Beom Taekwon-Do

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Sasaja Taekwon-Do

Sasaja’s website

Stadin TKD

Stadin TKD’s website

Black Belt Theory Guide

ITF Taekwon-Do · 1st–9th dan

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Suomeksi

English translation of the Finnish original. The Finnish page is the master version; if the two differ, the Finnish text applies.

Colour belt theory guide: itf.fi/tkd_theory

At a glance

• What: The black belt Taekwon-Do theory guide (ITF Taekwon-Do, 1st–9th dan), as a web page (the printable PDF is available on the Finnish page).
• Who for: Black belts of Beom, Sasaja and Stadin TKD, and those preparing for the first dan grading.
• Contents: the dan system and titles, history and philosophy, theory of power, gradings and criteria, the role of the instructor, patterns from Kwang-Gae to Tong-Il, glossary and sources.
• Grades: part I 1st–3rd dan, part II 4th–6th dan and part III 7th–9th dan.
• Source: General Choi Hong Hi’s Taekwon-Do Encyclopedia (summarised in our own words) and the dan criteria of the Finnish ITF Taekwon-Do federation (2024).
• How to use: read it online; the Finnish page itf.fi/tkddanteoria has the printable PDF.

1. Introduction↑ Back to contents

Who this guide is for↑ Back to contents

The Black Belt Theory Guide is intended for the black belts of Beom, Sasaja and Stadin TKD, and for those preparing for their first dan grading. The guide continues where the colour belt theory guide ends (itf.fi/tkd_teoria).

Material from the colour belt guide is not repeated here. The history of the art, the main principles, the Taekwon-Do oath, dojang etiquette, stances and basic vocabulary can be found there, and this guide refers to them by chapter number, for example ”colour belt guide, chapter 7”. Black belts are expected to know them.

The black belt is a beginning, not an end↑ Back to contents

General Choi Hong Hi writes that the first dan is a starting point. The student has built the foundation, and the building of the house still lies ahead. He compares a newly promoted black belt to a fledgling that has just enough feathers to leave the nest. The alphabet has been learned, and now reading can begin. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 94–95)

In the same passage Choi warns of a common delusion: not all black belts are experts, and the first dan does not make anyone a teacher. Many remain novices both mentally and technically because they believe they already know. A perceptive student notices at this stage how little he knows. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 94–95)

The black belt also brings responsibility. The holder belongs to the worldwide body of black belts, and his conduct in the dojang and outside it is observed. His example reflects on all black belts and on all the colour belts who look to him as a model. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 95)

Three parts↑ Back to contents

The Encyclopedia divides the nine dan grades into three classes, because three is the most esteemed number in the East (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91). This guide follows the same division. All dan-specific content, such as preparation times, instructor training, responsibilities, gradings and patterns, is divided into three parts.

Characterisations: Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91. The titles and their use are explained in chapter 2.

Chapters of the guide↑ Back to contents

The common chapters apply to all black belts. The sections for Parts I–III are worth reading for the next level as well as your own dan grade, because preparation for the next dan begins immediately after the previous grading.

Sources and notations↑ Back to contents

Encyclopedia. The guide’s primary source is General Choi Hong Hi’s 15-volume Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. The content is written in our own words and condensed. References take the form ”Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 94”, and the page number is the printed page number of the volume. If the printed number could not be read, the reference gives the page number of the scanned file and the note ”PDF p.”.

Federation requirements. The formal conditions for admission to a dan grading (age, preparation time, training) are from the 2024 requirements of Suomen ITF Taekwon-Do ry. They follow the ITF rules (By-Laws) and are updated with them. If the Encyclopedia and the federation’s current conditions differ, admission to a grading is decided by the conditions currently in force. (SITF 2024)

Club practices. When a piece of information is the clubs’ own policy and not that of the Encyclopedia or the federation, it is marked with the words ”club practice”. For example, the technical content of the 1st dan grading is the clubs’ own, and it is described in the Senior Black Belt programme (itf.fi/sbbp).

Physics. The theory of power (chapter 4) has been supplemented with physics textbooks and sports research. These are marked with the heading ”The physics perspective”, so that Choi’s teaching and later knowledge are not mixed up.

Unconfirmed. This marking denotes information that could not be checked against the Encyclopedia or another primary source. It is included because it is useful, but it should not be relied on in a grading.

All sources are listed in chapter 9.

