Taekwondo
self-defense. The two are not mutually exclusive, and the
Taekwondo ( 태 권 도 ; 跆 拳 道 ; Korean
pronunciation: [tʰɛkwʌndo]) is a Korean martial art and the
national sport of South Korea. In Korean, tae ( 태 , 跆 ) means
"to strike or break with foot"; kwon ( 권, 拳) means "to strike or
break with fist"; and do ( 도 , 道 ) means "way," "method," or
"art." Thus, "taekwondo" may be loosely translated as "the way
of the foot and fist" or "the way of kicking and punching."
Taekwondo is the world's most popular martial art in terms of
the number of practitioners.[1] Its popularity has resulted in the
varied development of the martial art into several domains: as
with many other arts, it combines combat techniques, self-
defense, sport, exercise, meditation and philosophy.
Taekwondo is also used by the South Korean military as part
of its training.[2] Gyeorugi (pronounced [ɡjʌɾuɡi]), a type of
sparring, has been an Olympic event since 2000.
Formally, there are two main styles of taekwondo. One comes
from the Kukkiwon, the source of the sparring system sihap
gyeorugi which is now an event at the summer Olympic
Games and which is governed by the World Taekwondo
Federation (WTF). The other comes from the International
Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF). There is also a more recent
form called Songham Taekwondo or the American Taekwondo
Association (ATA) and other variations of it such as STF
(Songham Taekwondo Federation) and WTTU (World
Traditional Taekwondo Union).[3]
Separate from the various taekwondo organizations, there
have been two general branches of taekwondo development:
traditional and sport. The term "traditional taekwondo" typically
refers to the martial art as it was established in the 1950s and
1960s; in particular, the names and symbolism of the
traditional patterns often refer to elements of Korean history.
Sport taekwondo has evolved in the decades since then and
has a somewhat different focus, especially in terms of its
emphasis on speed and competition (as in Olympic sparring),
whereas traditional taekwondo tends to emphasize power and
distinctions between them are often blurred.
Although there are doctrinal and technical differences between
the two main styles and among the various organizations, the
art in general emphasizes kicks thrown from a mobile stance,
employing the leg's greater reach and power (compared to the
arm). The greatest difference between various styles, or at
least the most obvious, is generally accepted to be the
differing styles and rules of sport and competition. Taekwondo
training generally includes a system of blocks, kicks, punches,
and open-handed strikes and may also include various take-
downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks. Some taekwondo
instructors also incorporate the use of pressure points, known
as jiapsul, as well as grabbing self-defense techniques
borrowed from other martial arts, such as Hapkido and Judo.
•
History
The history of taekwondo has been a matter of contention.
Taekwondo organizations officially state that taekwondo was
derived from earlier Korean martial arts.[4][5][6][7][8][9] Others state
that taekwondo is derived from native Korean martial arts with
influences from neighboring countries[10][11][12][13][14] or that it was
partially affected by karate during the Japanese occupation.[15]
[16][17]
The oldest Korean martial art was an amalgamation of
unarmed combat styles developed by the three rival Korean
kingdoms of Goguryeo, Silla and Baekje,[18] where young men
were trained in unarmed combat techniques to develop
strength, speed, and survival skills. The most popular of these
techniques was subak, with taekkyeon being the most popular
of the segments of subak.
Those who demonstrated strong natural aptitude were
selected as trainees in the new special warrior corps, called
the Hwarang. It was believed that young men with a talent for
the liberal arts may have the grace to become competent
warriors. These warriors were instructed in academics as well
as martial arts, learning philosophy, history, a code of ethics,
and equestrian sports. Their military training included an
extensive weapons program involving swordsmanship and
archery, both on horseback and on foot, as well as lessons in
military tactics and unarmed combat using subak. Although
subak was a leg-oriented art in Goguryeo, Silla's influence
added hand techniques to the practice of subak.
During this time a few select Sillan warriors were given training
in taekkyeon by the early masters from Koguryo. These
warriors then became known as the Hwarang. The Hwarang
set up a military academy for the sons of royalty in Silla called
Hwarang-do, which means "the way of flowering manhood."
The Hwarang studied taekkyeon, history, Confucian
philosophy, ethics, Buddhist morality, social skills and military
tactics. The guiding principles of the Hwarang warriors were
based on Won Gwang's five codes of human conduct and
included loyalty, filial duty, trustworthiness, valor and justice.
