Untrained Attacker

The movements in patterns were designed to be used against an untrained attacker. They were not intended to be used against a trained fighter, so when trained fighters say the techniques used in patterns are useless in a fight situation, they are probably correct as long as the opponent is a trained fighter. However, if the opponent is untrained, the techniques are useful. Untrained attackers of today are not much different from untrained of feudal times. Weapon technology has increased over the centuries, but the basic fighting methods of untrained humans has remained the same for centuries.

Combat Mentality

Pattern training generally stresses perfect stances, arm position, foot placement, power, etc. However, this is only half of the performance of a pattern. the mental aspect of pattern performance must also be trained. A pattern is imaginary combat, therefore the combat mentality should also be practiced.

Close Range

When patterns were first devised, sparring was not a major aspect of Taekwondo. Their emphasis was on close-range self-defense. Therefore, patterns, at least the traditional ones, tend to contain practical, close-range self-defense techniques. Patterns were not developed to support sport sparring or to be used against a warrior on a battlefield; they were developed as defensive techniques to use against violent, untrained attackers, not trained soldiers or other marital artists. Real world attackers do not use powerful kicks or intricate combinations. Real world attacks are wild "hay-maker" punches, head butts, kicks to the knees, biting, and tackling, therefore, patterns were developed to defend against these types of attacks. Patterns use such techniques as close-range strikes, throws, takedowns, chokes, strangles, arm bars, leg locks, finger locks, wrist locks, neck cranks, ground fighting etc.

Pattern Popularity

If we wish to practice Taekwondo as the complete art that its founders intended it to be, then we must study our patterns in sufficient depth and include aspects of them in our regular training. If all this is true, then why did these methods of pattern training fall from grace?

Patterns are a repository of Taekwondo history that transmit the techniques and principles of Taekwondo from one generation to the next. They insure the core principles and techniques of the art are not lost. Since Taekwondo is a physical art, physical actions were incorporated into patterns to transmit this information.

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