What patterns solve

Patterns create a consistent training environment for skills that are hard to isolate: footwork precision, coordination, rhythm, power timing, and control under structure.

• Consistency: same sequence lets students measure progress.
• Mechanics: stance, transitions, and finishes are exposed.
• Timing: breath, relaxation, and acceleration become teachable.
• Discipline: focus and repeatability without adrenaline.

A pattern is a microscope. It reveals what a student is doing when nobody is chasing them.

The instructor’s job

Your job is to teach patterns in layers. Students can’t improve if you only say “again” or “stronger.”

• Layer 1: sequence and direction (what to do).
• Layer 2: lines, stance, and turns (how to move).
• Layer 3: rhythm, breath, power timing (how to hit).
• Layer 4: intent and application (why it exists).

Teach in segments (the most important rule)

Most pattern problems come from trying to teach the whole pattern too early. Teach 3–6 moves at a time, repeat, then connect.

Segment method

1. Show it: demonstrate the segment once, clean and calm.
2. Walk it: step it slowly with counts and key points.
3. Build it: repeat at moderate speed (quality first).
4. Freeze it: 2-second hold on end positions.
5. Connect it: link with the previous segment only when stable.

If students wobble, lose lines, or breathe wrong — reduce speed and shorten the segment.

What to coach first (priority order)

Many instructors correct the hands first because it’s easy to see. But patterns improve faster when you correct in this order:

1. Line & direction: steps land where they should.
2. Stance quality: stable, consistent, aligned.
3. Transitions: clean weight shift; no extra steps.
4. Power timing: relax → accelerate → brief finish tension.
5. Hands and details: chambers, angles, exact tools.

Teaching shortcut: watch the feet and hips. The hands usually follow.

Line discipline (the invisible scoreboard)

Patterns are built on lines. When lines break, everything breaks: stance, power, rhythm, and even the look of the technique.

Key line rules

• Steps land on the line: no drifting left/right unless required.
• Turns land aimed: no “late correction step.”
• Same length both sides: your pattern should be symmetrical when it’s supposed to be.

Fast checks

• Noisy feet usually means loss of control or rushing.
• Extra steps means the stance and transition weren’t stable.

Pair this with: Footwork & Positioning and Transitions.

Rhythm, breath, and power timing

A pattern should have consistent timing — not random pauses, not constant speed. The goal is controlled travel and crisp finishes.

The rhythm model

• Travel phase: smooth and relaxed.
• Finish phase: brief tension + sharp exhale.
• Reset: relax immediately so the next technique can accelerate.

Breathing rule

• Exhale at the finish of the technique.
• Don’t hiss forever (long hiss usually becomes slow technique).
• Don’t hold breath (breath holding creates stiffness).

More depth: Power, Tension, Breathing.

Sine wave (teach the function, not the bounce)

If your school uses sine wave in patterns, teach it as a subtle tool: relax while moving and settle weight into the finish.

• Good: smooth, subtle, controlled, heavy finish.
• Bad: exaggerated bobbing, slow motion, noisy landings.
• Coach it by: “quiet feet” and “finish stable,” not “bounce more.”

Full breakdown: Foundations → Sine Wave.

Common pattern problems (and what they reveal)

Problem: Wobble at the finish

• Reveals: stance too long, poor weight shift, weak transitions.
• Fix: shorten slightly; rebuild line; freeze 2 seconds.

Problem: Technique looks “fast” but hits light

• Reveals: arm-first habits; hips late; early tension.
• Fix: hip-first slow reps; relax travel; snap finish.

Problem: Random pauses

• Reveals: uncertainty in transitions or sequence.
• Fix: break into smaller segments; count; connect later.

Problem: Noisy stepping

• Reveals: rushing, poor balance, weak control.
• Fix: slow down; aim the step; quiet landing test.

Problem: Different stance height each move

• Reveals: inconsistent knee bend, weak stance awareness.
• Fix: stance-hold drills; line work; teach one stance at a time.

Application (how to add meaning without making it messy)

Students stay motivated when patterns connect to purpose. But “application” should be simple, safe, and clearly connected to the segment you taught.

Application rules

• One segment → one drill (don’t add 10 ideas).
• Match the distance (don’t force it if range doesn’t fit).
• Keep it safe (control and clear targets).
• Teach principles: angle, timing, balance, exit.

Easy application formats

• Pad line: perform the segment into a pad with correct timing.
• Partner feed: partner gives a simple attack; student uses the segment idea.
• 3-step entry: step/angle → block/redirect → counter → reset.

Instructor drills (plug-and-play)

1) Two-second freeze (finish quality)

• After each technique in the segment, freeze for 2 seconds.
• Watch: wobble, heel lift, knee collapse, shoulder hike.
• Goal: stable ends before speed.

2) Line walk with aims (direction discipline)

• Mark a straight line on the floor (tape works).
• Students step along the line and “land aimed.”
• Goal: remove drifting and late correction turns.

3) Slow-to-fast ladder (timing)

• Run the segment at 30% / 60% / 90% speed.
• Rule: shape stays the same; only timing changes.
• Goal: acceleration improves without early tension.

4) Segment + drill + segment (integration)

• Run the segment once.
• Do the application drill for 60 seconds.
• Run the segment again.
• Goal: patterns improve immediately because students feel the purpose.

Next

Patterns improve faster when fundamentals are taught as “how to teach.” Go to Teaching Fundamentals.