Forms

MSTKD

Forms (Kata)

Why forms?

Starting on the first day of class white belts are taught forms. 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.

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.

It is said that the pattern was named after Lake Chon-Ji, a beautiful lake in North Korea with water so clear and calm that you can literally see the Heaven meeting the Earth.

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 so he forfeited his 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 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 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 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".

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, Hirobumi Itto.

Ahn was arrested and jailed. The 32 movements of the form symbolize the age of Ahn when he was executed at Lui-Shung prison.

Chon JI

Dan Gun

Do San

Won Hyo

Yul Gok

Chung Gun

Toi Gye, otherwise known as Yi Hwang, was a great scholar and expert on 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".

Toi Gye

Hwa Rang

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 also followed a strict code that emphasized leadership qualities. The code is as follows:

Allegiance to the King

Faithfulness to their parents

Faithful friendship

Never take a life a life unjustly

No retreat from the battlefield

The 29 movements of the form represent the 29th infantry division where Tae Kwon Do is reputed to have been developed.

Chung Mu

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 proving to the king his unchecked loyalty.