Biography

General Choi Hong Hi was born on November 9th, 1918, in the Hwa Dae Myong Chun District of Korea.

At the age of twelve he started to study Taek Kyon, an ancient Korean method of fighting with the feet. Later, when he was studying in Japan, he met a Karate teacher who helped him earn his first degree Black Belt in less than two years. He then intensified his training, striving to earn his second degree. Around the same time, he started teaching.

Conscripted into the Japanese army during World War II, he was posted to Pyongyang where he was imprisoned. Wanting to maintain his good physical and mental health during his imprisonment, he practiced karate, alone at first, then by teaching it to the staff of the prison and the other prisoners.

Becoming an officer in the new Korean Army after the end of the war, he continued to teach his martial art to his soldiers as well as to American soldiers serving in Korea.

His beliefs and his vision of a different approach to teaching martial arts led General Choi to combine elements of Taek Kyon and Karate techniques to develop a modern martial art. He called it Tae Kwon Do, which means "the way of the feet and the hands", and this name was officially adopted on April 11th, 1955.

In 1959, General Choi was named President of the Korean Taekwon-Do Association. Seven years later, on March 22nd,1966, he created the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). As the Founder of Taekwon-Do and President of the ITF, he had the ability to share his art with students everywhere. Today, Taekwon-Do training is available around the world.

After a life dedicated to the development of Taekwon-Do, a modern martial art based on traditional values, philosophy, and training, General Choi, Founder of Taekwon-Do and President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation, died of cancer on June 15th, 2002, in the country of his birth.

 

Tribute to General Choi

General Choi Hong Hi
Father of Taekwon-Do
Born 1918, Kilju
Died 2002, Pyongyang

   

General Choi Hong Hi, Founder and President of the International Taekwon-Do Federation died on June 15th, 2002, in Pyongyang, People’s Democratic Republic of Korea.

On April 11th, 1955, a special board of masters, historians, and other important members of Korean society held a meeting. Their purpose was to coordinate the various "kwans" (schools) and select a name for the newly-organized Korean style martial art. After reviewing several different names for the new style, they chose the name submitted by General Choi Hong Hi. That name was "Tae Kwon Do".

General Choi is recognized around the world as the Father of Taekwon-Do and the Founder of the International Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and he created the ITF system that we know today. 

Taekwon-Do was officially founded 11th April 1955, but many of the techniques found in Taekwon-Do actually date back many hundreds of years. Taekwon-Do is often said to be a blending of Tae Kyon, actually date back many hundreds of years. Taekwon-Do is often said to be a blending of Tae Kyon, actually date back many hundreds of years.    Korean foot fighting and Japanese Karate, which General Choi the Founder, studied whilst he was  in Japan.

Historians often claim that the source of the bare/open hand fighting systems can be traced back

to the Buddhist monk Bodhidharma (448-529 A.D.), but wherever people met some form of

unarmed combat was bound to develop. There have been various forms of unarmed combat practiced all over the world in such places as China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Russia and France.

Bodhidharma is reputed to have taught Buddhism to the Chinese monks at the Shaolin Temple in

520 A.D. His mental and physical training was said to have aided them in their search for enlightenment.

In Korea it is recorded that during the 7th Century, the legendary Hwa-Rang were the power to

be reckoned with on the battlefield; with great feats of bravery and skill attributed to them.

The Hwa-Rang were said to have blended Buddhist techniques with Tae Kyon.

It is wise to bear in mind that as China is often regarded as the cradle of oriental culture, and has

the longest history, it is easy for it to have the oldest records pertaining to the martial arts.

The victors write the history books, in Korea Silla were victorious so the feats of the Hwa-Rang

were recorded, but in contrast to western culture, Koreans also remember those who fought

valiantly and lost, such as General Ge-Baek, who was defeated by the Hwa-Rang, Kim Yoo-Sin.

Suffice it to say that Taekwon-Do has roots that span many centuries and techniques that

may be borrowed and refined from other martial arts, but it is this mix that makes Taekwon-Do

a great all round martial art.

Taekwon-do is a military martial art from Korea, known as a scientific martial art because of its ability to be constantly improved.

4000 B.C.

There is evidence of human habitation of Korea going back to 4000 B.C.

2333 B.C.

Legend of the man-god Dan-Gun who founded the Chosun Kingdom in 2333B.C. (Land of the Morning Calm)

(see also Chon-Ji)

Up to 1st Century  B.C.

