Taekwondo Patterns

To learn Taekwondo it is necessary to learn patterns (well it is if you want to pass a grading [exam] and get that lovely coloured belt).

A pattern is a series of moves (around 20) against invisible opponents. For example, turn, block, punch, about turn, block punch, etc. It was after my instructor showed me the first pattern -the easy one-, I found that I could not remember any of it. That is why I first started hunting for information on the net. I did find some, but not in a form that was easily digestible by a beginner (well to me anyway).

So I thought I would produce some pattern sheets. Three hours later (with the first pattern, you know the easy one) I realized why there was not that much stuff on the Internet. First you have to know the pattern, so there is no personal benefit in writing it down (since you already know it) unless like me your mind is like a sieve; secondly it takes so long to do, and that is without coding it into HTML.

So pause, for a moment, and view the beauty that is these patterns, reflect on the years that it has taken me (then send me your credit card number, I thank you in advance).

Hopefully these will print out correctly in landscape (don't forget to set that pesky "page setup" correct to landscape or you'll waste a that page of paper -woops too late).

A few general hint on patterns.

• They should begin and end at the same spot, and you should not end up by hitting the classroom wall (this is what usually happens to me).
• Don't practice facing the same all the time. It is quite hilarious to watch a class when the instructor turns them 90 degrees, and asks them to repeat the pattern.
• Correct posture and facing should be maintained, back straight and not twisted, and stance nice and low. If you fall over you have done it wrong.
• Try and concentrait your gaze and the back of the head of the person in front or the wall (rather than on your feet).
• The muscles of the body should be tensed or relaxed at the right moment, not Mr. Floppy or Mr. Stiffy all the way through. The moves should also be performed in a rhythmic manner with an absence of stiffness and a nice flowing tempo with movements accelerated and decelerated at the correct times. (Try doing the pattern slowly, and then the moves very quickly).
• Don't forget to finish with a nice yell (Ki-up).
• Every pattern should be perfected before going on to the next otherwise you'll just get all the movement confused between patterns. I know it's nice to try new one, but take it from me it can be confusing.
• As you advance, contantly refresh the "older" patterns so that you don't forget them. A nice analogy is that it is like a jungle and if you hack your way through every day through the patterns it is easy, leave it for a month and it isn't.

As you get better you will begin to know the purpose of each of the movement, see  Self Defense. I am also putting in some information on stances as well.
If you can manage it, imagine a series of attacker trying to hit you as you perform each of the movements. 

Start in the a relaxed position and then come to attention (cherriup) bring the left foot in and bow (kyuning) when called to by the instructor; then move sharply to the attention (cooblee) or ready stance (legs shoulder width apart, both hand clenched to a fist and held in front of the hip bones with about 300mm (12 inches) space. Start the pattern when told (seejak), and complete this in your own time. It is very difficult to ignore other students in the class at first, but do master this otherwise their mistakes become yours. Try and slow the pattern down to start with and keep to a rhythm. Once finishing, usually with a shout (ki-up), hold the final position until told to relax or finish. Then return to the ready position.

Kibon - First Form (El-Jon).

This is a basic pattern to get the student use to basic moves. It only consists of low block, single middle section punch, and forward stance. However the series of moves, directions, and rotations is enough to make me dizzy. I learned the Taegeuk patterns first but this is really a much better starting place as it is really only necessary to concentrate on the direction and rotation. Try and concentrate on imaginary attackers.

Kibon: El Jon

Contains Forward stance.

Taegeuk Il Jang - First Form.

This is the first Taegeuk pattern. The Heavens, the beginnings of everything on earth and the source of everything to give rise to growth.

Taegeuk: Il Jang

New Format Taegeuk: Il Jang

Contains Walking stance and Forward stance.

Taegeuk Ee Jang - Second Form.

Joyfulness is the the philosophy of this pattern. This should be done easily and gently with smoothness. There should be firmness in the softness, virtue and smile will overcome and accept your limitations.

 Taegeuk: EE Jang

Contains Walking stance and Forward stance.

Taegeuk Sam Jang - Third Form.

Fire and passion are the elements of this form. Moment should be like a flame, flickering pace, fast and slow, but with excitement as enthusiasm and hope burn through. Vigor and speed are displayed as well. Watch the back stance in this one. Sorry I can't get this to print on one page - I have tried.

 Taegeuk: Sam Jang

Contains Walking stance, Forward stance and Back stance

Taegeuk Sah Jank - Fourth Form.

Thunder.

 Taegeuk: Sah Jank

Contains Walking stance, Forward stance and Back stance

Taegeuk O Jang - Fifth Form.

Wind.

 Taegeuk: O Jang

New  Taegeuk: O Jang

Printer Friendly New  Taegeuk: O Jang

Contains Forward stance , Back stance, Open Stance, and Cross Stance.

Taegeuk Yuk Jang - Sixth Form.

Wind.

 Taegeuk: Yuk Jang

Contains Forward stance , Back stance, Open Stance, and Cross Stance.

Five now down, outstanding work; since I started this my kids have grown up, moved out, and now bringing the granddaughter to visit.

It an attempt to get my HTML grids to printout I have sadly had to write them in Excel, paste them into Word, save them in HTML, and the edit them in Dreamweaver. Needless to say they are suffering from Microsoft bloatwear and are now over 100KBytes (!!!) -sorry surfers with a slow connection. Here's an idea get ADSL, from my link on the home page of course; you will get my pages really quickly and I'll become a millionaire overnight from the commission. Or not :)

Watch this space for more patterns -with a lot of patients.