Forms

Why forms?

Starting on the first day of class white belts are taught forms (kata). Eventually a student asks the question "Why do we do forms?" The standard answer is, "It will improve your understanding of the techniques that are taught to you." While this in not a wrong answer, I believe that forms are much more than mere practice.

Each form has in it varying techniques of difficulty that done individually may not be all that hard, but when combined with other techniques one becomes more aware of the need for the techniques to be correct. Also, each technique provides the martial artist a chance to learn more about their own deficiencies, as well as what they excel in. The student who wants to make him or herself better can strive to make each technique, whether is be preferred or unfavorable, crisp and defined.

The value of the kata is not only physical. Much can be gained through the meditative power of the Tae Kwon Do form. By acting out an imaginary confrontation we force ourselves to react instead of just being a passive by stander. Through these actions we infuse ourselves with an awareness and calm not previously understood.

The concentration and practice required to master any form helps the student in other parts of life. The student, used to working for results knows that a good end product can only come from hard work and practice.

Just as knowing how to kick does not make one proficient in sparring, knowing the moves in your forms does not make you proficient in your forms. Endless practice of the forms and knowledge of history will better prepare you for mastery.

Chon Ji (10^th white)

When translated from Korean, Chon Ji means “Heaven and Earth”. It symbolizes the meeting of the two great powers that met to create the universe and life itself. (Represented graphically as the Ying/Yang symbol)

In this form Heaven and Earth are each shown mutual respect through the blocks; the low block points towards the Earth and the middle guarding block points towards Heaven. Chon Ji is said to have been named after Chon Ji Lake, which is considered the most pristine and holy lake in all of Korea. It is said that on a calm day you can see heaven meeting the earth in the lakes’ reflection.

Dan Gun (9^th white)

Dan Gun was the legendary founder of Korea in 2333 BC

The legend goes as follows:

Hwan Ung came down from the heavens to rule the universe. At the time, a tiger and a bear begged Hwan to change them into humans. The tiger couldn’t comply with the commandments of Hwan and so forfeited their chance to become a human. The bear, however, could and was changed into a woman. As a woman she prayed under an altar to become pregnant. Hwan was so moved by her plea that he changed himself into a human man and married her. They had a son, whom they named Dan Gun. It was Dan Gun that established the first Korean kingdom called “Chosen”.

October 3 celebrates Dan Gun’s birth date.

Do San (8^th Yellow)

Do San is the pseudonym used by Ahn Chang Ho. He was a famous educator and fierce advocate for Korean independence

In 1910 the Japanese Empire overthrew the Yi dynasty. Ahn started an underground movement that stressed activities focused on regaining Korean independence, due to this he was considered a criminal by the occupying Japanese army. He exiled himself to China many times to avoid imprisonment, but was finally captured in 1930. He remained imprisoned until his death in 1938.

Won Hyo (7^th yellow)

Won Hyo was a renowned monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla dynasty.

Won Hyo was so deeply respected for his knowledge and understanding of Buddhism that the rival Dang dynasty in China recognized him as a prominent Buddhist philosopher.

Won Hyo believed that different religions and peoples shouldn’t fight. He believed that everyone should respect each other’s philosophies; Due to this, he was often called upon to mediate differences between faiths.

Yul gok (6^th Green)

Yul Gok was the pen name of Master Yi, he was also known by his nickname “the Confucius of Korea”.

Yul Gok was a brilliant scholar, philosopher and military tactician, and he wrote many books on each subject. He was so intelligent in fact, that he passed the national exam for choosing public servants at the age of thirteen. During his lifetime he was active in government affairs and held numerous public offices. While in office, Yul Gok suggested many reforms that had great positive impact on the Yi dynasty.

The 38 movements in this form represent his birthplace along the 38^th latitude. The diagram represents “scholar”.

Chung Gun (5^th Green)

Ahn Chung Gun was a patriotic man who fought for Korean independence and died for his country. On October 26, 1905 Ahn snuck into a Halbin railroad station and assassinated the occupying Japanese governor general, Hiro-bumi Ito. Ahn was arrested and jailed. The 32 movements of the form symbolize the age of Ahn when he was executed at Lui-Shung prison.

Toi Gye (4^th Blue)

Toi Gye, otherwise known as Yi Hwang, was a great scholar and expert on neo-Confucianism. Toi Gye passed the national exam for civil service, and he was eventually appointed to the highest civil office.

Toi Gye was not fond of political life, so he retired and founded the Do San institute. He remained there for the duration of his life where he taught his students his interpretation of Confucianism, called Toi Gye Hak.

The 37 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on the 37^th

Latitude. The diagram represents “scholar”.

Hwa Rang (3^rd Blue)

Hwa Rang is named after the national institute for training young men and women of noble birth to defend Korea in times of need. Not just any noble was chosen as a candidate for the institute. They must be a person of character, virtue and composure. Besides being taught Tae Kyan (the precursor of modern day Tae Kwon Do) the initiate was taught to respect music and poetry. They followed a strict code that emphasized leadership qualities. The code is as follows:

Allegiance to the King

Faithfulness to their parents

Faithful friendship

Prohibition from killing animals

No retreat from the battlefield

Chung Mu (2^nd & 1^st Red)

Choong Mu was the given name of Admiral Yi Soong Shin of the Yi dynasty. Choong Mu was the most famous naval hero in Korean history.