Almost no centralized communities until the time of the Three Kingdoms

57 B.C. –  668 A.D.

The Three Kingdoms Koguryo in the North, Silla and Paekche in the South.

All these peoples had similar ethnic backgrounds and language.

All three were heavily influenced by China.

(see Ul-Ji, Yon-Gae, Kwang-Gae )

660 A.D.

Silla allied with China to overthrow Paekche. (see Ge-Baek )

Koguryo fell shortly after in 668A.D.

It is around this time that Tae Kwon-do began -

the Hwa-Rang youth group originated in the Silla dynasty.

668-935A.D.

Silla Dynasty. Beginning of Korea’s cultural development.

Silla remained mainly tribal. Society was divided into distinct classes,

with a large semi-slave population supporting the aristocratic minority.

Warlords in the North eventually take over Silla and found Koryeo.

(see Moon-Moo, Yoo-Sin )

686A.D.

Death of Won-Hyo who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty.

918-1392 A.D.

Koryeo period. English name for Korea derived during this time after the journeys of Marco Polo.

Buddhism flourished and spread.

1231 A.D.

Mongols invade Korea and take control of Koryeo period.

1392 A.D.

Korean General Yi Song-Gye sent to China to campaign against Ming rulers,

instead allied with Chinese and returned to overthrow the Korean King.

Set up his own Dynasty the Yi.

(see Po-Eun , Choi-Yong)

1392-1910 A.D.

The ruler of the Yi Dynasty moved the capital to Hanyang-gun (modern Seoul)

1394 A.D.

Confucianism was adopted as the official religion.

Korean written down for the first time and the Korean alphabet (Hangul) invented.

(see Se-Jong)

1501-1570 A.D.

Toi-Gye (Yi Hwang)

one of the two pillars of the Korean Neo-Confucian tradition.

1536-1584 A.D.

Yul-Gok (Yi I) a contemporary of Toi-Gye

but interpreted the Neo-Confucian philosophy differently.

1592-1598 A.D.

Invasions by the Japanese.

(see Choong-Moo, So-San, Choong-Jang )

1627-1636 A.D.

Invasions by the Manchu.

1800’s

Korea closed its borders to foreign trade.

1876 A.D.

Japan forced a series of trade agreements on Korea,

leading to Japans eventual annexation of the country in 1910.

(see Eui-Am)

1876-1938 A.D.

Do-San dedicated his life to the education of Korea and its

Independence movement, attempting to keep Korean culture and language alive.

(see Do-San)

Sino-Japanese War 1894-95

1904-1905

Russo-Japanese War – despite Korean declarations of neutrality, Japanese forces moved into the peninsula.

1905 A.D.

Japan-Korea Protectorate Treaty gave Japan virtual control of Korea.

1910 A.D.

A Korean Royal Proclamation announced annexation by Japan,

Emperor forced into signing of Treaty of Annexation.

Patriot Ahn Joong-Gun executed in Lui Shung prison.

(see Joong-Gun)

1910-1945 A.D.

Japanese Occupation.

Korean people forced to adopt Japanese names, religion (Shintoism)

and forbidden to use Korean language in schools and businesses.

1919 A.D.

1st March – Korean Independence Movement– Koreans were brutally repressed.

Thousands killed, tens of thousands maimed and imprisoned, hundreds

of churches, temples, schools and homes destroyed.

(see Sam-Il)

WWII 1939-1945 A.D.

Japan siphoned off more and more of Koreas resources and people to feed its

Imperial War Machine.

Many forced labourers were never repatriated to Korea.

1945 A.D.

15th August, Japanese surrender and the beginning of divided rule.

USSR occupied North of 38th parallel, US occupied South of 38th parallel.

(see Tong-Il, Ko-Dang)

1950-1953 A.D.

25th June, North Korean Army invaded the South starting the Korean War.

UN helped the South and China sided with the North.

The three year war left millions dead on both sides.