Taekkyeon was spread throughout Korea because the
Hwarang traveled all around the peninsula to learn about the
other regions and people.
In spite of Korea's rich history of ancient and traditional martial
arts, Korean martial arts faded into obscurity during the
Joseon Dynasty. Korean society became highly centralized
under Korean Confucianism and martial arts were poorly
regarded in a society whose ideals were epitomized by its
scholar-kings.[19] Formal practices of traditional martial arts
such as subak and taekkyeon were reserved for sanctioned
military uses. However folks practice of taekkyeon as a kicking
game still persisted into the 19th century.[18]
Modern development
During the Japanese occupation of Korea, all facets of Korean
identity including folk culture, language and history were
banned in an attempt to erase Korean culture.[20] Koreans were
forced to take Japanese names and to worship at Shinto
shrines; Korean-language newspapers and magazines were
banned; and during the war, hundreds of thousands of
Koreans were forced into service to support Japanese war
efforts.[21] Martial arts such as taekkyeon (or subak) were also
prohibited during this time;[22] however, taekkyeon survived
through underground teaching and folk custom.[4][23][24][25] During
the occupation Koreans who were able to study in Japan were
exposed to Japanese martial arts in some cases receiving
black belts[26]. Others were exposed to martial arts in China
and Manchuria.[12][27][28]
When the occupation ended in 1945, Korean martial arts
schools (kwans) began to open in Korea under various
influences. [12][29] There are differing views on the origins of the
arts taught in these schools. Some believe that they taught
martial arts that were based primarily upon the traditional
Korean martial arts taekkyon and subak[4][6][29][30], or upon a
variety of martial arts such as taekkyon, kungfu and karate.[31]
Others believe that these schools taught arts that were almost
entirely based upon karate.[32][33]
In 1952, at the height of the Korean War, there was a martial
arts exhibition in which the kwans displayed their skills. In one
demonstration, Nam Tae Hi smashed thirteen roof tiles with a
forefist punch. Following the demonstration, South Korean
President Syngman Rhee instructed Choi Hong Hi to introduce
the martial arts to the Korean army.[34]
By the mid-1950s, nine kwans had emerged. Syngman Rhee
ordered that the various schools unify under a single system.
The name "taekwondo" was either submitted by Choi Hong Hi,
or Song Duk Son of Chung Do Kwan and was accepted on
April 11, 1955. As it stands today, the 9 kwans are the
founders of taekwondo. [35] The Korea Taekwondo Association
(KTA) was formed in 1959/1961 to facilitate the unification.[6][26]
[36][37][38]
Shortly thereafter, taekwondo made its début
worldwide. Standardization efforts in South Korea stalled, as
the kwans continued to teach differing styles. Another request
from the Korean government for unification resulted in the
formation of the Korea Tae Soo Do Association, which
changed its name back to the Korea Taekwondo Association
in 1965 following a change of leadership.
Currently, taekwondo is practiced in 188 countries with over 70
million practitioners and 4 million individuals with black belts
throughout the world. [39] It is now one of only two Asian martial
arts that are included in the Olympic Games; it became a
demonstration event starting with the 1988 games in Seoul,
and became an official medal event starting with the 2000
games in Sydney.
Feature
Stretching to increase flexibility is an important aspect of
taekwondo training.
See also: List of Taekwondo techniques and Kick
Taekwondo is known for its emphasis on kicking techniques,
which distinguishes it from martial arts such as karate or
southern styles of kung fu. The rationale is that the leg is the
longest and strongest weapon a martial artist has, and kicks
thus have the greatest potential to execute powerful strikes
without successful retaliation. Historically, the Koreans thought
that the hands were too valuable to be used in combat.
Taekwondo as a martial art is popular with people of both
genders and of many ages. Physically, taekwondo develops
strength, speed, balance, flexibility, and stamina. An example
of the union of mental and physical discipline is the breaking of
boards, which requires both physical mastery of the technique
and the concentration to focus one's strength.
A taekwondo student typically wears a uniform (dobok 도복 ),
often white but sometimes black or other colors, with a belt (tti
띠) tied around the waist. The belt indicates the student's rank.
The school or place where instruction is given is called the
dojang 도장.