Choong Mu is most noted for his “turtle ship” called the Ko-buk-sun. It was with this iron-plated ship that he almost single handedly defeated the Japanese navy.

Choong Mu’s military career was burdened with a great deal of political controversy. He was imprisoned and almost sentenced to death due to the murder of his rival Won Keun. The King pardoned him because his expertise was needed on the battlefield.

This form ends in a left-handed attack to show that he died before he reached his full potential

Kwang Gae (1^st Dan Black)

Kwang Gae was the 19^th king of the Koguryo dynasty. He was best known for the great battles he won. When he succeeded the throne he undertook the task of expanding his kingdom. He is alleged to have attacked over 1400 towns and villages, and more than 50 castles. He conquered the entire Korean peninsula, as well as much of Chinese dominated Manchuria. The 39 movements refer to reign of 39 years.

Po Eun (1^st Dan Black)

Po Eun, also know as Chong Mong-Chu, was a scholar, public servant, and pioneering physicist during the Koryo dynasty. In his early twenties he took three different public service qualifying exams and received the highest scores on all three. He was best known for his pioneering physics theories and his famous poem, “I would not serve a second master though I may be crucified a hundred times.” Po Eun was fiercely loyal to his king, and supported him until his own assassination in 1392. His death signifies the end of the Koyro dynasty.

Ge Baek (1^st Dan Black)

Ge Baek was the highest-ranking general of the Paechke dynasty. Towards the end of the Paechke’s rule he gathered 5000 of his best soldiers to defend against the attacking Silla and Dang dynasties. Before going off to war he killed his wife and children to show his determination to fight to the death for his country. Because of this and his ferocity on the battlefield, he was given the nickname “tigerwing”. Although he won his first few battles, he was soon defeated and killed.

The diagram represents his severe and strict military discipline.

Eui Am (2^nd Dan Black)

Eui Am is the pseudonym of Son Byong Hi, leader of the Korean independence movement on March 1, 1919. The 45 movements relate to his age when he changed the 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 (2^nd Dan Black)

Choong Jang is the title of Duck Ryong Kim, a commander of the royal troops in the Yi dynasty. He was an excellent tactician and military strategist, and he successfully defended against many Japanese invasions. Choong Jang record was marred by his connection to the killing of a slave girl. He was released by the kings’ order. Following that, the king's subordinates regarded him jealously. In 1596 he was poisoned while in prison due to his involvement in a rebellion against the king.

Ko Dang (2^nd Dan Black)

Ko Dang is the pseudonym of the patriot Cho Man Sik who dedicated his life to the independence movement and education of Koreans. The 39 movements signify the number of times he was imprisoned, and his birthplace on the 39^th parallel.

Sam IL (3^rd Dan Black)

Sam IL denotes the historical date for 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 (3^rd Dan Black)

Yoo Sin is named after General Kim Yoo Sin, commanding general of the Hwa Rang Do. Under the direction of Yoo Sin the Hwa Rang unified the three kingdoms of Korea into the Silla dynasty. The 68 movements refer to the last two figures of 668 A.D., the year Korea was united.

Choi Yong (3^rd Dan Black)

Choi Yong is named after General Choi Yong, Premier and Commander-in-chief of the Armed Forces during the fourteenth century Koryo dynasty. Choi Yong was greatly respected for his loyalty, patriotism, and humility. He was executed by his subordinate commander, headed by General Yi Sung Gae, who later became the first king of the Yi dynasty.

Yon Gae (4^th Dan Black)

Yon Gae is named after Yon Gae Somun, a famous general during the Koguryo dynasty. The 49 movements refer to the last two figures of 649 A.D., the year he forced the Dang dynasty to retreat from Korea.

UL Gi (4^th Dan Black)

UL Gi is named after General UL Gi Mun Duk who successfully defended Korea against a Chinese invasion force of nearly one million soldiers in 612 A.D. UL Gi, 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 (4^th Dan)

Moon Moo honors the thirtieth king of the Silla dynasty. Upon his death, his body was placed in the sea near Dae Wang Am (Great King’s Rock) “Where my soul shall forever defend my land against the Japanese.” It is said that the Suk Gul Am (Stone Cave) was built to guard his tomb. The 61 movements in this pattern symbolize the last two figures of 661 A.D. when Moon Moo came to the throne.

So San (4^th Dan)

So San is the pseudonym of the great monk Choi Hyung. The 72 movements of this pattern refer to his age when he organized a corps of monk soldiers with the assistance of his pupil Samung Dang. The monk soldiers helped repulse the Japanese pirates who overran most of the Korean peninsula in 1592.

Se Jong (Master)

Se Jong was the 4^th King of the Yi dynasty. He was well known for his great achievements in domestic and foreign affairs, diplomacy, military defense, and culture. His greatest achievement was the invention of the Korean Alphabet, called the Han Gul. The Alphabet provided Koreans with cultural independence, because prior to that they had no written language of their own.

The diagram represents the symbol “king”, and the 24 movements refer to the 24 characters in Han Gul.

Tong IL (Master)

Tong IL denotes the resolution of the unification of Korea, which has been divided since 1945. The diagram symbolizes the homogenous race.

Manchester School of Tae Kwon Do

ITF style Forms

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