Summary

4000 B.C. - Korean history begins

2333 B.C. - Dan-Gun founded first Kingdom

57 B.C.- 668 A.D. - Three Kingdoms: Silla, Paek je and Koguryo

668-935 A.D. Late Silla

918-1392 A.D. Goryeo Dynasty (also Koryeo)

1382-1910 A.D. Yi Dynasty (Joeson or Chosun Dunasty)

1910- Modern Korea

COURTESY (Ye Ui)
It can be said that courtesy is an unwritten regulation prescribed by ancient teachers of philosophy as a means to enlighten human beings while maintaining a harmonious society. It can be further be as an ultimate criterion required of a mortal. Taekwon-Do students should attempt to practice the following elements of courtesy to build up their noble character and to 

conduct the training in an orderly manner as well.
1) To promote the spirit of mutual concessions
2) To be ashamed of one's vices, contempting those of others
3) To be polite to one another
4) To encourage the sense of justice and humanity
5) To distinguish instructor from student, senior from junior, and elder from younger
6) To behave oneself according to etiquette
7) To respect others' possessions
8) To handle matters with fairness and sincerity
9) To refrain from giving or accepting a gift when in doubt

INTEGRITY (Yom Chi)
In Taekwon-Do, the word integrity assumes a looser definition than the one usually presented in Webster's dictionary. One must be able to define right and wrong and have a conscience, if wrong, to feel guilt. Listed are some examples where integrity is lacking:
1) The instructor who misrepresents himself and his art by presenting improper techniques to his students because of a lack of
knowledge or apathy.
2) The student who misrepresents himself by "fixing" breaking materials before demonstrations.
3) The instructor who camouflages bad technique with luxurious training halls and false flattery to his students.
4) The student who requests ranks from an instructor, or attempts to purchase it.
5) The student who gains rank for ego purposes or the feeling of power.
6) The instructor who teaches and promotes his art for materialistic gains.
7) The students whose actions do not live up to his words.
8) The student who feels ashamed to seek opinions from his juniors.

PERSEVERANCE (In Nae)
There is an old Oriental saying, "Patience leads to virtue or merit, One can make a peaceful home by being patient for 100 times." Certainly happiness and prosperity are most likely brought to the patient person. To achieve something, whether it is a higher degree or the perfection or a technique, one must set his goal, then constantly persevere. Robert Bruce learned his lesson of perseverance from the persistent efforts of a lowly spider. It was this perseverance and tenacity that finally enabled him to free Scotland in the fourteenth century. One of the most important secrets in becoming a leader of Taekwon-Do is to overcome
every difficulty by perseverance. Confucius said, "one who is impatient in trivial matters can seldom achieve success in matters of great importance."

SELF CONTROL (Guk Gi)
This tenet is extremely important inside and outside the dojang, whether conducting oneself in free sparring or in one's personal affairs. A loss of self-control in free sparring can prove disastrous to both student and opponent. An inability to live and work within one's capability or sphere is also a lack of self-control.  According to Lao-Tzu "the term of stronger is the person who wins over oneself rather than someone else."

INDOMITABLE SPIRIT (Baekjool Boolgool)
"Here lie 300, who did their duty," a simple epitaph for one of the greatest acts of courage known to mankind. Although facing the superior forces of Xerxes, Leonidas and his 300 Spartans at Thermoplylae showed the world the meaning of indomitable spirit. It is shown when a courageous person and his principles are pitted against overwhelming odds.  A serious student of Taekwon-Do will at all times be modest and honest. If confronted with injustice, he will deal with the  belligerent without any fear or hesitation at all, with indomitable spirit, regardless of whosoever and however many the number  may be.

Founded by: General Choi Hong Hi 9th Dan
Founded on: 11th April 1955
Introduced to UK by: Rhee Ki Ha in 1967

Taekwon-do means: Foot Hand and Art or way of life

Training Hall: Dojang

Training Suit: Dobok

Belt: Ti (pronounced tee)

Counting (Pronunciation aid): One Hana (hannah)
Two Tul (dool)
Three Set (say)
Four Net (nay)
Five Tasot (da so)
Six Yosot (yo so)
Seven Ilgop (ill go)
Eight Yodol (yo doll)
Nine Ahop (a ho)
Ten Yol (yoll)

Instructor: Sabum
Assistant Instructor: Bo Sabum
Master: Sahun
Grand Master: Sasung
Examiner: Se Hum Kwon
Student: Jeja

Taekwon-Do oath: ''As a student in Tae Kwon Do I shall observe the tenets of Tae Kwon Do, I shall respect the instructors and seniors I shall never misuse Tae Kwon Do, I shall be a champion of freedom and justice and help build a more peaceful world’'