Although each taekwondo club or school will be different, a
taekwondo student can typically expect to take part in most or
all of the following:
• Learning the techniques and curriculum of taekwondo
• Both anaerobic and aerobic workout, including
stretching
• Self-defense techniques (hosinsul 호신술)
• Patterns (also called forms, pumsae 품 새 , teul 틀 ,
hyeong 형)
• Sparring (called gyeorugi 겨루기 , or matseogi 맞서기
in the ITF), which may include 7-, 3-, 2- and 1-step
sparring, free-style sparring, arranged sparring, point
sparring, and other types
• Relaxation and meditation exercises
• Throwing and/or falling techniques (deonjigi 던 지 기
and tteoreojigi 떨어지기)
• Breaking (gyeokpa 격파 or weerok), using techniques
to break boards for testing, training and martial arts
demonstrations. Demonstrations often also incorporate
bricks, tiles, blocks of ice or other materials. Can be
separated into three types:
○ Power breaking - using straightforward
techniques to break as many boards as
possible
○ Speed breaking - boards are held loosely by
one edge, putting special focus on the speed
required to perform the break
○ Special techniques - breaking fewer boards but
using jumping or flying techniques to attain
greater heights, distances, or to clear obstacles
• Exams to progress to the next rank
 • A focus on mental and ethical discipline, justice,
etiquette, respect, and self-confidence
Some schools teach the use of the "sine wave" when
performing patterns; this involves raising one's center of
gravity between techniques, then lowering it as the technique
is performed, producing the up-and-down movement from
which the term "sine wave" is derived. Other schools teach
that one's center of gravity should remain generally constant
throughout the performance of a pattern except where the
pattern's description states otherwise.
Organizations
Two of the most popular systems of taekwondo are named
solely after their respective organizations, the International
Taekwon-Do Federation (ITF) and the World Taekwondo
Federation WTF (Kukkiwon). The ITF was founded in 1966 by
General Choi Hong Hi. After his death in 2002, a number of
succession disputes splintered the ITF into three different
groups, all claiming to be the original. These three
organizations are private. Two are located in Austria, and one
in Canada. The unofficial training headquarters of the
International Taekwon-Do Federation is located at the
Taekwondo Palace in Pyongyang, North Korea and was
founded in the mid-1990s.
our concrete paving bricks broken with a knife-hand strike.
Breaking techniques are often practiced in taekwondo.
The Korea Taekwondo Association Central Dojang was
opened in South Korea in 1972. A few months later, the name
was changed to the Kukkiwon. The following year, the World
Taekwondo Federation was formed. The International Olympic
Committee recognized the WTF and taekwondo sparring in
1980.
Although the terms "WTF" and "Kukkiwon" are often
mistakenly used interchangeably, the Kukkiwon is a
completely different organization which trains and certifies
instructors and issues official dan and pum certificates
worldwide. The Kukkiwon has its own unique physical building
that contains the administrative offices of Kukkiwon (World
Taekwondo Headquarters) in Seoul, South Korea and is the
system of taekwondo. The WTF is a tournament committee
and is not technically a style or a system.
There are many other private organizations, such as, for
instance, the World Traditional Taekwondo Union promoting
the Songahm style of Taekwondo. Events and competitions
held by private organizations are mostly closed to other
taekwondo students. However, the WTF-sanctioned events
allow any person, regardless of school affiliation or martial arts
style, to compete in WTF events as long as he or she is a
member of the WTF Member National Association in his or her
nation, which is open to anyone to join. The major technical
differences among these many organizations revolve around
the patterns, called hyeong 형 , pumsae 품새 , or teul 틀 , sets
of prescribed formal sequences of movements that
demonstrate mastery of posture, positioning, and technique,
sparring rules for competition, and philosophy.
In addition to these private organizations, the original schools
(kwans) that formed the organization that would eventually
become the Kukkiwon continue to exist as independent
fraternal membership organizations that support the WTF and
the Kukkiwon. The official curriculum of the kwans is that of
the Kukkiwon. The kwans also function as a channel for the
issuing of Kukkiwon dan and pum certification (black belt
ranks) for their members.
Ranks, belts and promotion
Taekwondo ranks are typically separated into "junior" and
"senior" or "student" and "instructor" sections. The junior
section typically consists of ten ranks indicated by the Korean
word geup 급 (also Romanized as gup or kup). The junior
ranks are usually identified by belts of various colors,
depending on the school, so these ranks are sometimes called
"color belts". Geup rank may be indicated by stripes on belts
rather than by colored belts. Students begin at tenth geup
(often indicated by a white belt) and advance toward first geup
(often indicated by a red belt with a black stripe).
