Patterns
Patterns are a way of practising attack
and defence techniques against imaginary opponents, allowing the
development and perfection of techniques. Each grade has a grading
pattern, which must be learnt in order to pass that grading. Generally
students will need to practice previous patterns but will work
mainly on their grading pattern. The basic movements are learnt
first, then a gradual refinement as each sequence of movements
is repeated. As you would expect the initial patterns are fairly
basic and the latter ones quite complex.
Traditionally the movements of patterns were interpreted as various
blocks and strikes, the true meanings were hidden from Westerners
for years. We now know that by applying our knowledge of Pressure
Points to meridian lines on the body, these moves can render an
opponent unconscious or to be in great pain with very little effort.
There are 24 patterns in total, representing the 24 hours of the
day or an entire life time. 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.
The following are the names and meanings of the 9 patterns leading
up to 1st Dan Black Belt Grading
CHON-JI 19 Movements 9th Kup
Chon-Ji means literally "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 21 Movements 8th Kup
Dan-Gun is named after the holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder
of Korea in the year of 2,333 B.C
Do-San 24 Movements 7th Kup
Do-San is 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 28 Movements 6th Kup
Won-Hyo was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla
Dynasty in the year of 686 A.D.
Yul-Gok 38 Movements 5th Kup
Yul-Gok is the pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yi
I (1536 - 1584) nicknamed the "Confucious of Korea".
The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on 38th
degree latitude and the diagram (±) represents "scholar".
Joong-Gun 32 Movements 4th Kup
Joong-Gun is named after the patriot Ahn Joong-Gun who assassinated
Hiro-Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-general of Korea, known
as the man 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 (1910).
Toi-Gye 37 Movements 3rd Kup
Toi-Gye is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th Century),
an authority on neo-Confucianism. The 37 movements of the pattern
refer to his birthplace on 37th degree latitude, the diagram (±)
represents "scholar".
Hwa-Rang 29 Movements 2nd Kup
Hwa-Rang is named after the Hwa Rang youth group which originated
in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th century. The 29 movements
refer to the 29th Infantry Division, where Taekwon-Do developed
into maturity.
Choong-Moo 30 Movements 1st Kup
Choong-Moo Was the name given to the great admiral Yi Soon-Sin
of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armoured
battleship
