Patterns are prearranged sequences of attack and defence moves against imaginary opponents. They are designed to improve power, accuracy and speed and to make techniques reflex actions rather than the result of (slow) conscious thought. The names of the patterns for the coloured belt grade (kup) students is from the TAE GEUK, the ultimate principle in oriental philosophy. TAE means “great” and GEUK means “ultimate” or “eternal”.
Colour Belt Patterns
SAJU CHIREUGI
Four-directional punching exercise;
14 movements, for 9th kup
KIBON POOMSE
Basic pattern; 20 movements; for 8th kup
TAE GEUK IL JANG
Represents HEAVEN and LIGHT (Keon); 18 movements; for 7th kup; perform clearly and methodologically, but fluently
TAE GEUK EE JANG
Represents JOYFULLNESS (Tae); 18 movements; for 6th kup; perform gently but forcefully
TAE GEUK SAM JANG
Represents FIRE and SUN (Ri); 20 movements; for 5th kup; perform with vitality and passion
TAE GEUK SA JANG
Represents THUNDER (Jin); 20 movements; for 4th kup; perform with strength and power
TAE GEUK O JANG
Represents WIND (Seon); 20 movements; for 3rd kup; perform alternately as slow/graceful and strong/fast
TAE GEUK YUK JANG
Represents WATER (Gam); 23 movements; for 2nd kup; perform fluidly and steadily
TAE GEUK CHIL JANG
Represents MOUNTAIN (Gan); 25 movements; for 1st kup; perform with stability but free movement
TAE GEUK PAL JANG
Represents EARTH (Gon); 24 movements; for 1st Dan; perform with strength and unbending force
Black Belt Patterns
KORYO
Name of a Korean dynasty (918 – I392 AD); 27 movements
KEUM GANG
“Diamond”, suggesting great strength; 27 movements
TAE BAEK
Old name of Baek Doo, highest mountain in Korea and site of mythical founding of Korea by Dan Gun; 26 movements
PYONG WON
“Plain”; 31 movements
SIP JIN
“Decimal”; 31 movements
JITAE
“Earth”; 28 movements
CHON KWON
“Sky”; 27 movements
HAN SOO
“Water”; 27 movements
ILYO
“Oneness”; 27 movements