The senior section is typically made up of nine ranks. These
ranks are called dan 단 , also referred to as "black belts" or
"degrees" (as in "third dan" or "third-degree black belt"). Black
belts begin at first degree and advance to second, third, and
so on. The degree is often indicated on the belt itself with
stripes, Roman numerals, or other methods; but sometimes
black belts are plain and unadorned regardless of rank.
To advance from one rank to the next, students typically
complete promotion tests in which they demonstrate their
proficiency in the various aspects of the art before a panel of
judges or their teacher. Promotion tests vary from school to
school, but may include such elements as the execution of
patterns, which combine various techniques in specific
sequences; the breaking of boards, to demonstrate the ability
to use techniques with both power and control; sparring and
self-defense, to demonstrate the practical application and
control of techniques; and answering questions on
terminology, concepts, history, and so on, to demonstrate
knowledge and understanding of the art. For higher dan tests,
students are sometimes required to take a written test or to
submit a research paper in addition to taking the practical test.
Promotion from one geup to the next can proceed fairly rapidly
in some schools, since schools often allow geup promotions
every two, three, or four months. Students of geup rank learn
the most basic techniques first, then move on to more
advanced techniques as they approach first dan. Many of the
older and more traditional schools will often take longer to earn
rank than newer, more contemporary schools as they may not
have standard testing intervals.
In contrast, promotion from one dan to the next can take
years. The general rule is that a black belt may advance from
one rank to the next only after the number of years equivalent
to the current rank. For example, a newly-promoted third-
degree black belt may not be allowed to promote to fourth-
degree until three years have passed. Some organizations
also have age requirements related to dan promotions, and
may grant younger students pum 품 (junior black belt) ranks
rather than dan ranks until they reach a certain age. Black belt
ranks usually have titles associated with them, such as
"master" and "instructor". Taekwondo organizations have their
own rules and standards when it comes to ranks and the titles
that go with them.
Philosophy
Since taekwondo developed in several different kwans, there
are several different expressions of taekwondo philosophy. For
example, the tenets of the ITF is said to be summed up by the
last two phrases in the ITF Student Oath: "I shall be a
champion of justice and freedom," "I shall build a better and
peaceful world".[40] Alternatively, the Kukkiwon philosophy, the
Han Philiosophy, is based on Eastern principles of samje ( 삼
제 , three elements), eum ( 음 , yin; negative or darkness) and
yang ( 양 , positive or brightness) with samjae referring to
cheon ( 천, sky or heaven), ji (지, the earth), and in ( 인, a man
or a person). The origins of these concepts originate from the
Chinese classic "Book of Changes" which is considered to be
one of the main canons of East Asian Philosophy.[41]
Competition
Taekwondo competition typically involves sparring, breaking,
patterns, and self-defense (hosinsul). However, in Olympic
taekwondo competition, only sparring is contested; and in
Olympic sparring WTF competition rules are used.[42]
WTF
Under WTF (World Taekwondo Federation) and Olympic rules,
sparring is a full-contact event and takes place between two
competitors in an area measuring 10 meters square. Each
match consists of three semi-continuous rounds of contact
with rest between rounds. 14-17 and 18 and over black belt
fighters fight in 2-minute rounds with a one minute break.
Points are awarded for permitted, accurate, and powerful
techniques to the legal scoring areas; light contact to a scoring
area does not score any points. In most competitions, points
are awarded by four corner judges using electronic scoring
tallies. However, several A-Class tournaments are now trying
out electronic scoring equipment contained within body
protectors, thus eliminating the need for corner judges. Recent
controversy concerning judging decisions has prompted this to
an extent, but this technology is still not universally preferred.
A kick or punch that makes contact with the opponent's hogu
(The body guard that functions as a scoring target) scores one
point; a kick to the head scores two points. Valid attacks that
knock an opponent down are awarded an extra point. Punches
to the head are not allowed. If a competitor is knocked down
by a scoring technique and the referee counts down, then an
additional point is awarded to the opponent.
At the end of three rounds, the competitor with the most points
wins the match. In the event of a tie at the end of three rounds,
a fourth "sudden death" overtime round will be held to
determine the winner after a one minute rest period.