Tenets: Courtesy (Ye Ui)]

Integrity (Yom Chi)
Perseverance (In Nae)
Self-Control (Kuk Gi)
Indomitable Spirit (Baekjul Boolgool)

Commands:

Ready (Junbi)
Start (Si-Jak)
Stop (Gomman)
Return to start position (Barrol (Pharro))
Turn around (Dwiryo Torra)
Right about turn (Ooro Dwiryo Torra)
Left about turn (Chwarro Dwiryo Torra)
Centre line turn (Gujari Dolgi)
Relax (Shewo)
Self defence techniques (Hosin Sul)
In your own time (Koryong Opshe) 
Four directional punching (Saju Jirugi)
Left (Wen)
Right (Orun)
Reaction force (Bandong Ryok)
Bow (Kyong Ye)
Dismiss (Haessan)

 

A Student's Responsibility

• Never tire of learning. A good student can learn anywhere, any time. This is the secret of knowledge.
• A good student must be willing to sacrifice for his art and instructor. Many students feel that their training is a commodity bought with monthly dues, and are unwilling to take part in demonstrations, teaching and working around the do jang. An instructor can afford to lose this type of student.
• Always set a good example for lower ranking students. It is only natural they will attempt to emulate senior students.
• Always be loyal and never criticize the instructor, Taekwon-Do or the teaching methods.
• If an instructor teaches a technique, practise it and attempt to utilize it.
• Remember that a student's conduct outside the do jang reflects on the art and instructor.
• If a student adopts a technique from another do jang and the instructor disapproves of it the student must discard it immediately or train at the gym where the technique was learned.
• Never be disrespectful to the instructor. Though a student is allowed to disagree with instructor, the student must first follow  the instruction and then discuss the matter latter.
• A student must always be eager to learn and ask questions.
• Never betray the instructor.

Training Secrets

• To study the theory of power thoroughly (Reaction Force, Concentration, Balance, Breath Control, Sine Wave, and Speed).
• To understand the purpose and method of each movement clearly.
• To bring the movement of the eyes, hands, feet and breath into a single coordinated action.
• To choose the appropriate attacking tool for each vital spot.
• To become familiar with the correct angle and distance for attack and defense.
• Keep both the arms and legs bent slightly while the movement is in motion. All movements must begin with a backward motion with very few exceptions. However, once the movement is in motion it should not be stopped before reaching the target.
• To create a sine wave during the movement by utilizing the knee spring properly.
• To exhale briefly at the moment of each blow except a connecting motion.

Composition of Taekwon-Do

Taekwon-Do is composed of fundamental movements, patterns, dallyon, sparring and self-defence   techniques that are so closely related that it is impossible to segregate one phase of instruction from   another. Fundamental movements are necessary for sparring and patterns, while both patterns and   sparring are indispensable for perfection of fundamental movements.

In the illustration (page 725 of the Condensed Encyclopedia), one can see it is difficult to distinguish   the beginning of the cycle from the end. There is, in fact, like the Deity, no beginning or end. A   student will find that he will have to return time and time again to the beginning fundamental   movements to perfect his advanced sparring and self-defence techniques.

Each fundamental movement, in most cases, represents and attack or defence against a particular   target area or definite action of an imaginary opponent or opponents. It is necessary to learn as many   fundamental movements as possible and fit them into complete proficiency so the student can meet   any situation in actual combat with confidence. The pattern actually places the student in a   hypothetical situtaion where he must avail himself to defence, counterattack, and attact motions,
against several opponents. Through constant practice of these patterns, the attack and defence   become a conditioned reflex movement. Power and speed must be developed to such a high degree   that only one single blow is needed to stop an opponent, so the student can shift stance and block or attack another opponent. Each pattern is different from the other in order to develop reaction against changing circumstances. Once the basic patterns are mastered, the student then begins to physically apply the skill obtained from fundamental patterns and movements to sparring against actual moving opponents.

