This page lists the black belt patterns that Vail Taekwon-Do uses. Known as the Chang-Hon Patterns. The JTF (our association) uses the 1972 First Edition Book "Taekwon-Do" by Gen. Choi Hong Hi
Clicking on a pattern name will open that pattern's step sequence.
Each pattern has some information on what the pattern means or what the pattern was named after. Students are expected to know the facts listed below the pattern name for testing questions.
1st Dan
Kwang-Gae
Kwang-Gae is picked after the famous Gwang-Gae-T'o-Wang, the 19th King of the Koguryo Dynasty, who regained all the lost territories including the greater part of Manchuria. The diagram (±) represents the expansion and recovery of lost territory. The 39 movements refer to hisreign for 39 years.
Po-Eun
Po-Eun is the pseudonym of a loyal subject Chong Mong-Chu (1400 A.D.) who was a famous poet and whose poem "I would not serve a second master though I might be crucified a hundred times" is known to every Korean. He was also a pioneer in the field of physics. The diagram (—) represents his unerring loyalty to the king and country towards the end of the Koryo Dynasty.
Ge-Baek
Ge-Baek is named after Ge-Baek, a great general in the Paekchae Dynasty (660 A.D.). The diagram (|) represents his severe and strict military discipline.
Dando (Supplemental)
Knife pattern created by Grandmaster E. C. Ahn
2nd Dan
Eui-Am
Eui-Am is the pseudonym of Son Byong Hi, leader of the Korean independence movement on March 1, 1919. The 45 movements relate to his age when he changed the name of Dong Hak (Oriental Culture) to Chondo Kyo (Heavenly Way Religion) in 1905. The diagram (|) represents his indomitable spirit displays while dedicating himself to the prosperity of his nation.
Choong Jang
Choon Jang is the pseudonym given to General Kim Duk Ryang who lived during the Yi Dynasty, fifteenth century. This pattern ends with a left-hand attack to symbolize the tragedy of his death at 27 in prison before he was able to reach full maturity.
Ko-Dang
Ko-Dang is the pseudonym of the patriot Cho Man Sik who dedicated his life to the independence movement and education of his people. The 39 movements signify his times of imprisoment and his birthplace on the 39th parallel.
3rd Dan
Sam-Il
Sam-Il denotes the historical date of the independence movement of Korea which began throughout the country on March 1, 1919. The 33 movements in the pattern stand for the 33 patriots who planned the movement.
Yoo-Sin
Yoo-Sin is named after General Kim Yoo Sin, commanding general during the Silla Dynasty, who unified the three separate kingdoms of Korea. The 68 movements refer to the last two figures of 668 A.D., the year Korea was united.
Choi-Yong
Choi-Yong is named after General Choi Yong, Premier and Commander-in Chief of the Armed Forces during the fourteenth century Koryo Dynasty. Choi Yong was greatly respected for his loyalty, patriotism, and humility.
He was executed by his subordinate commanders, headed by General Yi Sung Gae, who later became the first king of the Yi Dynasty.
4th Dan
Yon-Gae
Yon-Gae is named after a famous general during the Kokuryo Dynasty, Yon Gae Somun. The 49 movements refer to the last two figures of 649 A.D., the year he forced the Dang Dynasty to quit Korea after destroying nearly 300,000 Chinese troops at Ansi Sung.
Ul-Ji
Ul-Ji is named after general Ul-Ji Mun Duk who successfully defended Korea against a Chinese invasion force of nearly one million soldiers led by Yang Je in 612 A.D. Ul-Ji employing hit and run guerilla tactics, was able to decimate a large percentage of the force. The diagram represents his surname. The 42 movements represents the author's age when he designed the pattern.
Moon-Moo
Moon-Moo honors the thirtieth king of the Silla Dynasty. His body was buried near Dae Wang Am (Great King's Rock). According to his will, the body was placed in the sea "Where my soul shall forever defend my land against the Japanese." It is said that the Sok Gul Am (Stone Cave) was built to guard his tomb. The Sok Gul Am is a fine example of the culture of the Silla Dynasty. The 61 movements in this pattern symbolize the last two figures of 661 A.D. when Moon Moo came to the throne.
5th Dan
So-San
So-San is the pseudonym of the great monk Choi Hyung Ung, 1520-1604, during the Yi Dynasty. The 72 movements refer to his age when he organized a corps of monk soldiers with the assistance of his pupil Samung Dang. The monk soldiers helped repulse the Japanese pirates who overran most of the Korean peninsula in 1592.
Se-Jong
Se-Jong is named after the greatest Korean king, Se-Jong, who invented the Korean alphabet in 1443 A.D., and was also a noted meteorologist. The diagram ( | ) represents the king, while the 24 movements refer to the 24 letters of the Korean alphabet.
6th Dan
Tong-Il
Tong-Il denotes the resolution of the unification of Korea which has been divided since 1945. The diagram ( I) symbolizes the homogenous race.