Until 2008, if one competitor gains a 7-point lead over the
other, or if one competitor reaches a total of 12 points, then
that competitor was immediately declared the winner and the
match ended. These rules were abolished by the WTF at the
start of 2009. [43]
Blows are full force and if one player is knocked out by a legal
attack, the attacker is declared the winner as the WTF allows
knockouts in sparring competition. But there are certain rules
that they must follow. Some rules condemn name calling,
punches to the head, grabbing, and more.
Official WTF trunk protector (hogu), forearm guards and shin
guards
In taekwondo, Korean language commands are often used.
For words used in counting, see Korean numerals. Often,
ITF
The ITF sparring rules are similar, but differ from the WTF
rules in several respects. Hand attacks to the head are
allowed; kicks to the body gives two point and kicks to the
head give three; the competition area is slightly smaller (9
meters square instead of 10 meters); and competitors do not
wear the hogu used in Olympic-style sparring (although they
are required to wear approved foot and hand protection
equipment). A continuous point system is utilized in ITF
competition, where the fighters are allowed to continue after
scoring a technique. Full force blows are not allowed and will
result in deduction of points. Knock out is not allowed. At the
end of 2 minutes (or specified time) the competitor with the
most scoring techniques wins. The ITF competition rules and
regulations are available at the ITF information website.[44]
Safety
Although taekwondo competitors have a substantial risk of
injury, most injuries appear to be minor. The leg is the most
common location for injuries, and bruising is the most common
injury type. A 2008 meta-analysis reported that an average of
about 8% of competitors are injured, per exposure to
competition; age, gender, and level of play did not significantly
affect the injury rate.[45]
Korean commands
students count in Korean during their class, and during tests
they are usually asked what certain Korean words used in
class mean.
Romanization Hangul Hanja Meaning
Charyeot 차렷 Attention
Gyeong rye 경례 敬禮 Bow Taekwon-Do, a trained martial artist could easily kill a person
Baro 바로 Return in unarmed close combat.) [7][8][9]
Swieo 쉬어 At ease, relax I shall be a champion of freedom and justice.
Kihap 기합 氣合 Yell The 4th line, “I shall be a champion of freedom and justice”
Junbi 준비 準備 Ready can apply to many areas of life and although many may think
one would have to do something amazing to achieve this, this
Sijak 시작 始作 Begin, start
part of the oath can be respected by even the littlest things in
Gallyeo 갈려 Break (separate) ones daily activity. If one becomes more open-minded to
Gyesok 계속 繼續 Continue understanding others ideologies or the way others go about
Guman 그만 Finish (stop) their lives instead of being quick to judge, then maybe the
뒤 로 world would be a more understanding and accepting place.
Dwiro dora Turn around (about turn) Thus allowing people to have the freedom they deserve. By
돌아
accepting this belief one is bringing justice to this world and
Haesan 해산 解散 Dismiss therefore being a champion of justice. [8][9] As we often see,
conflicts can occur over common misconceptions of
information. One must understand the full story and have all
the facts before he can truly make a proper judgement. [8][7]
I shall build a more peaceful world.
The final line of the oath is “I shall build a more peaceful
Taekwon-Do oath world”. One can also easily obtain this goal by going about
I shall observe the tenets of Taekwon-Do. their daily lives in a more peaceful manner. If everyone did
this, the world would obviously become a more peaceful place.
