Patterns also serve to test the ability of a student at taekwondo without actually fighting anybody. Regular practise of patterns helps with the development of strong techniques, co-ordination, balance and stamina but more importantly it helps create a disciplined and dedicated mind. Patterns test a student’s focus and determination to the maximum as patterns need 100% effort at all times. The student also needs to think carefully about each move. The intention, the timing, and the target are all vital points in perfecting the technique. As I have learnt from other sports, technique is more important than power. This is because without the correct technique, power is wasted, causing moves such as kicks to be poor as they may miss the intended target and hit with the incorrect part of the foot. However this is not to say that power isn’t important, what is true is that it’s best used with a well-developed technique. This is why with most moves there are three ways, which combine to develop the maximum power possible: kinetic energy, hip twist and reaction force. These methods should all be practised when performing patterns to generate the maximum power with the correct technique.
In the syllabus leading up to and including the patterns for 1st dan black belt grading there are in total nine patterns (excluding freeforms). For 9th Kup grading, Saja Jirugi is learnt. Though not recognised as a pattern, the purpose of Saja Jirugi (four directional punch) is to teach students the vital aspects of patterns that are covered in Saja Jirugi. For example it helps practise timing, power and coordination.
The first pattern that a student learns is called Chon Ji tul, which literally means heaven and earth. As it is a relatively simple pattern and the first pattern we learn, it should be our best pattern was yellow belt is achieved. After chon ji, there are seven more patterns to progress through until the student reaches Choong – Moo Tul. This is the pattern for black belt and is actually my favourite syllabus pattern. This is because it is the most challenging pattern to perform, mainly because it has a wide range of difficult techniques to perform including a 360° jump, a flying kick as well as new techniques such as an X knifehand checking block. It is also the most rewarding pattern to however as there is a sense of great achievement when the last technique is performed.
Also as part of the syllabus, for the 5th kup grading, students are required to create a simple 15 move freeform and then again for the 2nd kup grading, a more elaborate 25 move pattern is required. Freeforms therefore allow students the chance to improvise allowing the simulation of taekwondo against any number of opponents using the freedom of movements only usually used in self-defence or sparring yet at the same time the pattern should remain realistic and balanced. In my opinion striking a balance between elaboration and realism is one of the most challenging aspects of creating a freeform pattern. I feel that the challenge provided by a freeform is one of the most enjoyable aspects of patterns as with a freeform, the challenge never ends. No matter how good one freeform is, I think that it can always be improved upon. This challenge of a freeform therefore creates an element of exploration when creating a freeform.
When creating my freeform, I decided to move away from a symmetrical style pattern where a combination of moves is performed on the left, then next, the moves are repeated to the right as seen in earlier patterns such as Dan Gun Tul. Instead I decided to base my freeform upon the reality that no fight in real life will be symmetrical. Therefore the direction change is designed to represent the direction changes in a real life fight – spontaneous. However it does retain some of the traditional traits of a pattern as it finishes on the same spot and requires power, timing and coordination.
To conclude I believe that taekwondo’s patterns are what gives the art an identity and a sense of tradition in line with the tenets while at the same time helping taekwondo students in all other areas of the art. From a personal aspect, the challenge of patterns is never ending. When I have achieved my black belt, I would like to help with teaching the lower grades patterns.
Philip Hines
