Rhee Tae Kwon Do Hyung
The
name of the pattern, number of movements and the diagram of each
pattern symbolizes either heroic figures in Korean history or instances!
A
pattern is a series of movements or technique. Practicing a Pattern
allows the student to go through many movements in a series in order to
develop sparring techniques, improve flexibility, balance, co
ordination, build strength, improve breath control and develop fluid
movements. It also allows a student to acquire special techniques,
which cannot be obtained from either fundamental exercises or sparring.
Though sparring indicates that a student is more or less advanced,
patterns show the students true technical ability and level of
achievement. The patterns should start and end at the same point to
show accuracy! Students should concentrate on correct body positioning,
relax during movement and tense at the correct moment.
The Patterns are as follows:
4 - Directional Punching White Belt - 10th Kup
This
Hyung lays the foundation of future Hyung to come. This is the
most basic Hyung providing the beginner with understanding and
combining the fundamental movements at different orientated angles to
develop the coordination and balance of the execution. The Hyung
is divided into two parts of duplicated movements to ensure the equal
balance of the body development. It consists of simple basic
attack and defence situations. Although there is lack of
variation of technique, the practitioner is given more opportunity to
concentrate on precision skills in execution and good control of power
and balance, together with correct breathing.
CHON-JI Yellow Tip - 9th Kup
This is considered to be the first official constructed Hyung after the initial basic Hyung previously. It has two distinct parts combined symbolising heaven and earth - the creation of the world or the universe - as the word Chon Ji implies. The two parts in the Hyung consist of a lower section block and medium punch, and a inner forearm block and medium punch . These movements are executed in different directions to cover all points of the earth.
DAN-GUN Yellow Belt - 8th Kup
Dan
Gun was the legendary founder of the kingdom of Korea in the year
2333B.C. Today on October 3rd is a national holiday to
commemorate Dan Gun because of his greatness and significant historical
importance in maintaining and protecting the kingdom and its cultural
values through the turbulent years of the Silla, Koyon and Lee
Dynasties. This is the mythical story of the birth of
Dan Gun, the son of Hwan Ung who became a man that came from Heaven and
changed a bear to a woman whom he married.
DO-SAN Green Tip - 7th Kup
Chang
Ho Ahn (1876 - 1938) known as Do San was the son of a farmer who at the
age of 18 years joined the independence movement. His aim was to
promote free choice in education, culture and speech. These
activities, together with gaining back independence were carried out
underground during the Yi Dynasty in 1910 when the Japanese Empire
ruled. His outstanding effort came to an end when he was
captured by the Japanese and eventually died in prison. He
literally gave his life to the cause and was a proud member of the
Korean Independence Movement
WON-HYO Green Belt - 6th Kup
During
the Silla Dynasty (686 AD) Buddhism was introduced to its people by a
prominent monk called Won- Hyo. He was well known not only for
his scholastic achievement but also for a greater accomplishment in
helping and taking care of the poor and suffering people. He felt
comfortable amongst the underprivileged people and often sang and
danced for them. He was obviously well received and respected
everywhere he went.
YUL-GOK Blue Tip - 5th Kup
During
the Yi Dynasty there was a great philosopher and scholar called master
Yi I (1536 - 1584 AD). Known to many as Yul Gok he was dubbed the
“Confucius of Korea”. Yul Gok’s exceptional intelligence was well
served in many governmental postings and on retirement he constantly
advised on various social and governmental affairs. The
diagrammatic representation of the Hyung and the number of movements
represents his birth place and him being an outstanding scholar.
JOONG-GUN Blue Belt - 4th Kup
(1879
- 1910) Nothing demonstrates true patriotism more than to die for
one’s country. This was exactly what Ah Joong Gun
did. He sacrificed his life by assassinating an important
Japanese governor- General in Korea during the Japanese occupation. -
Hirobumi Ito on the 26th October at the Halbin railroad station.
Joon-Gun was captured and executed at the age of 32 which now
represents the number of movements in the Hyung.
TOI-GYE Brown Tip - 3rd Kup
Yi
Hwang (15-1 - 1707) was known as Toi-Gye, a brilliant scholar
specialising in Confucianism (Joo Jo Hak) Toi Gye’s own
interpretation of Confucius (Toi Gye Hak) is well recognised both in
the eastern and western worlds. His great authority on
intellectual theories has earned him many disciples through the Do San
Learning Institute founded by himself. The 37 movements in the
Hyung represent his birthplace on the 37° latitude.
HWA-RANG Brown Belt - 2nd Kup
Hwa
Rang youth were famous for their great fighting skills and
impervious spirit. Without them the three kingdoms of Korea would
not have been unified. During the Silla Dynasty (1350 years ago) a
group of youth sprang up with high moral and patriotic ideas and
devoted to strict discipline and unparalleled training skills - bodies
and spirits - calling themselves Hwa Rang Do. Membership to this
organisation was most selective, the young candidates must prove to be
men of character, virtue and conscience; and should be educated and of
noble birth. Today the Hwa Rang spirit lives on-used as the motto for
youth.
CHOONG-MOO Black Tip - 1st Kup
Admiral Yi Sun-Sin known as Choong Moo was noted for his invention of the armoured battleship - Kobukson (the turtle boat) during the Yi Dynasty. In 1592 when war broke out between the Japanese Empire and the Yi Dynasty, Admiral Yi lead his Kobukson to victory and reigned supreme over the sea for several years. Unfortunately he was sentenced to death after being found guilty of plotting against another commanding officer, then later pardoned by the king. Admiral Yi died at the age of 54 during another sea battle against the Japanese. Today he is still admired in Korea as a true protector of his country.
KWANG-GAE Black Belt - 1st Dan
Gwang-Gae-T’o
Wang was the 19th king of the Koguryo Dynasty. Being young and
ambitious and believing in expansionism, his success in conquering
near-by land holdings increased the size of his empire. The most
outstanding achievement was the regaining of lost territories from
Manchuria. He reigned for 39 years as represented by the 39
movements in the Hyung.