Patterns are practiced in order for students to train the fundamental movements of their body. Patterns are the foundation of Taekwondo and enable the student to develop various techniques like improved mobility and flexibility, improved body shifting, increased muscle tone, enhanced breath control and improved sparring techniques with the blocks, strikes and counters learned. Although free sparring is random and non choreographed and exercised at a much faster pace than patterns, patterns are critical to developing the necessary skills that a Taekwondo student needs in order to master sparring with their movements, balance, flexibility and ability to determine which block and counter is appropriate.
Each belt level requires the learning of a new pattern to progress to the next belt, and students will also learn how to perform these patterns to competition level – with opportunities to to compete in Poomsae at various tournaments.
Below are the 8 Taeguk patterns that are learnt by coloured belt holders;
