A Form (also called a pattern) is a prearranged series of different defensive, counter, and offensive techniques that must be performed in a precise, logical sequence with specific foot movements and stances in an imaginary fight against a number of attackers. The student must systematically deal with several imaginary opponents who are attacking with various techniques from different directions. The student begins a pattern by standing at attention, bowing, and then stepping with his or her left foot in a certain direction using a specific technique. Some patterns are performed solidly, some quickly with acrobatics, some gracefully, and some are performed very slowly with great muscle tension. The closest relatives of patterns are dancing, or a gymnastics floor routine.  

"Hyung" (connected moves) is the Korean term for a pattern. "Kata" is the Japanese term for a form or pattern. The World Tae Kwon Do Federation uses the term "poomse." The International Tae Kwon Do Federation used to use the term "hyung," now they use the term "tull."

Patterns help students develop:

• Stronger, faster, and more effective kicks, blocks, and strikes

• Better balance and stronger more secure stances and positions

• Defensive and offensive moves for every self-defense situation

• Endurance

• Conditioned muscles to be harder and stronger

• Rhythm and grace of movement

• Awareness of oneself and body

• Effective breathing techniques

• Most importantly – FOCUS and mental discipline.

   Patterns mark the progress of student development. Higher ranks require more complex patterns that challenge them to increase their level of discipline and proficiency. As students progress in rank, the patterns they are required to learn increase in complexity and difficulty. Traditionally, students must perform a pattern hundreds of times before learning the next one.

   Through the practice of patterns, students learn to apply various Tae Kwon Do techniques in practical ways and to join the techniques into useful combinations. They improve their sparring skills by developing fluid, smooth, rhythmical, powerful movements. Patterns also help students refine their coordination, flexibility, balance, timing, endurance, and breath control, all of which are essential to the proper execution of Tae Kwon Do techniques. Patterns enable students to practice techniques alone and to practice them against simulated attacks that are difficult to duplicate during class exercises or while sparring.

  Just as individual letters form words, which are then used to compose sentences that express a thought; individual techniques and movements form patterns, which are then used to express the essence of Tae Kwon Do. Just as students in elementary school first learn to print precisely and then to write in their own personal style, Tae Kwon Do students first learn to perform each movement in a pattern in a specified manner, and then they begin to develop their own personal performance style. Patterns are the link between technique training and actual fighting.

 The Techniques and Application:

   All patterns consist of a combination of four techniques:

1.      Stances

2.      Blocks

3.      Kicks

4.      Strikes

   There is no first attack in Tae Kwon Do. Our tenets demand that a student never initiates an attack. Therefore, most patterns begin with a block.

   All patterns start and end with a Joon Be (ready) position. The position symbolizes various states of readiness. The basic Joon Be (both fists in front of the belt knot) shows a warrior who is ready to defend him or herself at a moments notice. Joon Be using high twin open hands held in a triangular shape shows a warrior in meditation. Joon Be using low crossed open hands shows a warrior at peace with him or herself.  Joon Be using an enclosed fist symbolizes the restrained force of Tae Kwon Do. Tae Kwon Do may be a destructive force when unleashed, this is symbolized by the closed fist. However, we train to restrain this force and only use it for a just and honorable reason. This is symbolized by the open hand that encloses the fist.

   Not all movements are intended for actual application; some are only included to condition the muscles and reflexes. Because of this, possible application of pattern movements are open to interpretation.  It is not always clear as to whether a technique is an offensive or defensive technique. Sometimes they may be both. Sometimes blocks target pressure points for immobilization.

   Higher forms have the KI-component. Energy is directed into a hard block with a tensed fist. Instead, open hand blocks let energy flow using the "water principle."  Knife hand blocks are not used in a stiff stopping motion but are used in a deflecting push-through motion.

*Segments of this content courtesy of tkdtutor.com