2. Dan grades and titles↑ Back to contents

2.1 The dan system↑ Back to contents

Taekwon-Do has 19 grades: ten colour belt grades (gup) and nine black belt grades (dan). Gups are counted down from ten to one, dans up from one to nine. The belt is black at every dan. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91 and 160)

According to Choi, a grading does not assess technique alone. The development of character, fortitude, perseverance and the individual’s abilities are also part of the assessment. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91)

Why nine dan grades

Choi gives two reasons for nine (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91):

• Three times three. Three is the most esteemed number in the East. The Chinese character for three is three horizontal lines: the top one represents heaven, the middle one people and the bottom one earth. The character for king resembles it, because the king was the one who brought heaven, people and earth into harmony. When three is multiplied by itself the result is nine, ”the highest of the high”.
• The digit sum of nine. When nine is multiplied by any single-digit number, the digits of the product always add up to nine: 9 × 2 = 18 and 1 + 8 = 9, and so on all the way to the product 9 × 9 = 81. No other single-digit number behaves like this.

Gups begin at ten because in the East the old custom of counting from ten to one and from one to ten is used even in children’s games. Ten is the smallest two-digit number, so the beginner starts from it. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91–92)

Three classes

The same principle of three divides the dan grades into three classes. From the first to the third dan the student is a novice black belt. At the fourth dan he crosses the threshold and moves into the class of experts. From the seventh to the ninth dan are the masters, who understand all the spiritual and physical aspects of the art. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91)

Parts I–III of this guide follow this division.

2.2 Titles↑ Back to contents

The Encyclopedia and ITF’s English-language material use a different spelling for the same titles, for example Sabum. The different spellings are collected in the glossary (chapter 8).

The suffix -nim

The suffix -nim means ”respected”. It is attached to a title only when addressing, or speaking respectfully of, a specific person, for example when greeting, or when commanding a group to bow to an instructor entering the dojang: Boosabeomnim, Sabeomnim, Sahyingnim, Saseongnim.

In ordinary factual text and when describing a rank the suffix is not used. So one says ”he is a 4th dan sabeom” or ”the boosabeom leads the warm-up”, but in the dojang one addresses ”Sabeomnim”. The suffix also does not belong to one’s own title: nobody introduces themselves as a sabeomnim.

The etiquette chapter of the colour belt guide (colour belt guide, chapter 7.2) explains how an instructor is received into the dojang.

2.3 Preparation times↑ Back to contents

The Encyclopedia’s table gives a minimum time for each dan grade before the next grading (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 94). The federation’s current minimum times are the same (SITF 2024).

Added together, the times come to at least 6.5 years from the first dan to the fourth dan, 15.5 years to the sixth dan and 21.5 years to the seventh dan. In addition, the federation requires a minimum age of 21 for the fourth dan and 40 for the seventh dan. (Calculated: SITF 2024)

Preparation time is not waiting time. The federation’s conditions include at every dan grade ”a role in club and/or federation activities that grows with the belt grade” (SITF 2024). This means instructing, assistant instructing, refereeing and club work. The conditions for gradings are collected in chapter 5 and the instructor’s duties in chapter 6.

2.4 Part I: 1st–3rd dan, Boosabeom↑ Back to contents

Status. According to the Encyclopedia, from the first to the third dan the student is still a beginner compared with the higher dan grades (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91). The first dan is the foundation on which real learning is built (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 94–95).

Teaching. An international instructor can give his assistants the right to teach, but assistants may not hold gradings. The Encyclopedia’s general rule is that (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 123):

Refereeing. A person can become a national-level referee (class B) from the 2nd dan onwards, once approved by his own federation (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 124). The federation’s referee courses are the D course before the 1st dan and the C course before the 3rd dan, if age permits (SITF 2024).

Next gradings. The 2nd and 3rd dan gradings are organised by the national federation (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96). The conditions are in chapter 5.

2.5 Part II: 4th–6th dan, Sabeom↑ Back to contents

Status. In the Encyclopedia the fourth dan is the boundary at which the student moves into the class of experts (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91). The title changes from assistant instructor to instructor.

Instructor classification. The Encyclopedia divides instructors into domestic and international. Domestic instructors are selected from black belts of 4th dan and above, and their own federation approves them. An international instructor is appointed from among the domestic instructors once he has passed the ITF qualification examination. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 123)

According to the Encyclopedia, only an international instructor may teach and hold gradings both at home and abroad. He can issue gup certificates in his own name, but dan certificates are applied for from the ITF. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 123)

Holding gradings. A qualified instructor can normally hold gradings up to half of his own grade: a 4th dan up to the 2nd dan and a 6th dan up to the 3rd dan (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96).

