Learn Patterns

To learn Taekwondo it is necessary to learn patterns (well it is if you want to pass a grading [exam] and get that lovely coloured belt).

A pattern is a series of moves (around 20) against invisible opponents. For example, turn, block, punch, about turn, block punch, etc. It was after my instructor showed me the first pattern -the easy one-, I found that I could not remember any of it. That is why I first started hunting for information on the net. I did find some, but not in a form that was easily digestible by a beginner (well to me anyway).

So I thought I would produce some pattern sheets. Three hours later (with the first pattern, you know the easy one) I realized why there was not that much stuff on the Internet. First you have to know the pattern, so there is no personal benefit in writing it down (since you already know it) unless like me your mind is like a sieve; secondly it takes so long to do, and that is without coding it into HTML.

So pause, for a moment, and view the beauty that is these patterns, reflect on the years that it has taken me (then send me your credit card number, I thank you in advance).

Hopefully these will print out correctly in landscape (don't forget to set that pesky "page setup" correct to landscape or you'll waste a that page of paper -woops too late).

A few general hint on patterns.
* They should begin and end at the same spot, and you should not end up by hitting the classroom wall (this is what usually happens to me).
*Don't practice facing the same all the time. It is quite hilarious to watch a class when the instructor turns them 90 degrees, and asks them to repeat the pattern.

*Correct posture and facing should be maintained, back straight and not twisted, and stance nice and low. If you fall over you have done it wrong.

*Try and concentrait your gaze and the back of the head of the person in front or the wall (rather than on your feet).

*The muscles of the body should be tensed or relaxed at the right moment, not Mr. Floppy or Mr. Stiffy all the way through. The moves should also be performed in a rhythmic manner with an absence of stiffness and a nice flowing tempo with movements accelerated and decelerated at the correct times. (Try doing the pattern slowly, and then the moves very quickly).

*Don't forget to finish with a nice yell (Ki-up).
*Every pattern should be perfected before going on to the next otherwise you'll just get all the movement confused between patterns. I know it's nice to try new one, but take it from me it can be confusing.

*As you advance, contantly refresh the "older" patterns so that you don't forget them. A nice analogy is that it is like a jungle and if you hack your way through every day through the patterns it is easy, leave it for a month and it isn't.

As you get better you will begin to know the purpose of each of the movement, see Self Defense. I am also putting in some information on stances as well.
If you can manage it, imagine a series of attacker trying to hit you as you perform each of the movements.

Start in the a relaxed position and then come to attention (cherriup) bring the left foot in and bow (kyuning) when called to by the instructor; then move sharply to the attention (cooblee) or ready stance (legs shoulder width apart, both hand clenched to a fist and held in front of the hip bones with about 300mm (12 inches) space. Start the pattern when told (seejak), and complete this in your own time. It is very difficult to ignore other students in the class at first, but do master this otherwise their mistakes become yours. Try and slow the pattern down to start with and keep to a rhythm. Once finishing, usually with a shout (ki-up), hold the final position until told to relax or finish. Then return to the ready position.

Kibon - First Form (El-Jon).

This is a basic pattern to get the student use to basic moves. It only consists of low block, single middle section punch, and forward stance. However the series of moves, directions, and rotations is enough to make me dizzy. I learned the Taegeuk patterns first but this is really a much better starting place as it is really only necessary to concentrate on the direction and rotation. Try and concentrate on imaginary attackers.

Kibon: El Jon

Contains Forward stance.



Taegeuk Il Jang - First Form.

This is the first Taegeuk pattern. The Heavens, the beginnings of everything on earth and the source of everything to give rise to growth.

Taegeuk: Il Jang

New Format Taegeuk: Il Jang

Contains Walking stance and Forward stance.

Taegeuk Ee Jang - Second Form.

Joyfulness is the the philosophy of this pattern. This should be done easily and gently with smoothness. There should be firmness in the softness, virtue and smile will overcome and accept your limitations.

