Koryo Dynasty (918–1392 CE), a period of great cultural and martial strength in Korean history. The form’s movements emphasize strength, precision, and the indomitable spirit of a black belt. It contains 30 movements and introduces advanced coordination and controlled power.

Opening Movements

  1. Begin in Joon-bi stance with hands raised, palms upward → bring them together at chest level → form a triangle before the face → press outward while lowering to flat feet.
  2. Turn left 90° into right back stance (left foot forward) → double knifehand block.
  3. Right double side kick (low and high) → land in right front stance → right outward knifehand strike → left middle punch.
  4. Shift into left back stance → right middle block.

Mirror Sequence

  1. Turn right 180° → right back stance → double knifehand block.
  2. Left double side kick → land in left front stance → left knifehand strike → right middle punch.
  3. Right back stance → left middle block.

Arc Hand and Knifehand Series

  1. Turn left 90° → left front stance → left low knifehand block → right arc hand strike to neck.
  2. Right front kick → land in right front stance → right low knifehand block → left arc hand strike → Kihap!

Leg Grab and Knee Press Sequence

  1. Right front kick → land in right front stance → right hand leg grab → left hand downward knee press.
  2. Turn left 180° → right front stance → double middle block.
  3. Left front kick → land in left front stance → left hand leg grab → right hand knee press.

Horse-Riding Transitions

  1. Step back with right foot → horse stance → left single knifehand block.
  2. Right fist strikes into left palm (holding motion) → simulate controlling an opponent.
  3. Cross right foot over left → left side kick → pivot 180° right into right front stance → left low fingertip thrust (right hand pulls to shoulder).

Elbow and Palm Block Combination

  1. Slide right foot back → walking stance → right low block.
  2. Left step forward → walking stance → left downward palm block.
  3. Right step forward → horse stance → right elbow strike (assisted by left hand).

Second Half: Mirror Sequence

  1. Right knifehand block → left middle punch into right palm (extended).
  2. Cross left foot over right → right side kick → pivot 180° left → left front stance → right low fingertip thrust (left pulls to shoulder).
  3. Slide left foot back → walking stance → left low block.
  4. Right step forward → walking stance → right downward palm block.
  5. Left step forward → horse stance → left elbow strike (assisted by right hand).

Closing Movements

  1. Feet come together → raise hands overhead palms open → lower in circular motion → left fist meets open right hand (slow low hammer fist).
  2. Return to Joon-bi stance → raise hands with palms facing → bring to face to finish, mirroring the opening position.

Koryo symbolizes the unbreakable spirit and determination of the Koryo people. Movements should express confidence, mental focus, and balance between power and control. Practitioners remain still at the end until the instructor commands “Bah Ro!” to return to ready stance.

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