Collaterally with sparring, the student must begin to develop his body and toughen his attacking and   blocking tools so he is able to deliver maximum damage in actual combat. Once a student has applied   himself to fundamental movements, patterns, sparring and dallyon, then the time has arrived for the   student to test his coordination, speed, balance, and concentration against spontaneous attacks: ie.   self-defence. The student will constantly find himself retruning, however, to his fundamentals even   when he has achieved the highest possible degree of self-defence techniques. As in military training,

Taekwon-Do progression follows a certain parallel:

1. Fundamental Movements = Individual soldiers basic training

2. Dallyon = Maintenance of equipment

3. Patterns = Platoon tactics

4. Sparring = Field exercises in simulated combat conditions

5. Self-defence = Actual Combat

The Theory of Power

The beginning student may ask; Where does one obtain the power to create the devastating results attributed to Taekwon-Do? This   power is attributed to the utilization of a persons full potential through the mathematical application of Taekwon-Do techniques. The   average person uses only 10 to 20 percent of their potential. Anyone, regardless of size, age, or sex who can condition themselves to   use 100 percent of their potential can also perform the same destructive techniques.

Though training will certainly result in a superb level of physical fitness, it will not necessarily result in the acquisition of extraordinary stamina or superhuman strength. More important, Taekwon-Do training will result in obtaining a high level of reaction force,   concentration, equilibrium, breath control and speed; these are the factors that will result in a high degree of physical power.

• Reaction Force
• Concentration
• Equilibrium
• Breath Control
• Mass
• Speed

According to Newton's Law, every force has as equal and opposite force. When an automobile crashes into a wall with the force of 2,000 pounds, the wall will return a force of 2,000 pounds; or forcing the end of a seesaw down with a ton of weight will provide an upward force of the same weight; if your opponent is rushing towards you at a high speed, by the slightest blow to his head, the force with which you strike their head would be that of their own onslaught plus that of your blow.

The two forces combined; theirs, which is large, and yours, which is small are quite impressive. Another reaction force is your own. A punch with the right fist is aided by pulling back the left fist to the hip.

Concentration - Jip Joong
By applying the impact force onto the smallest target area, it will concentrate the force and therefore, increase its effect. For example, the force of water coming out of a water hose is greater if the orifice is smaller. Conversely, the weight of a man spread out on snow shoes makes hardly any impression on the snow. The blows in Taekwon-Do are often concentrated onto the edge of the open palm or to the crook of the fingers.

It is very important that you should not unleash all your strength at the beginning but gradually, and particularly at the point of contact  with your opponent's body, the force must be so concentrated as to give a knock-out blow. That is to say, the shorter the time for the  concentration, the greater will be the power of the blow. The utmost concentration is required in order to mobilize every muscle of the  body onto the smallest target area simultaneously.

In conclusion, concentration is done in two ways: one is to concentrate every muscle of the body, particularly the bigger muscles around the hip and abdomen (which theoretically are slower than the smaller muscles of other parts of the body) towards the appropriate tool to be used at the proper time; the second way is to concentrate such mobilized muscles onto the opponent's vital spot. This is the reason why the hip and abdomen are jerked slightly before the hands and feet in any action, whether it be attack or defence.

Remember, jerking can be executed in two ways: laterally and vertically.

Equilibrium - Kyun Hyung
Balance is of utmost importance in any type of athletics. In Taekwon-Do, it deserves special consideration. By keeping the body always in equilibrium, that is, well balanced, a blow is more effective and deadly. Conversely, the unbalanced one is easily toppled. The stance should always be stable yet flexible, for both offensive and defensive movements.  Equilibrium is classified into both dynamic and static stability. They are so closely inter-related that the maximum force can only be 

produced when the static stability is maintained through dynamic stability.  To maintain good equilibrium, the centre of gravity of the stance must fall on a straight line midway between both legs when the body  weight is distributed equally on both legs, or in the centre of the foot if it is necessary to concentrate the bulk of body weight on one  foot. The centre of gravity can be adjusted according to body weight. Flexibility and knee spring are also important in maintaining  balance for both a quick attack and instant recovery. One additional point; the heel of the rear foot should never be off the ground at  the point of impact. This is not only necessary for good balance but also to produce maximum power at the point of impact.

Breath Control - Hohup Jojul
Controlled breathing not only affects one's stamina and speed but can also condition a body to receive a blow and augment the power of a blow directed against an opponent. Through practice, breath stopped in the state of exhaling at the critical moment when a blow is landed against a pressure point on the body can prevent a loss of consciousness and stifle pain. A sharp exhaling of breath at the moment of impact and stopping the breath during the execution of a movement tense the abdomen to concentrate maximum effort on the delivery of the motion, while a slow inhaling helps the preparation of the next movement. An important rule to remember; Never inhale while focusing a block or blow against an opponent. Not only will this impede movement but it will also result in a loss of power.  Students should also practice disguised breathing to conceal any outward signs of fatigue. An experienced fighter will certainly press   an attack when he realizes his opponent is on the point of exhaustion.  One breath is required for one movement with the exception of a continuous motion.