Refereeing. The ITF can appoint as an international referee (class A) a 4th dan or higher who has completed the ITF referee course (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 124).

Next gradings. The 4th–8th dan gradings are held by the ITF promotion committee (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96). This no longer holds true as such: nowadays there are masters in Finland, and a master can grade the 4th, 5th and 6th dan gradings.

2.6 Part III: 7th–9th dan, Sahying and Saseong↑ Back to contents

Status. From the seventh to the ninth dan the Encyclopedia places the masters, the elite who understand all the spiritual and physical details of the art (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91). The title is sahying at the 7th–8th dan and saseong at the 9th dan.

Ninth dan. Awarding the ninth dan requires a unanimous decision by a special committee of nine ITF-recognised members of 7th or 8th dan (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96). For the 9th dan the federation’s conditions refer directly to the ITF rules (SITF 2024).

Age. The federation requires a minimum age of 40 for the 7th dan (SITF 2024).

The duties of a master are described in chapter 6.

3. History and philosophy from the black belt’s perspective↑ Back to contents

The colour belt guide explains how the martial arts developed in Korea, how Taekwon-Do came into being and how modern research views the art’s traditional account of its history (colour belt guide, chapters 1.1–1.3). That is not repeated here.

This chapter describes how the founder himself portrayed the origin, purpose and value base of the art in the Encyclopedia. It is good for a black belt to know both perspectives and to be able to tell them apart: the Encyclopedia is the founder’s own account, not impartial historiography.

3.1 The founder’s account↑ Back to contents

What Taekwon-Do is. According to Choi, merely using the hands and feet for self-defence is not yet Taekwon-Do. He considered that he had developed and named the art’s theories, terminology, techniques, system, rules, training uniform and spiritual foundation, and he regarded as genuine Taekwon-Do only training based on his principles. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 38)

Background. Choi relates that he was born weak and sickly. His calligraphy teacher urged him at the age of 15 to begin taekkyon. In 1938 he went to study in Japan and resolved to earn a black belt in karate there. After returning to Korea he took part in the independence movement and was imprisoned by the Japanese. In January 1946 he became a second lieutenant in Korea’s new army and began teaching karate to his soldiers. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 39)

An art of its own. Choi relates that he realised Korea needed a martial art of its own, one superior to karate in both spirit and technique. In prison he had promised his comrades that if the country were liberated, they would not seek to become rulers but advisers to rulers. He began the systematic development of new techniques in the spring of 1946, the foundation was almost complete at the end of 1954, and on 11 April 1955 the art was given the name Taekwon-Do. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 39–40)

Two foundations. Spiritually, according to Choi, the art rests on the traditional ethical and moral principles of the East and on his own philosophy. The techniques, in turn, are based on modern science, especially Newtonian physics, and military attack and defence tactics have been incorporated. Karate and taekkyon were, in his view, starting points, but the basic theories of the art differ from them entirely. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 40)

At this point the founder’s account and research meet. Choi himself mentions karate as a starting point, and research regards karate as the basis of modern Taekwon-Do (colour belt guide, chapter 1.1). The difference lies in how large each considers the change to be.

Three ideals. In March 1959 Choi led an army demonstration team on a tour of South Vietnam and Taiwan. On that occasion he formulated three basic ideals for students (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 40–41):

1. An honest mind and a strong body give the confidence to always stand on the side of justice.
2. Students unite as a brotherhood regardless of religion, race, or national or ideological boundaries.
3. Students build a peaceful society in which justice, morality, trust and humanity prevail.

Choi also relates that he hoped spreading the art around the world would in time help to reunify the divided Korea (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 41). The hope is reflected in the name of the last pattern, Tong-Il (chapter 7).

The spiritual dimension. Choi defines the spiritual side of the art as the student merging with the ideals of the art and understanding the full meaning of every pattern. When the student feels at one with the art, he respects it like his own body and does not use it shamefully. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 41)

Twelve technical principles

According to Choi, the development of the techniques rests on the following principles (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 42–43). They matter to a black belt because they tell on what grounds a movement is right or wrong.

Because of these principles, Taekwon-Do is, according to Choi, at the same time a martial art, an aesthetic art, a science and a sport (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 43). The physics of principles 1 and 6 is dealt with in chapter 4 and principle 12 in chapter 7.

