Llangollen  Tae Kwon Do Club

Patterns

Patterns are various fundamental movements most of which represent either attack or defence techniques, set to a fixed and logical sequence against an imaginary opponent.

We practise patterns to improve our Taekwondo techniques, to develop sparring techniques, to improve flexibility of movement, master body-shifting, develop muscles, balance and breath control. They also enable us to acquire techniques, which cannot be obtained from other forms of training.

The reason for there being 24 patterns in Taekwondo is because the founder major general Choi Hong Hi, compared the life of man with a day in the life of the earth and believed that some people should strive to bequeath a good spiritual legacy to coming generations and in doing so gain immortality.

Therefore, if we can leave something behind for the welfare of mankind, maybe it will be the most important thing to happen in our lives, as the founder says:

“Here I leave Taekwondo for mankind as a trace of a man of the late 20th century. The twenty four patterns represent twenty four hours, one day or all of my life.”

Interpretation of patterns

The name of the pattern, the number of movements, and the diagrammatic symbol of each pattern symbolises heroic figures in Korean history or instances relating to historical events.

Patterns are learnt so that you can draw some inspiration and guidance from the examples given of the tenets of Taekwondo.

 

Sajo-Jirugi – 15 moves

SAJO-JIRUGI means four directional punch.

SAJO-JIRUGI is a choreographed set of movements, both offensive and defensive given to the Taekwondo student. It develops co-ordination, direction changing, and breath control.

Part 1 of this exercise is a combination of middle obverse punches and low section outer forearm blocks performed in walking stance. Sajo Jirugi is an exercise with 15 movements and is not a pattern.