Mass - Zilyang
Mathematically, the maximum kinetic energy or force is obtained from maximum body weight and speed and it is all important that the body weight be increased during the execution of a blow. No doubt the maximum body weight is applied with the motion of turning the hip. The large abdominal muscles are twisted to provide additional body momentum. Thus the hip rotates in the same direction as that of the attacking or blocking tool. Another way of increasing body weight is the utilization of a springing action of the knee joint. This is achieved by slightly raising the hip at the beginning of the motion and lowering the hip at the moment of impact to drop the body weight into the motion.

In summarizing, it is necessary to point out that the principles of force outlined here hold just as true today in our modern scientific and nuclear age as they did centuries ago.  I am sure that when you go through this art, both in theory and in practice, you will find that the scientific basis of the motions and the  real power which comes out a small human body cannot fail to impress you.

Speed - Sokdo
Speed is the most essential factor of force or power. Scientifically, force equals mass times acceleration (F = MA) or (P = MV2), where P = Power, M = Mass and V = Velocity.

If you drop a large stone gently on a double pane of glass from a height of three inches its effect will be minimal. On the other hand, if you throw a small stone against the same glass with great speed it will smash.

If you pass your hand through a candle flame the flam will carry on burning, you can however extinguish the flame with a controlled punch or kick by stopping the technique one inch from the flame. The force of displacement of the air in front of your attacking tool is enough to extinguish the flame.

According to the theory of kinetic energy, every object increases its weight as well as speed in a downward movement. This very principle is applied to this particular art of self-defence. For this reason, at the moment of impact, the position of the hand normally becomes lower than the shoulder and the foot lower than the hip while the body is in the air.

Reaction force, breath control, equilibrium, concentration, and relaxation of the muscles cannot be ignored. However, these are the factors that contribute to the speed and all these factors, together with flexible and rhythmic movements, must be well coordinated to produce the maximum power in Taekwon-Do.

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What is a Pattern?
A Pattern is a set of fundamental movements, mainly defence and attack, set in a logical   sequence to deal with one or more imaginary opponents. Patterns are an indication of a s tudent's progress - a barometer in evaluating an individuals technique.

Chon-Ji 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 first pattern played by the beginner.  This pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth.

19 moves

 

Dan-Gun is named after the Holy Dan-Gun, the legendary founder of Korea in the year 2, 333 B.C.

21 moves

 

Do-San is the pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1876-1938).  The 24 movements represent his entire life which he devoted to furthering the education of Korea and its independence movement.

24 moves

 

Won-Hyo was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in the year 686 A.D.

28 moves

 

Yul-Gok is the pseudonym of the great philosopher and scholar Yi-I (1536-1584) nicknamed the ‘Confucius of Korea’.  The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on 38 degrees latitude and the diagram represents ‘scholar’.

38 moves

 

Joong-Gun is named after 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 in Lui-Shung prison (1910).

32 moves

 

Toi-Gye is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi-Hwang (16 ^th  century), an authority on neo-Confucianism.  The 37 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on 37 degrees latitude, the diagram represents ‘scholar’.

37 moves

 

Hwa-Rang is named after the Hwa-Rang youth group, which originated in the Silla dynasty in the early 7 ^th century.  The 29 movements refer to the 29 ^th  infantry division, where Taekwon-Do developed into maturity.

29 moves

 

Choong-Moo was the name given to the great Admiral Yi Soon-Sin of the Lee Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented the first armoured battleship (Kobukson) in 1592, which is said to be the precursor to the present day submarine.  The reason why this pattern ends with a left hand attack is to symbolise his regrettable death, having no chance to show his unrestrained potentiality checked by the forced reservation of his loyalty to the king.

30 moves

 

Kwang-Gae is named after Kwang-Gae-Toh-Wang, the 19 ^th  king of the Koguryo Dynasty, who regained all the lost territories including the greater part of Manchuria.  The diagram represents the expansion and recovery of lost territory.  The 39 movements refer to the first two digits of 391 A.D. the year he came to the throne.