3.2 Moral culture (Jungshin Sooyang)↑ Back to contents

According to Choi, moral culture is the effort to become an exemplary person, for which he uses Confucius as the model. One must first find oneself and cultivate a character that everyone respects, and this succeeds only through continuous mental training. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 45)

Choi compiles the chapter from the teachings of Eastern thinkers such as Confucius, Mencius and Laozi. His idea is simple: the more disciplined and cultivated the mind, the more responsibly the student uses his skill. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 47)

Five virtues

Source: Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 47–51.

Choi distinguishes two kinds of standing: the standing given by heaven, that is the virtues, and the standing given by man, that is office or rank. The standing given by man is transient, because it can be lost. The task of the virtues is to guide how worldly standing is used. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 51–52) For a black belt this is a direct reminder: the colour of the belt is a standing given by man.

Other teachings

Source: Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 52–60.

Why this belongs to the black belt

Choi is direct: without moral culture the instructor would give destructive power to people who may become so enamoured of their new skills that they become bullies or use the skill as a tool for their own ends (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 61). In another passage he names as the instructor’s most important teaching task that the student learns to use his body as a weapon without misusing his knowledge (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 74–75).

The Encyclopedia also lists the measures by which ITF schools maintain the standard of instructors and students (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 62):

• The applicant’s character and background are investigated before he is admitted to the dojang.
• New students are introduced to conduct, discipline and humility.
• When higher grades are awarded, morality and sincerity are assessed in addition to technique.
• Higher belts who have been involved in fighting are punished.
• All black belts are registered with the national federation and the ITF.

Choi also counts among training trips to historic sites (Yo Haeng), mountain climbing (Dung San), cold showers and training barefoot in snow (Naengsoo Machal), voluntary community service (Sahwe Bongsa) and etiquette (Ye Jol) (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 63–66).

On etiquette he highlights one matter concerning the black belt: it is in poor taste if a black belt belittles a beginner white belt, who may be older than the instructor in both age and standing (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 67). The practices of dojang etiquette are in the colour belt guide (colour belt guide, chapter 7).

3.3 The tenets through a black belt’s eyes↑ Back to contents

The five tenets are listed in the colour belt guide (colour belt guide, chapter 5). The Encyclopedia’s explanations contain passages that concern instructors and black belts in particular.

Courtesy (Ye Ui). Of the components of courtesy listed by Choi, those that concern the instructor in particular are distinguishing between instructor and student, senior and junior student, and elder and younger, conducting affairs fairly and sincerely, and not giving or accepting a gift if there is any doubt (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 10).

Integrity (Yom Chi). Choi lists examples of what a lack of integrity looks like. Some of them concern instructors directly (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 11; the same text also in vol. 11, p. 11):

• an instructor teaches wrong techniques because he does not know better or does not care
• a student prepares the breaking materials before a demonstration
• an instructor covers up poor technique with fancy premises and flattery
• a student asks for or tries to buy rank
• a student seeks rank for the sake of his ego or a sense of power
• an instructor teaches for money
• a student’s actions do not match his words
• a student is ashamed to ask the opinion of his juniors

Perseverance (In Nae). According to Choi, one of the most important secrets of growing into a leader in Taekwon-Do is to overcome every difficulty through perseverance (Encyclopedia, vol. 11, p. 11).

Self-control (Guk Gi). Self-control does not concern free sparring alone. Choi regards the inability to live and act within one’s own limits as a lack of self-control too. (Encyclopedia, vol. 11, p. 12)

Indomitable spirit (Baekjul Boolgool). A serious student is modest and honest, but when he meets injustice he acts without fear, however many stand against him (Encyclopedia, vol. 11, p. 12).

3.4 The philosophy of Taekwon-Do (Taekwon-Do Chul Hak)↑ Back to contents

Choi saw the problem of his time as violence and the decay of morality, which he attributed to the predominance of material and scientific civilisation. As a remedy he offered moral civilisation that would keep pace with material development. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 88)

Purpose. According to Choi, the ultimate purpose of the art is to eliminate fighting: to prevent the stronger from oppressing the weaker with a power based on humanity, justice, morality, wisdom and trust (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 88). Therefore Taekwon-Do must not be used for selfish, aggressive or violent purposes, nor for commercial or political ones (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 89).

Patterns. The patterns are named after great figures of Korean history. Each pattern expresses the thoughts and deeds of the person it is named after, and the student’s task is to reflect them. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 89) More about this in chapter 7.

