PATTERNS (TULS)
Patterns are various fundamental movements, most of which represent either attack or defence techniques, set to a fixed logical sequence. In patterns the student systematically deals with several imaginary opponents under various assumptions using every available attacking and blocking toll from different directions. Thus, pattern practice enables the student to go through many fundamental movements in series to develop sparring techniques, improve flexibility of movements, master body shifting and gain rhythmical movements. It also enables the student to acquire certain exercises or sparring.
In short, patterns can be compared with a unit tactic, or a word, if fundamental movement is an individual soldiers training or alphabet. Accordingly patterns, the ledger of every movement, are a series of sparring, power tests, feats and characteristic beauty. Though sparring may merely indicate that an opponent is more or less advanced, patterns are a more critical barometer in evaluating an individual’s technique.
PERFORMING PATTERNS
- PATTERNS should begin and end in the same spot. This will indicate the performers accuracy.
- Correct posture and facing must be maintained at all times.
- Muscles of the body should be tensed or relaxed at the proper critical moments in the exercise.
- The exercise should be performed in a rhythmic movement in the absence of stiffness.
- Each pattern should be accelerated or decelerated according to instructions.
- Each pattern should be perfected before moving on to the next.
- Students should know the purpose of each movement.
- Students should perform each movement with realism
THE INTERPRETATIONS OF PATTERNS
The life of a human being, perhaps 100 years, can be considered as a day when compared with eternity. Therefore, we mortals are no more than simple travellers who pass by the eternal years of an eon in a day.
It is evident that no one can live more than a limited amount of time. Nevertheless, most people foolishly enslave themselves to materialism as if they could live for thousands of years. And some people strive to bequeath a good spiritual legacy for coming generations, in this way, gaining immortality. Obviously, the spirit is perpetual while material is not. Therefore, what we can do to leave behind something for the welfare of mankind is, perhaps, the most important thing in our lives.
"Here I leave Tae Kwon-Do for mankind as a trace of man of the late 20th century. The 24 patterns represent 24 hours, one day, or all my life."
The name of the pattern, the number of movements, and the diagrammatic symbol of each pattern symbolizes either heroic figures in Korean history or instances relating to historical events
BELT COLOURS
White
Signifies innocence, as that of the beginning student who has no previous knowledge of Tae Kwon-Do.
Yellow
Signifies Earth, from which a plant sprouts and takes root as the Tae Kwon-Do foundation is being laid.
Green
Signifies the plant’s growth as Tae Kwon-Do skills begin to develop.
Blue
Signifies the heaven towards which the plants matures into a towering tree as training in Tae Kwon-Do progresses.
Red
Signifies danger, cautioning the student to exercise control, and warning the opponent to stay away.
Black
Opposite of white, therefore signifying the maturity and proficiency in Tae Kwon-Do. Also indicates the wearers’ imperviousness to darkness and fear.