39 moves

 

Po-Eun is the pseudonym of a loyal subject Chong Mong-Chu (1400) who was a famous poet and whose poem ‘I would not serve a second master though I might be crucified a hundred times’ is known to every Korean.  He was also a pioneer in the field of physics.  The diagram represents his unerring loyalty to king and country towards the end of the Koryo Dynasty.

36 moves

 

Ge-Baek is named after Ge-Baek, a great general in the Baek-Je Dynasty (660 A.D.).  The diagram represents his severe and strict military discipline.

44 moves

 

Eui-Am is the pseudonym of Son-Byong Hi , the leader of the Korean independence movement on March 1 ^st , 1919.  The 45 movements refer to his age when he changed the name of Dong Hak (Oriental culture) to Chondo Kyo (Heavenly Way religion) in 1905.  The diagram represents his Indomitable Spirit, displayed while dedicating himself to the prosperity of his nation.

45 moves

 

Choong-Jang is the pseudonym given to General Kim Duk Ryang who lived during the Lee Dynasty, 14 ^th century.  This pattern ends with a left hand attack to symbolise the tragedy of his death at 27 in prison before he was able to reach full maturity.

52 moves

 

Ko-Dang is the pseudonym of the patriot Cho Man Shik, who dedicated his life to the Korean independence movement and to the education of his people.  The 45 movements represent the last two figures of 1945, the year Korea was liberated from Japanese occupation.

45 moves

 

Sam-Il denotes the historical date of the Independence movement of Korea which began throughout the country on March 1 ^st , 1919.  The 33 movements in the pattern stand for the 33 patriots who planned the movement.

33 moves

 

Yoo-Sin is named after General Kim Yoo Sin, a commanding general during the Silla Dynasty.  The 68 movements  refer to the last two figures of 668 A.D., the year Korea was united.  The ready posture signifies a sword drawn on the right rather than left side, symbolising Yoo Sin’s mistake of following his King’s orders to fight with foreign forces against his own nation.

68 moves

 

Choi-Yong is named after General Choi Yong, premier and commander in chief of the armed forces during the 14 ^th  century Koryo Dynasty.  Choi-Yong  was greatly respected for his loyalty, patriotism and humility.  He was executed by his subordinate commanders headed by general Yi Sung-Gae, who later became the first King of the Lee Dynasty.

46 moves

 

Yon-Gae is named after a famous general during the Koguryo Dynasty, Yon Gae Somoon.  The 49 movements refer to the last two figures of 649 A.D., the year he forced the Tang Dynasty to quit Korea after destroying nearly 300,000 of their troops at Ansi Sung.

49 moves

 

Ul-Ji is named after general Ul-Ji Moon Dok, who successfully defended Korea against a Tang invasion force of nearly one million soldiers led by Yang Je in 612 A.D., Ul-Ji employing hit and run guerrilla tactics, was able to decimate a larger percentage of the force.  The diagram represents his surname.  The 42 movements represent the author’s age when he designed the pattern.

42 moves

 

Moon-Moo honours the 30 ^th  King of the Silla Dynasty.  His body was buried near Dae Wang Am (Great King’s Rock).

According to his will, the body was placed in the sea ‘where my soul shall forever defend my land against the Japanese’.  It is said that the Sok Gul Am (Stone cave) was built to guard his tomb.  The Sok Gul Am is a fine example of the culture of the Silla Dynasty.  The 61 movements in this pattern symbolize the last two figures of 661 A.D. when Moon Moo came to the throne.

61 moves

 

So-San is the pseudonym of the great monk Choi Hyong Ung (1520-1604) during the Lee Dynasty.  The 72 movements refer to his age when he organized a corps of monk soldiers with the assistance of his pupil Sa Myunh Dang.  The monk soldiers helped to repulse the Japanese pirates who overran most of the Korean peninsular in 1592.

72 moves.

 

Se-Jong is named after the greatest Korean King, Se-Jong, who invented the Korean alphabet in 1443, and was also a noted meteorologist.  The diagram represents the king, while the 24 movements refer to the 24 letters of the Korean alphabet.

24 moves

 

Tong-Il denotes the resolution of the unification of Korea which has been divided since 1945.  The diagram symbolizes the homogeneous race.

56 moves