Nine precepts

Choi condensed his philosophy into precepts by which a serious student should live (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 89). In summary:

1. Go where it is difficult to go, and do what is worth doing even if it is hard.
2. ”Be gentle to the weak and tough to the strong.” (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 89)
3. Be content with what you have in money and position, but never in skill.
4. Always finish what you begin, whether big or small.
5. Be willing to teach everyone regardless of religion, race and ideology.
6. Do not yield to pressure or threats when the goal is noble.
7. Teach attitude and skill by deeds, not by words.
8. Remain yourself even when your circumstances change.
9. Be an eternal teacher, who teaches when young with his body, when old with his words and after death with his example.

The last precept runs parallel to the three parts of this guide: the boosabeom teaches above all by showing, the sabeom by explaining and the master by example. This parallel is this guide’s interpretation, not the Encyclopedia’s.

4. Theory of power (Him Ui Wolli)↑ Back to contents

The theory of power is the theoretical foundation of Taekwon-Do technique. Choi writes that power does not come from superhuman muscular strength or endurance. It arises when the student learns to make use of his whole capacity by applying technique correctly. As a result of training, reaction force, concentration, equilibrium, breath control and speed develop, and together they produce power. (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 14)

In Choi’s list of training secrets, the first item is a thorough study of the theory of power (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 80). A black belt does not merely perform a movement correctly, but can also explain why it is correct.

How to read this chapter↑ Back to contents

Each subsection has two parts:

• Encyclopedia tells what Choi teaches. It is the art’s official teaching.
• The physics perspective explains the same matter in the concepts of physics and sports research. It does not replace Choi’s teaching, but helps to understand it and tells where the research evidence supports the teaching and where it is still thin.

The physics sources are listed in chapter 9.

One remark right at the start. Choi writes that an ordinary person uses only 10–20 per cent of his capacity (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 14). No research basis can be found for the percentage figure, and it should not be presented as fact. The idea can be read as saying that technique matters more than size or strength.

4.1 Reaction force (Bandong Ryok)↑ Back to contents

Encyclopedia

Choi starts from Newton’s law, according to which every force has an equal and opposite reaction force. He distinguishes two reaction forces (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 15):

• The opponent’s reaction force. When an opponent rushes forward and is struck, the blow receives the striker’s force in addition to the opponent’s own momentum. A small blow and great speed together are an impressive combination.
• One’s own reaction force. A punch with the right hand is helped when the left fist is simultaneously pulled to the hip. The same applies to blocks.

The photo sequences show the right and wrong performance: the greatest force arises when the opposite hand arrives at the hip at the moment of impact. A defender can also use the attacker’s momentum and a little of his own force to upset the opponent’s balance. (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 16–19)

The physics perspective

Newton’s third law. When one body exerts a force on another, the second exerts an equal and opposite force on the first. The forces act on different bodies, so they do not cancel each other. (OpenStax, University Physics 1, chapter 5.5)

An approaching opponent. When two bodies move towards each other, what matters in the collision is the relative velocity between them. The speeds therefore add together. Because kinetic energy depends on the square of velocity, the effect is greater than the plain sum would lead one to expect (OpenStax, University Physics 1, chapter 7.2). Choi’s observation is therefore correct, and according to physics it is even stronger than his addition suggests.

Pulling the opposite hand. From the point of view of physics, this point calls for precision. Internal forces of the body do not change the momentum of the whole body, so pulling the opposite hand does not, as such, add to the force leaving the body. Its benefit probably lies elsewhere: the punching arm and the pulling arm rotate the upper body in the same direction, and the pull helps to keep the trunk under control and the shoulder line correct. This is an interpretation based on physics. No peer-reviewed measurement study of the opposite-hand pull in Taekwon-Do was found.

Ground reaction force. In Taekwon-Do the most important reaction force is often the ground reaction force. The foot pushes the floor, and the floor pushes back. In research on punching force, ground reaction force is one of the key factors explaining punching force (Lenetsky et al. 2013). In a study measuring the side kick of ITF practitioners, the ground reaction force of the supporting leg averaged about 1,250 newtons (Wąsik 2011). This partly explains why Choi requires the heel of the rear foot to stay on the ground at the moment of impact (see 4.3).

