[lg_slideshow folder="General-Choi/"]
Patterns
What is a pattern?

A pattern is a set of fundamental movements, both defensive and offensive, that are set in a logical sequence to deal with one or more opponents. Patterns are an indication of a student’s progress and are essential to evaluating a student’s technique.

Why do we perform patterns?

We practice patterns to improve our Tae Kwon-Do techniques, develop sparring techniques, improve flexibility of movement, master body shifting, and develop muscles, balance and breath control. Patterns also enable us to acquire techniques that cannot be obtained from other forms of sparring.

Definition of patterns.

A pattern is a series of offensive & defensive movements set in a logical sequence against one or more imaginary opponents

Why are there 24 patterns?

There are 24 patterns in Tae Kwon-Do because its founder, Major General Choi Hong Hi, compared the life of man with a day in the life of the Earth. Our founder believed that through striving to leave a good spiritual legacy for the coming generations one gains immortality.

As our founder says: “Here I leave Tae Kwon-Do for mankind As a trace of a man of late 20th century The 24 patterns represent 24 hours, one day or all of 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.

The following points should be considered when performing patterns.

1. Patterns should begin and end on the same spot. This indicates accuracy.

2. Correct posture and facing must be maintained at all times.

3. Muscles of the body should be tensed or relaxed at proper moments in the pattern.

4. The pattern should be performed in a rhythmic manner, with the absence of stiffness.

5. Each pattern should be accelerated or decelerated according to instructions.

6. Each pattern should be perfected before moving on to the next.

7. Students should know the purpose of each movement.

8. Students should perform each movement with realism.