In forms competition students perform a combination of kicks, punches, strikes, and blocks before a panel of judges. Each form is a battle between the student performing the form and four or more imaginary opponents. The forms, or Hyungs, were created by Tae Kwon Do masters in the past and are an important tradition in this martial art. Students compete with others of the same approximate age and level of experience. Forms competition is sometimes split by gender but, especially for young children, is often run with boys and girls competing with one another.

Students may choose which form they wish to perform in competition, but most students elect to use their most recent form as it is usually the most complex one they have learned.

When judging forms competition black belts look for balance, speed, power, accuracy, and concentration. Balance means that competitors move smoothly from one technique to the next without stumbling or wobbling. It means that students use the correct stance for each technique and have their weight properly distributed on each leg. Speed does not refer to the time it takes to complete a form, it refers to the velocity of each block, kick, and strike. Power is indicated by ending each technique with a snap. Accuracy means that the student has remembered the form correctly and performed each technique correctly and in the correct order. It also means that each block and strike is properly placed on the imaginary opponent. Concentration is indicated by the student's eyes. The student's eyes should be looking straight ahead and focused in the direction of their imaginary opponents, not staring at the floor or wandering around the room.

At the end of the forms competition by division, many tournaments hold a grandchampionship competition. In the grandchampion forms competition, every competitior who earned first place in their division competition gets to compete. Thirty or more competitors perform their forms simultaneously before a panel of senior black belts. By process of elimination, the field of competitors is cut down to a more manageable size. After performing their forms three or four times, there will only be two or three students remaining. From these finalists, the grandchampion of the forms competition is chosen.

In this competition, size and physical strength are not advantages. The victor is the person who shows the best concentration, stamina, technique, grace, and flexibility. Although this competition includes students of both genders, all ages, and all levels of experience, it is frequently won by junior students or children who show levels of concentration beyond what you would expect from their years of experience.