ITF patterns

ITF Patterns

While ITF Patterns, assembled by the Founder General Choi Hong Hi,  are but one of the many components which make up the composition of Taekwon-Do, so many of the technical aspects are contained within them, which makes them of paramount importance in ITF Taekwondo training.

General Performance Tips

  • Patterns should begin and end at exactly the same spot. This will indicate the performer’s accuracy.
  • Correct posture and facing must be maintained at all times.
  • Muscles of the body should be either tensed or relaxed at the proper critical moments in the pattern.
  • The pattern should be performed in a rhythmic movement with an absence of stiffness.
  • Movement should be accelerated or decelerated as necessary.
  • Each pattern should be perfected before moving to the next.
  • Students should know the purpose of each movement.
  • Students should perform each movement with realism.
  • Attack and defence techniques should be equally distributed among right and left hands and feet.

 ITF Patterns in Competition

Patterns are Judged according to the following criteria:

  • Technical Content   (5 points)
  • Power  (5 points)
  • Rhythm   (5 points)

Technical Content refers to:

  •   Correct pattern diagram, all steps performed
  • Techniques performed at correct height and direction of travel
  • Proper tool used for blocking, striking or kicking
  • Correct preparation positions
  • Correct Stance dimensions and weight distributions
  • Appropriate posture and facing
  • Correct use of sine wave
  • Correct cadence/timing of pattern
  • Appropriate start and finish positions
  • Correct stepping, pivoting and turning
  • Maintaining equilibrium whilst stepping, turning and pivoting
  • Remaining stable whilst kicking, including slow movements
  • Control of body weight and momentum
  • Kihaps performed in appropriate places

Power refers to:

  • Correct application of sine wave
  • Use of reaction arm
  • Appropriate utilization of larger muscle groups, and transfer of body weight
  • Acceleration of movements
  • The appropriate use of breath for each movement
  • Correct strength and timing of breath

Rhythm refers to:

  • Timing of the pattern in accordance with encyclopaedia recommendations
  • Absence of delayed pauses, or irregular sequences
  • Performing the pattern too fast
  • Pattern completed from start to finish in one continuous sequence.

All patterns are assessed according to the recommendations of the Founder of Taekwon-Do, General Choi Hong Hi, along with updates made by the International Taekwon-Do Federation.