Tae Kwon Do hyungs embody historical events and characters of Korean history. 

This history reflects the need and the importance for a system of self defense.

The hyungs are not so much a callisthenic exercise as they are a series of choreographed movements. Hyungs provide us with a means of performing basic techniques in a continuous sequence, enabling a student to perfect important basic techniques through repetition.  Tae Kwon Do forms are designed purposely to develop patience through such repetition. The following essential elements of any martial art are developed by practicing the hyungs:

Accuracy Concentration Strength

Agility Coordination Physical/Mental Discipline

Balance Control Strong Self-Control

Discipline Endurance Rhythmic Movement

Effective breathing Speed

Hyungs have become an objective measurement of a students ability. A student expresses the basic principals and philosophy of martial arts through their body movements, for this reason a student should perfect the required pattern of his/her rank. A form should not be learned by simple memorization and blind acceptance of traditional methods, but by supporting principals of balance, motion, and force. Understand each technique and it’s correct application within the form.

Remember these point when practicing:

1. Execute each position cleanly and completely. Never run two positions together.

2. Breath regularly throughout the form from the diaphragm, not the chest. Exhale at the point of impact.

3. Keep fists tight and body relaxed! The body stays relaxed until the instant of execution when the whole body locks into tense focus on that action. ( The rhythm of movement.)

4. Begin and end the form in the same spot. This shows accuracy. (It also represents the fact that we are born as we die. We bring nothing in and we take nothing out.)

5. The most basic martial arts skill is the stance. All techniques are delivered from precise body positions.

Master Hee Il Cho Said: “One can devote a lifetime to an activity and still not completely master   every phase. Tae Kwon Do can be a life long challenge.”

The name of the pattern, the number of movements, and the diagrammatic symbol of each pattern symbolizes either heroic figures in Korean history or instances relating to historical events.

Click here for meanings of hyngs.