Taegeuk: EE Jang

Contains Walking stance and Forward stance.

Taegeuk Sam Jang - Third Form.

Fire and passion are the elements of this form. Moment should be like a flame, flickering pace, fast and slow, but with excitement as enthusiasm and hope burn through. Vigor and speed are displayed as well. Watch the back stance in this one. Sorry I can't get this to print on one page - I have tried.

Taegeuk: Sam Jang

Contains Walking stance, Forward stance and Back stance

Taegeuk Sah Jank - Fourth Form.

Thunder.

Taegeuk: Sah Jank

Contains Walking stance, Forward stance and Back stance

Taegeuk O Jang - Fifth Form.

Wind.

Taegeuk: O Jang

New Taegeuk: O Jang

Printer Friendly New Taegeuk: O Jang

Contains Forward stance , Back stance, Open Stance, and Cross Stance.



Taegeuk Yuk Jang - Sixth Form.

Wind.

Taegeuk: Yuk Jang



Contains Forward stance , Back stance, Open Stance, and Cross Stance.

Stances Must Learn

To learn any martial art it is necessary to learn stances (well it is if you don't want to fall over!). Stances are a very fundament block of patterns as well. Some instructors spend a lot of time working on stances and insist that is done right, other are happy if you can put one foot in the other and not fall over.                                                

                                Master Saibee..

                                   The basics. 

If it hurts, you are either doing it wrong, or lack the necessary flexibility or strength at the moment -or you have run into the evil instructor. Contrarily to urban myth it is not nessary to have pain to make progress. Stretching should be done slowly, once warmed up, to the point of tension and held, over doing this hurts and pain usually equals damage (torn ligaments take forever to heal). Similarly joint pain (knees and back) either from stances or specific exercises is a sign that either you should not being doing this, or you need time to build up to them. Sadly in our sedimentary life styles, we are not use to exercise and often exercises like mantis pushups do as much harm as good. Be a wimp, tell the instructor you have a past back and knee injury and that you will treat some moves or exercise with caution (I always do press ups on my knees -I'm overweight and press ups have a habit of knacker my lower back in; use bench presses instead). Please note the following, in respect to warm ups and cool downs: 

Increasing muscle length (stretching) can be achieved by one 30 second stretch, five days a week.

                                  The reasons.

A stance is to stop you falling over. That tends to be a bit embarrassing in a class. Take a stance and try and get someone to push you over, this is always a good test. The principal is to lower your centre of gravity; you may have come across those dolls with round heavy bottoms (no matter how you push, they always pop up again). Try this experiment, stand up get someone to push you over; sit down get someone to push you over. Theory says that it will more difficult to push someone over who is not standing (well know Quantum mechanics theory this is, but you need to hit someone using a cat).

                               Three meta rules for stances.

I'm sure that someone will correct me on this, but I am concentrating on simple practical stances (to stop you falling over), rather than crane stances on top of poles. Keep these rules in mind when you take the stance. Also some styles suggest a very rigid position, others suggest a light fluid stance. I would suggest most stances can be either, that depending on what you are trying to achieve; power - and heavy stance and punch; light sparring like jabbing a fluid unlocked stance. 

1. Lower your centre of gravity -so it's more difficult to be pushed off balanced. 

2. Brace yourself, concentrait on the support leg and "ground" yourself (like a washing line support pole)

3. Be a steady platform to deliver a technique (i.e. punch).

                                 The Stances.

1. The Ready stance. This is the stance usually take when starting the class after bowing to the instructor; it is also the starting position for the patterns.

2. The Horse stance. Nearly always the first one taught; this is good for developing strength but is not a practical platform for delivering a technique. Take time to develop strength and not damage the knee joints.