All students must swear to carefully observe, acknowledge [9]
As we often see, conflicts can occur over common
and live by each one of the taekwon-do tenets. Here is a brief misconceptions of information. One must understand the full
and basic explanation of each:[8][7] story and have all the facts before he can truly make a proper
I shall respect the instructor and seniors. judgement. [8] However, this does not mean a student cannot
defend themselves against aggression directed towards
A student vows to respect their instructors and those senior to
themselves as that would defeat some of the purpose of
them (both in age and rank). An instructor must also act
taekwondo, an art of unarmed self-defence. That does not
respectfully to all students and persons in order to be
mean though however a student can provoke aggression
respected and therefore not misusing Taekwon-Do. [8]
towards another individual, as that would breaking the oath. [9]
I shall never misuse Taekwon-Do. As we often see, conflicts can occur over common
One will never misuse Taekwon-Do to harm other, for their misconceptions of information. One must understand the full
own personal gain or for any other manner that is unjust. (This story and have all the facts before he can truly make a proper
one is particularly important in any martial art, not just judgement. [8][7]
[edit] Taekwon-Do tenets
There are five tenets defined in the ITF.[7]
Courtesy (Ye Ui / 예 의 ) Showing courtesy to all, respecting
others, having manners as well as maintaining the appropriate
etiquette at all times, both within and outside the dojang (도장)
(designated training area). [8]
Integrity (Yeom Chi / 염 치 ) Although it may be similar, this
form of integrity takes on a more wider role then defined in the
common dictionary. In taekwondo, integrity means not only to
determine what is right or wrong but also having the
conscience to feel guilt if one has done wrong and to have the
integrity stand up for what is right. [7]
Perseverance (In Nae / 인 내 ) One will persevere time and
time again until they have achieved a result which is adequate
towards what one was trying to achieve. [7]
Self-control (Geuk Gi / 극 기 ) This means to not only have
control over one's physical acts, but also their mental thoughts
and actions. [7]
Indomitable spirit (Baekjeol Bulgul / 백 절 불 굴 ) To have
indomitable spirit means to have the courage to stand up for
what you believe in [7], no matter what odds you are up
against, and to always give 100% effort in whatever you do.
International Taekwondo Federation
The International Taekwon-Do Federation was founded in
March 22, 1966 by General Choi Hong Hi ( 최홍희 ) in Seoul,
South Korea.[1] The International Taekwon-Do Federation, or
(ITF), exists to promote and encourage the growth of the
Korean martial art of taekwondo. Its main functions are to
coordinate and approve tournaments and seminars, set
standards for teaching (patterns, sparring, destruction),
collaborate with affiliated member organizations, and service
members in regards to rank and certifications.[1]
Chon-Ji Tul (19 movements)
Literally means heaven and earth. It is in the orient interpreted
as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history,
therefore it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This
pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the
Heaven and the other the Earth.
Dan-Gun Tul (21 movements)
Dan Gun is named after the Holy Dan Gun, the legendary
founder of Korea in the year 2333 B.C..
Do-San Tul (24 movements)
Do-San is a pseudonym of the patriot Ahn Chang-Ho (1876 -
1938). The 24 movements represent his entire life which he
devoted to furthering education in Korea and the Korean
independence movement.
Won-Hyo Tul (28 movements)
Won-Hyo was the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to
the Silla Dynasty in the year 686 AD.
Yul-Gok Tul (38 movements)
Yul-Gok is a pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yi
I (1536 - 1584) nicknamed the "Confucius of Korea". The 38
movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on 38 degree
latitude and the diagram of the pattern represents scholar.
Joon-Gun Tul (32 movements)
Joong-Gun is named after the patriot Ahn Joong-Gun who
assassinated Hiro Bumi Ito, the first Japanese governor-
general of Korea, known as the man who played the leading
part in the Korea-Japan merger. There are 32 movements in
this patter to represent Mr Ahn's age when he was executed at
Lui-Shung in 1910.
Toi-Gye Tul (37 movements)
Toi-Gye is the pen name of the noted scholar Yi Hwang (16th
century) an authority on neo-Confucianism. The 37
movements of the pattern refer to his birthplace on 37 degree
latitude, the diagram represent "scholar".
Hwa-Rang Tul (29 movements)
Hwa Rang is named after the Haw Rang youth group which
originated in the Silla Dynasty in the early 7th century. The 29
movements refer to the 29th infantry Division, where
Taekwondo developed into maturity.
Choong-Moo Tul (30 movements)
Choong-Moo was the name given to the great Admiral Yi
Soon-Sin of the Yi Dynasty. He was reputed to have invented
the first armored battleship (Kobukson) in 1592, which is said
to be the precursor of the present day submarine. This pattern
ends with a left hand attack, to symbolize his regrettable
death. He was noted for his unrestrained loyalty to the King.
Kwang-Gae Tul (39 movements)
Kwang-Gae is named after the famous Kwang-Gae-Toh-
Wang, the 19th king of the Koguryo Dynasty, who regained all
the lost territories including the greater part of Manchuria. The
diagram represent the expansion and recovery of lost territory.
The 39 movements refer to the first two figures of 391 AD, the
year he came to the throne.
