Patterns are various fundamental movements, most of which represent either attack or defence techniques against imaginary opponents set to a fixed and logical sequence.

The first Korean school (Chung Do Kwan) was founded in 1944; the original forms practiced in this and the Oh Do Kwan founded by General Choi were the Pyong-Ahn forms, taken from the Pinan / Heian kata of Shotokan Karate, the style learned by the founders of those schools.

The first specific Taekwon-Do pattern, Hwa-Rang, was created in 1956 followed by a further 23 pattterns between 1956 and 1972 to complete the set of 24. Initially these were known as hyung, later renamed to tul, and collectively known as the Ch’ang-Hon pattern set. In 1983 the pattern Ko-Dang was replaced by Juche to finalise the set practiced to this day by ITF stylists.

Following the split in Taekwon-Do and the creation of the WTF in 1973 a new pattern set (poomsae) was developed for their use, called Palgwe. These were later changed to the Taeguk patterns.

POINTS TO BE CONSIDERED WHEN PERFORMING PATTERNS

1. Patterns should begin and end on the same spot. This will indicate the student's accuracy.
2. Correct posture and facing must be maintained at all times.
3. Muscles of the body should be tensed or relaxed at the proper critical moments in the exercise.
4. The exercise should be performed in a fluid, rhythmic movement with the absence of stiffness.
5. Each pattern should be accelerated or decelerated according to instructions.
6. Each pattern should be perfected before moving to the next.
7. Students should know the name and purpose of each movement.
8. Students should perform each movement realistically.
9. Students should remain in the finishing move of the pattern until told otherwise by the instructor.