3. Fighting stance. Not strickly an "official" stance, but it one that you will use for fighting and sparring.

4. Walking stance. Does what it says on the lable.

5. Foward stance. Like the walking stance but a little deeper. Good for improving static stretching on the hamstrings.

6. Back Stance. A slightly tricker stance to get to grips with, well I found it so. Quite a "cool" stance to show off with though. The weight is mainly on the back foot, with the feet making an L shape.                                                                                                                                                                   thank you..

                                                                                                   Master Saibee

 

Taekwondo Sparring Technique and Tips

1. Size up your opponent before you engage. If he strikes first then you know he is an offensive fighter. If he waits for your attack then you know he is a defensive fighter.

2. Find out what technique your opponent is good at by giving a fake. If your opponent moves his hands then you know he is a puncher. If your opponent moves his leg then you know right away that he is a kicker.

3. Try to get your opponent to attack first, either by a fake or taunt. You will quickly learn what technique your opponent relies on. (every fighter has their favorite technique) then plan a counter for that attack.

4. Do not telegraph your attack.

5. Never show fear when sparring. Your opponent will sense fear and go on the attack, however, fear also can be used as a fake.

6. When you and your opponent are in hitting range make sure you're legs are never wider than your shoulder width. Wider stands makes your movements slower.

7. Always set up your opponent before you strike. Set up high, strike low. Set up low, strike high. Most experienced fighters will never get hit unless you set them up.

8. Always relax the body before you strike. Tension slows down attacks. Visualize a snake attacking it's prey. Calm, relaxed, then strike with lightening speed.

9. Close the gap between your thought and action. Don't think too long or the opportunity is lost.

10. The moment to strike an opponent is when he is about to launch an attack or as he is landing from his attack.

11. Jabs and back knuckles are the fastest weapon for your hands which is done with the lead hand. Also practice round house and side kicks like a jab with the lead leg to set up or jam oncoming opponent.

12. Always remember when your opponent attacks -- a part of their body will be exposed for counter. This applies to your counter as well.

13. If you are constantly clashing with your opponent then you must work on timing. If you don't understand timing then go back to rule #10.

14. Focus on the target in your mind without looking at the target.

15. Don't kick just to be kicking. Let each technique have a purpose rather than kicking or punching for the sake of just sparring.

16. Don't block unnecessary attacks.

17. Pace your energy, kicking takes more energy than hands so use it sparingly.

18. If your opponent is good with sliding kicks then the time to attack is when his feet comes together right before he tries to launch a kick.

19. If your opponent has a great counter back kick with his right leg and you also fight with right leg back then you must switch your fighting stands with left leg back instead of right, this way you can move away faster and not walk into his back kick.

20. Watch your opponents body movement, not just their eyes. Experienced fighters do not show emotion so you must focus on their whole body.

21. Use back knuckle to set up opponent or to cover their vision.

22. Don't turn your back on an opponent.

23. Don't try to score on the first attack. Have in mind to set up and score on

the 2nd or the 3rd attack.

24. The most common technique used in sparring is round house kick. Learn various counter for the round house kick. Such as back kicks and spin heel kick.

25. When cornered, jam your opponent's attack before they can fully extend their leg or hand and slip out to the side.

26. Every attack has a counter so learn them. You learned that playing rock, paper, scissors as a kid.

27. If you get hit, never lose your temper and go after your opponent, your rage will make you more venerable for a counter attack.

28. When fighting a defensive fighter, you must use fakes to open them up before attacking.

29. Learn to side step when kicking in close distance.

30. Do not use high jump kicks for sparring. Low jump kicks are okay at a higher level.

31. Do not back up straight against a combination attack, move side ways or jam them before they can launch their attack.

32. When you attack there must be no doubt or hesitation, you must commit otherwise you are open to counter attack.

33. Do not always try to beat your opponent in the first round, especially if they are bigger. Cover up well, make them move, get them tired then move in.

34. Never under estimate your opponent.

35. No one person fights the same. Quickly adopt and assess opponent's weakness.

36. Sparring has 3 principles. RELEASE energy. RESERVE energy and REGENERATE energy.