Theory
Pattern Interpretation
“The life of a human being, perhaps 100 years, can be considered as a day when compared with eternity. Therefore, we mortals are no more than simple travellers who pass by the eternal years of an eon in a day. It is evident that no one can live more than a limited amount of time. Nevertheless, most people foolishly enslave themselves to materialism as if they could live for thousands of years. And some people strive to bequeath a good spiritual legacy for coming generations, in this way, gaining immortality. Obviously, the spirit is perpetual while material is not. Therefore, what we can do to leave behind something for the welfare of mankind is, perhaps, the most important thing in our lives. Here I leave Taekwon-Do for mankind as a trace of man of the late 20th century. The 24 patterns represent 24 hours, one day, or all my life”- General Choi Hong Hi.
SAJU MAKGI & SAJU JIRUGI
Two fundamental exercises which are practiced by the beginner. Because they are not actually considered patterns, they have no historical significance.
CHON-JI TUL (19 movements)
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. This pattern has 19 movements.
DAN-GUN TUL (21 movements)
Is named after the holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2333 B.C. This pattern has 21 movements.
DO-SAN TUL (24 movements)
Is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1876-1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life which he devoted to furthering education in Korea and its independence movement.
WHO-HYO TUL (28 movements)
Was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year of 686 A.D.
YUL-GOK TUL (38 movements)
Is the pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yil (1536-1584) nicknamed the “Confucius of Korea”. The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on the 38th degree of latitude and the diagram represents “scholar”.
JOONG-GUN TUL (32 movements)
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 TUL (37 movements)
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 the 37th degree of latitude, and the diagram represents “scholar”.
HWA-RANG TUL (29 movements)
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 TUL (30 movements)
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 (Kobukson) in 1592, which is said to be the precursor of the present day submarine. The reason why this pattern ends with a left hand attack is to symbolize his regrettable death, having no chance to show his unrestrained potentiality checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to the king.
The Belt System
WHITE BELT
Signifies innocence, as that of a beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Taekwon-Do.
YELLOW BELT
Signifies the Earth from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Taekwon-Do foundation is being laid.
GREEN BELT
Signifies the plant’s growth as the Taekwon-Do skill begins to develop.
BLUE BELT
Signifies the Heaven, towards which the plant matures into a towering tree as training in Taekwon-Do progresses.
RED BELT
Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control and warning the opponent to stay away.
BLACK BELT
Opposite of white, therefore, signifying the maturity and proficiency in Taekwon-Do. It also indicates the wearer’s imperviousness to darkness and fear.
