Patterns

There are twenty-four patterns in Tae Kwon-Do. Each pattern is named after a significant figure or group in Korean history. The nine coloured-belt patterns are listed below.

The following points should be considered while performing patterns:

Pattern should begin and end at exactly the same spot. This will indicate the performer’s accuracy.

Correct posture and facing must be maintained at all times.

Muscles of the body should be either tensed or relaxed at the proper critical moments in the exercise.

The exercise should be performed in a rhythmic movement with an absence of stiffness.

Movement should be accelerated or decelerated according to the instructions in this book.

Each pattern should be perfected before moving to the next.  Students should know the purpose of each movement.

Students should perform each movement with realism.

Attack and defense techniques should be equally distributed among right and left hands and feet.

CHON-JI – 19 Movements – Yellow Stripe - 9th Kup

Literally translated means “Heaven and Earth”. In the orient it is interpreted as the creation of the world, or the beginning of human history. Therefore, it is the initial pattern practised by the beginner. It consists of two similar parts, one representing Heaven and the other Earth. 

DAN-GUN – 21 Movements – Yellow Belt - 8th Kup

Is named after the Holy Dan Gun, the legendary fouder of Korea in the year 2333 BC. 

DO-SAN – 24 Movements – Green Stripe - 7th Kup

Is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahan Ch’ang Ho. (1876-1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life, which he devoted to furthering the education of Korea and its independence movement. 

WON-HYO – 28 Movements – Green Belt - 6th Kup

Was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year 686 A.D.

YUL GUK – 38 Movements  - Blue Stripe - 5th Kup

Is the pseudonym of the philosopher and scholar Yi I. (1536-1584 AD) nicknamed the “Confucius of Korea”. The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on 38 degrees latitude and the diagram represents “Scholar”. 

JOONG-GUN – 32 Movements – Blue Belt - 4th Kup

Is named after the patriot Ahn Joong Gun who assassinated Hiro Bumi Ito, the first Governor-General of Korea, known as the person who played the leading part in the Korea-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in this pattern to represent Mr. Ahn’s age when he was executed at Lui Shung prison in 1910. 

TOI GYE – 37 Movements –Red Stripe - 3rd Kup

Is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th. century AD), an authority on Neo-Confucianism. The movements of the pattern refer to his birthplace on 37 degrees latitude, the diagram represents “Scholar”. 

HWA-RANG – 29 Movements – Red Belt - 2nd Kup

Is named after the Hwa Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th century. This group eventually became the driving force for the unification of the three Kingdoms of Korea. The 29 movements refer to the 29th infantry division, where Tae Kwon Do developed into maturity. 

CHOONG-MOO – 30 Movements – Black Stripe - 1st Kup

Was the name given to the great Admiral Yi Sun Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armoured battleship (Kobukson) in 1592 AD, which is said to be the precursor of the present day submarine. The reason why this pattern ends with a left hand attack is to symbolise his regrettable and untimely death having no chance to show his unrestrained potentiality checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to the King.