Patterns
The TaeKwon-Do Patterns, or Tuls, are a series of Pre-Arranged, Choreographed Techniques, both attacking and defensive, against an imaginery opponent. Originally, there were only 4 Patterns developed specifically for TaeKwon-Do training. The original Encyclopedia of TaeKwon-Do (Authored by General Choi Hong Hi in 1960), described several Karate-Style ‘Patterns’ or ‘Kata’ for use by the Student in addition to these. Such exercises were intended to be practised by the Student both in Class and alone as a means of developoing power, coordination and skill . The Patterns increase in complexity, both in the Techniques employed and their Application. During the 1960’s, the number of Patterns increased to 20 and eventually to 24. Saju Jirugi, Saju Makgi and Saju Tulgi are described as “fundamental exercises” as opposed to actual Patterns per se but serve as an introduction for Beginners.
There are a total of 24 patterns, representing 24 hours, one day, or “all my life”. The name of the pattern, the number of movements, and the diagrammatic symbol of each pattern symbolizes either heroic figures in Korean history or instances relating to historical events. All patterns are performed under the assumption the student is facing “D”, with the exception of Patterns “Juche” which was renamed “Ch’ang Hon” by the I.C.T.F. . This begins facing towards “C”.
Pattern Defintions
Saju Jirugi - Download the Saju Jirugi Pattern
This is the first Fundamental Exercise in TaeKwon-Do. It means literally ‘Four Directional Punch’. There are 15 movements in total, starting from Parallel Ready Stance
Chon-Ji - Download the Chon-Ji Pattern
Literally means the “Heaven the Earth”. It is, in the Orient, interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history, therefore, it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth.
Dan-Gun - Download the Dan-Gun Pattern
Named after the Holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year of 2,333 B.C.
Do-San
The pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-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
The name given to the noted monk who single-handedly introduced Buddhism as a missionery to the Silla Dynasty of Korea, in the year of 686 A.D.
Yul-Gok
The pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yi I (1536-1584) nicknamed the “Confucius of Korea”. The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on 38th latitude and the pattern diagram represents the Chinese character for “scholar”.
Joong-Gun
Named after the patriot Ahn Joong-Gun who assassinated Hiro- Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-general of Korea, Ito was known as the man who played the leading part in the Japanese conquest of Korea. There are 32 movements in this pattern to represent his age when he was executed at Lui-Shung prison in 1910.
Toi-Gye
The pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th century), an authority on the philosophy of neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements of the pattern refer to his birthplace on 37th latitude. The pattern diagram, as with Yul-Gok, represents the Chinese character for “scholar”.
Hwa-Rang
Named after the Hwa-Rang youth group which originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th century. This group eventually became the actual driving force for the unification of the three kingdoms of Korea. The 29 movements refer to the 29th Infantry Division, where modern Taekwon-Do developed into maturity.
Choong-Moo
The name given to the great Admiral Yi Soon-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armored battleship (Kobukson) in 1592, which is said to be the precursor of the present day submarine. The reason for this pattern ending in a left hand attack is to symbolize regret at his early death and unfulfilled potential.