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Stage Three: Variation

The third stage is to vary the application of the pattern's techniques. We will react to a sudden attack as we have trained. By practicing patterns movements with no regard to their application, we train ourselves to react in a certain manner that may not be the correct reaction for a certain situation. Hironori Otsuka, founder of wado-ryu karate) wrote; “It is obvious that these kata must be trained and practiced sufficiently, but one must not be ‘stuck’ in them. One must withdraw from the kata to produce forms with no limits or else it becomes useless. It is important to alter the form of the trained kata without hesitation to produce countless other forms of training. Essentially, it is a habit – created over long periods of training. Because it is a habit, it comes to life with no hesitation – by the subconscious mind.”  Therefore, to make the technique in pattern more useful, students need to practice varying the techniques of the pattern while staying true to the principles that the techniques represent.

Stage Four: Realistic Sparring

The fourth stage is applying the elementary techniques and their variations in realistic sparring practice. Try to spar realistically, letting your instincts take control. Attack suddenly from close-range, kick toward shins, grab and hold, tackle, clinch, attack with common objects, bite, etc. Of course attacks and defenses are simulated so that no one is injured but make the sparring as realistic as safely possible.

These four stages are by no means unique to Taekwondo; other martial arts also use them, such as boxing. In boxing, a student first learns the basics, then uses the punches against compliant partners wearing protective equipment, Then students practice using basic punches in varying combinations. Finally, they enter the ring for full-contact free sparring.

Moving to a higher stage of pattern practice does not mean you abandon the earlier stages. Each stage has a specific purpose and still needs to be practiced. Even though you learn variations of a technique, you still need to practice it as used in the traditional pattern so you may maintain Taekwondo's history. A traditional stick block against an attacker using a bo (long pole) may seem primitive in today's environment but it is effective against a stick attack. We may make changes to Taekwondo to make it more applicable to today's society, but you never know when you will have to resort to primitive means to protect yourself.

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