What is a Pattern (Tul)?

A pattern is a set of fundamental movements, mainly defence and attack, set in a logical sequence to deal with one or more imaginary opponents. Patterns are also an indication of a student's progress, a barometer in evaluating an individual's technique.
 

The interpretation of a Pattern

The name of a pattern, the number of movements and the diagrammatic symbol of each pattern represents either heroic figures in Korean history or instances relating to historical events.
 

Why do we perform patterns?

We practise patterns to improve our Tae Kwon-Do techniques, to develop sparring techniques, to improve flexibility of movement, master body shifting, develop muscles, improve balance and breathing control, develop fluid and smooth motions and to gain rhythmical movements. They also enable us to acquire techniques, which cannot be obtained from other forms of training. Tae Kwon-Do is an art, when first developed the only way to train was by performing patterns.
 

Why are there 24 Patterns?

The reason there are 24 (twenty four) patterns in Tae Kwon-Do is because the Founder, Major General Choi Hong Hi, 9th Dan compared the life of a man with a day in the life of the earth and believed that some people should strive to bequeath a good spiritual legacy to coming generations and in doing so gain immortality. Therefore, if we can leave something behind for the welfare of mankind, maybe it will be the most important thing to happen in our lives, as the founder says:

"Here I leave Tae Kwon-Do for mankind as a trace of man of the late 20th century.
The twenty-four patterns represent twenty four hours, one day or all of my life."
 

Why do we learn the meanings of Patterns?

We learn the meanings of patterns to draw inspiration from the people in the pattern who have dedicated and sacrificed themselves for what they believe is right. They have applied one or more of the tenants of Tae Kwon-Do and have fought for their own ideals. We should learn to show the same dedication in doing what we feel is right. The meanings also give us a brief description of the history of Korea.