About Pattern Sets - Differences Between Patterns Sets

Differences Between Patterns Sets

Chang-hon Pattern Set

This is the original Taekwondo pattern set developed by General Choi Hong Hi, founder of the International Taekwondo Federation (ITF). The set contains 24 patterns each named for a significant person or event in Korean history. The total of 24 patterns is maintained since 24 represents the number of hours in a day, as described above. Choi originally had only 20 patterns, but later he dropped Ko-Dang and added Eui-Am, Moon-moo, Ju-che, So-san, and Yon-gae. Ju-che is difficult to perform so some organizations either do not use it or allow a substitution for older students.

This pattern set is one of the most difficult for new students since it uses intricate footwork and jumping kicks for color belt rank patterns (most schools using this pattern set use the first nine patterns for color belts). The black belt patterns are long (Yu-sin has 68 movements) with numerous jumping, spinning kicks, which make them physical and mentally demanding, especially during testing and competition.