Patterns (Tul)

These case studies treat each pattern as a training tool: what it emphasizes, what it avoids, and how it fits into the ITF curriculum.

Case Studies

Beginner • 9th Gup Chon-Ji Tul — A Systems Case Study Foundational constraints: alignment, stable base, and start/stop control. Beginner • 8th Gup Dan-Gun Tul — A Systems Case Study Builds on Chon-Ji: longer lines, higher reach, and tests posture under greater range. Beginner • 7th Gup Do-San Tul — A Systems Case Study Integration begins: longer sequences, reduced pauses, and testing whether fundamentals survive under coordination pressure. Beginner • 6th Gup Won-Hyo Tul — A Systems Case Study Rotation enters the system: turning for power, stance variation, and balance under directional change. Intermediate • 5th Gup Yul-Gok Tul — A Systems Case Study The endurance jump: longer pattern length, rotation becomes routine, and efficiency starts to matter. Intermediate • 4th Gup Joong-Gun Tul — A Systems Case Study Directional density increases: frequent turns, tighter transitions, and clean re-alignment under pressure. Intermediate • 3rd Gup Toi-Gye Tul — A Systems Case Study Refinement phase: “quiet technique,” steady pacing, and precision under repetition. Advanced Color Belt • 2nd Gup Hwa-Rang Tul — A Systems Case Study Complexity returns: more variety and mobility, while maintaining the “quiet control” built in Toi-Gye. Advanced Color Belt • 1st Gup Choong-Moo Tul — A Systems Case Study Color-belt capstone: decisive commitment, clean turning, and high standards for control under larger motion. Black Belt • 1st Dan Kwang-Gae Tul — A Systems Case Study Black belt baseline shift: longer form, higher control demands, and sustained structure with clean pacing. Black Belt • 1st Dan Po-Eun Tul — A Systems Case Study Constraint and precision: compact movement, restraint, and control without excess. Black Belt • 2nd Dan Ge-Baek Tul — A Systems Case Study Power under load: deeper stances, stronger commitment, and clean control without stiffness. Black Belt • 3rd Dan Eui-Am Tul — A Systems Case Study Refined power and directional subtlety: deliver intentful technique with economy and consistent aim. Black Belt • 4th Dan Choong-Jang Tul — A Systems Case Study Sustained intent and reliability: maintain structure, pacing, and precision across long, dense sequences. Black Belt • 5th Dan Juche Tul — A Systems Case Study Independence and compact power: deliver intentful technique with minimal setup and clear directional aim. Black Belt • 6th Dan Sam-Il Tul — A Systems Case Study Durability and formality: sustain quality, pacing, and posture across a long, ceremonial pattern.

Reference & Pattern Lookup

Reference Technique Language — Tool · Motion · Height How to read technique names and keep patterns consistent. Lookup Move Index — Search techniques & patterns Search every technique (English / Korean), filter by category or height. Reference Blocks (Makgi) Definitions, common pattern mistakes, and table of block variants. Reference Strikes (Taerigi) Strike tools, motion rules, and finish discipline for patterns. Reference Punches & Thrusts Timing cues and common pattern errors for hand strikes. Reference Kicks (Chagi) Chamber → execution → return — balance-first kicking rules. Reference Stances & Ready Postures Stance categories, ready posture meaning, and symbolic positions.

How to read a case study

Snapshot: quick facts and the pattern’s role
Themes: what it emphasizes and avoids
Mechanics: balance, sequencing, power, and transitions
Limits: what it does not train (and why)
Drills: practical training derived from the pattern

Why patterns matter

In ITF Taekwon-Do, patterns aren’t just choreography — they are constraint-based learning tools. When you understand what a pattern is designed to train, you can practice it with purpose instead of just repetition.