Po-Eun Tul (36 movements)
Po-Eun is the pseudonym of a loyal subject Chong-Mong-Chu
(1400) who was a famous poet and who's poem "I would not
serve a second master though I might be crucified a hundred
time" is know to every Korean. He was also a pioneer in the
field of physics. The diagram represent his unerring loyalty to
the king and country towards the end of the Koryo Dynasty.
Ge-Baek Tul (44 Movements)
Ge-Baek is named after Ge-Baek, a great general in the Baek-
Je Dynasty (660AD). The diagram represents his severe and
strict military discipline.
Eui-Am Tul (45 Movements)
Eui-Am is the pseudonym of Son Byong Hi, leader of the
Korean independence movement on March 1, 1919. The 45
movements refer to his age when he changed his name of
Dong Hak (oriental Culture) to Chondo Kyo (Heavenly Way
Religion) in 1905. The diagram represents his indomitable
spirit, displayed while dedicating himself to the prosperity of
his nation.
Choong-Jang Tul (52 Movements)
Choong-Jang is the pseudonym given to General Kim Duk
Ryang who lived during the Yi Dynasty, 14th century. This
pattern ends with a left hand attack to symbolise the tragedy of
his death at 27 in prison before he was able to reach full
maturity.
Juche Tul (45 Movements)
Juche is a philosophical idea that man is the master of
everything and decides everything, in other words, the idea
that man is that master of the world and his own destiny. It is
said that this idea was rooted in Baekdu Mount which
symbolise the spirit of the Korean people. The diagram
represents Baekdu Mountain.
Sam Il Tul (33 Movements)
Sam Il denotes the historical date of the independence
movement of Korea which began throughout the country on
march 1, 1919. The 33 movements in the pattern stand for the
33 patriots who planned the movement.
Yoo-Sin Tul (68 Movements)
Yoo Sin is named after General Kin Yoo Sin, a commanding
general during the Silla Dynasty. The 68 movements refer to
the last two figures of 668 AD the year Korea was unified. The
ready posture signifies a sword drawn to the right rather than
the left side, symbolizing Yoo sin's mistake of following his
king's orders to fight with foreign force against his own nation.
Choi Yong Tul (46 Movements)
Choi Yong is named after General Choi Yong, Premier and
Commander-in Chief of the armed forces during the 14th
century Koryo Dynasty. Choi Yong was greatly respected for
his loyalty, patriotism, and humility. He was executed by
subordinate commanders headed by General Yi Sung Gae,
who later became the first king of the Yi Dynasty.
Yon Gae Tul (49 Movements)
Yon Gae is named after a famous general during the Koguryo
Dynasty. Yon Gae Somoon. The 49 movements refer to the
last two figures of 649 AD the year he forced the Tang
Dynasty to quit Korea after destroying nearly 300,000 of their
troops at Ansi Sung.
UL-JI Tul (42 Movements)
UL-JI is named after general UL-JI Moon Dok who
successfully defended Korea against a Tang's invasion force
of nearly one million soldiers led by Yang Je in 612 AD, Ul-JI
employing hit and run guerilla tactics was able to decimate a
large percentage of the force. The diagram represents his
surname. The 42 movements represent the author's age when
he designed the pattern.
Moon-Moo Tul (61 Movements)
Moon Moo honors the 30th king of the Silla Dynasty. His body
was buried near Dae Wang Am (Great King's Rock).
According to his will, the body was placed in the sea "Where
my soul shall forever defend my land against the Japanese". It
is said that the Sok Gul Am (Stone Cave) was built to guard
his tomb. The Sok Gul Am is a fine example of the culture of
the Silla Dynasty. The 61 movements in this pattern symbolize
the last two figures of 6612 AS when Moon Moo came to the
throne.
So-San Tul (72 Movements)
So San is the pseudonym of the great monk Choi Hyong Ung
(1520 - 1604) during the Lae Dynasty. The 72 movements
refer to his age when he organised a corps of monk soldiers
with the assistance of his pupil Sa Myung Dang. The monk
soldiers helped repulse the Japanese pirates who overran
most of the Korean peninsula in 1592.
Se Jong Tul (24 Movements)
Se-Jong is named after the greatest Korean King, Se-Jong,
who invented the Korean alphabets in 1443, and was also a
noted meteorologist. The diagram represents the king, while
the 24 movements refer to the 24 letters of the Korean
alphabet.
Tong Il Tul
Tong Il denotes the resolution of the unification of Korea which
has been divided since 1945. The diagram symbolises the
homogenous race.