Patterns or tul form a large part of the basics learned in Tae Kwon Do. 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. This allows students to practice techniques in a controlled manner, and master the body movement, balance and positioning to achieve maximum power in the technique.
Patterns form a significant part of the grading examination, with students learning a set pattern to allow progress to the next grade through the colour belts.
- 10th kup - basic excercise Sajo Jirugi
- 9th kup - Chon Ji
- 8th kup - Dan Gun
- 7th kup - Do San
- 6th kup - Won Hyo
- 5th kup - Yul Gok
- 4th kup - Choong Gun
- 3rd kup - Toi Gye
- 2nd kup - Hwa Wrang
- 1st kup - Choong Moo
In total there are 24 patterns in Tae Kwon Do. The reason for the 24 patterns is because the founder (Major General Choi Hong Hi) compared the life of a man with a day in the life of the earth and beleived that people should strive to bequeth a good spiritual legacy to coming generations and in doing so gain immortality. Each pattern has a meaning for students to learn, the meanings introduce students to aspects of Korean history, and are named after notable individuals who embody the tenets of Tae Kwon Do.