The 24 Patterns · Tul

A pattern (tul, 틀) is a prescribed sequence of fundamental attacking and defending movements performed against one or more imaginary opponents in a set, logical order. Patterns develop sparring techniques, improve flexibility, balance, breath control and the rhythmic flow that gives Taekwon-Do its grace and power.

The performer should be able to demonstrate:

• Correct posture and facing throughout the pattern.
• The pattern's meaning — the history behind the name.
• A return to the exact starting point on the final movement (a measure of accuracy and balance).
• Correct muscle tension, breath control, rhythm, and the sine-wave motion that generates power.

The total number of movements across all 24 patterns reflects the lifelong journey of a martial artist. Movement counts often carry symbolic meaning — a person's age, a year in history, or a latitude — explained in each card below.