North Midlands TaeKwonDo

The Taekwon-Do Patterns
There are 24 patterns in Taekwondo, ranging from 19 move patterns to 72 move patterns. The initial patterns are very symmetrical & most combinations or movements are repeated with both sides of the body, in opposite directions. These first few patterns are reasonably basic & introduce the novice student to the most common stances, blocking techniques, strikes & kicks. The Tul (korean for patterns) gradually increase in complexity providing the student with a comprehensive tool to help develop his or her martial skills. These obviously include the overall improvement of those individual techniques that are contained within the patterns, but perhaps not so obvious, the patterns also help to improve the students balance, co-ordination, fine motor control of the body's muscles, concentration, control of the breath & control of the movement of the body.

The Reason for 24 Patterns

The TKD patterns were created over a period of years by Grandmaster Choi Hong Hi, who attached his personal philosophy to the total number of patterns that were to be the core of TKD.

(nb: It would be correct to give credit to Nam Tae Hi, who assisted GM Choi to set up the Oh-Do Kwan & the Chung-Do Kwan in 1954 where TKD was developed. The fore-mentioned Kwan's were the military & the civilian martial art schools).

General Choi designated that the 24 patterns were to represent this philosophy:

"Here I leave Taekwondo for mankind as a trace of man of the late 20th century. The 24 patterns represent 24 hours, one day, or all my life". What the General is trying to convey with this message is that compared to the life of the Earth or the Universe, mankind has existed for a very short space of time. Here, Choi represents his own existence lasting just one day, or 24 hours, compared the life of time itself. The first part of the message is Choi's legacy to the world & to mankind. TKD was developed & has been promoted around the world to leave this legacy for the good of future generations.

The Interpretation of the Patterns
The name of the pattern, the number of movements, and the diagrammatic symbol of each pattern symbolizes either; important or heroic figures or instances relating to historical events that shaped the course of Korean history. The reason why the patterns were given specific meanings was to inspire the students of TKD when performing the patterns or when training & even in their daily lives. A great many of the patterns are named after people who lived by high morals, devoted their lives to the greater good, made sacrifices for their beliefs or achieved greatness through courage.