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Just as individual letters form words, which are then used to compose sentences that express a thought; individual techniques and movements form patterns, which are then used to express the essence of Taekwondo. Just as students in elementary school first learn to print precisely and then to write in their own personal style, Taekwondo students first learn to perform each movement in a pattern in a specified manner, and then they begin to develop their own personal performance style. Patterns are the link between technique training and actual fighting.

Taekwondo competition may be compared to figure skating competition. Taekwondo free-sparring is similar to a figure skating free-style performance. Both are spectacular, very physical, and entertaining. Taekwondo patterns performance is similar to the figures of figure skating (which are no longer required in competition) where a skater is judged on how perfectly he or she can skate specific figures on the ice. In both, everyone does the same movements, movements are precise, mental concentration is more important than in sparring, and competition is relatively boring to watch.

Why 24 Patterns?

A human life may be considered as a day when compared to eternity. A day is 24 hours long, therefore, General Choi developed 24 patterns to represent each of the 24 hours of one day.

No First Attack

There is no first attack in Taekwondo. The tenets of Taekwondo demand that a student of Taekwondo never initiates an attack. Therefore, most patterns begin with a block.

Chunbi Hand Positions

All patterns start and end with a chunbi (ready) position. The position symbolize various states of readiness. The basic chunbi (both fists in front of the belt knot) shows a warrior who is ready to defend him or herself at a moment's notice. Chunbi using high twin open hands held in a triangular shape shows a warrior in meditation. Chunbi using low crossed open hands shows a warrior at peace with him or herself. Chunbi using an enclosed fist symbolizes the restrained force of Taekwondo. Taekwondo may be a destructive force when unleashed, this is symbolized by the closed fist. However, we train to restrain this force and only use it for a just and honorable reason. This is symbolized by the open hand that encloses the fist.

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