4.2 Concentration (Jip Joong)↑ Back to contents

Encyclopedia

When the force of a blow is applied to as small an area as possible, its effect increases. Choi compares it to a water hose whose jet strengthens when the nozzle is made smaller, and to snowshoes on which a person hardly sinks into the snow. This is why blows are often directed with, for example, the edge of the knife-hand. (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 20)

All force should not be released immediately at the start of the movement. Force is concentrated at the moment of contact, and the shorter the time of concentration, the greater the force of the blow. Concentration is done in two ways (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 20):

1. All the muscles of the body, especially the large muscles of the hips and abdomen, are directed into the correct attacking tool at the right moment.
2. The force gathered in this way is applied to the opponent’s vital spot.

Because large muscles are, according to Choi, slower than small ones, the hips and abdomen move slightly before the hands and feet in all movements, in both attack and defence (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 20). The correct striking area of the attacking tool is part of concentration: in a forefist punch the knuckles of the index and middle fingers strike, and the line of force runs from the hip through the forearm to these two knuckles (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 53 and 58).

The physics perspective

Pressure. Pressure is force divided by area (p = F/A). The same force on a smaller area produces greater pressure. (OpenStax, University Physics 1, chapter 14.1) This is the physics of the water hose and the snowshoes.

Impulse. The change in momentum is the force multiplied by the time over which the force acts. When the same change in momentum happens in a shorter time, the force is greater. A seat belt and an airbag work the opposite way: they lengthen the stopping time and reduce the force. (OpenStax, University Physics 1, chapter 9.2) Choi’s idea that a shorter time of concentration produces greater force corresponds to this.

Kinetic chain. In punches, throws and kicks the parts of the body usually move in sequence from the centre to the extremities: large parts close to the trunk move first and the tip of the limb last (Putnam 1993). Choi’s instruction that the hips move before the hand or foot describes the same phenomenon.

4.3 Equilibrium (Kyun Hyung)↑ Back to contents

Encyclopedia

A blow delivered in equilibrium is effective, and a student who is out of equilibrium falls easily. The stance must be stable but flexible in both attack and defence. (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 24)

Equilibrium is divided into two interrelated parts: dynamic (Dongtchuk Anjong) and static (Jungtchuk Anjong). The greatest force arises only when static equilibrium is maintained with the help of dynamic equilibrium. (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 24)

Choi’s instructions for equilibrium (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 24–30):

• When the weight is divided equally between both feet, the centre of gravity must be midway between the feet. When the weight is on one foot, the centre of gravity is in the middle of the foot.
• Flexibility of the knees helps both a quick attack and a quick recovery.
• The heel of the rear foot must not rise from the ground at the moment of impact. This is necessary for equilibrium and for the greatest force.
• When moving forward, the weight shifts to the front foot. A stance that is too narrow or too wide breaks equilibrium when moving sideways.
• Typical mistakes are a raised heel, an over-bent knee, an outward-pointing knee, and an upper body leaning too far forward or backward.

The physics perspective

A body stays upright as long as the vertical projection of its centre of gravity lies within the base of support. When the centre of gravity moves outside the base of support, the body falls. A low centre of gravity makes a body more stable. (OpenStax, University Physics 1, chapter 12.1)

In Taekwon-Do stances the base of support is the area bounded by the feet. This explains why the width and length of a stance are precisely defined and why the weight shifts to the front foot in movement. A heel on the ground means a larger base of support and a better grip on the floor, so that the ground reaction force is transmitted to the blow (see 4.1).

4.4 Breath control (Hohup Jojul)↑ Back to contents

Encyclopedia

Breath control affects endurance and speed. With its help the body withstands a blow better and one’s own blow becomes stronger. Choi’s instructions (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 31–32):

• A sharp exhalation at the moment of impact and holding the breath during the movement tense the abdomen and concentrate force in the movement.
• A slow inhalation prepares for the next movement.
• Never inhale at the moment of impact of a block or a blow. It slows the movement and weakens the force.
• When a blow is received with the breath held at the end of an exhalation, loss of consciousness and pain may be avoided.
• Practise disguised breathing so that fatigue does not show. An experienced sparring partner attacks at once when he notices the opponent is on the verge of exhaustion.
• One breath per movement, except in a continuous motion.

An article on physical fitness in volume 1 says that the kihap tenses the lower abdominal muscles and protects against a surprise counterattack, and also equalises the pressure in the chest during heavy exertion in the same way as it does for weightlifters (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 71). Choi also names correct breathing as one of the art’s twelve technical principles (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 42; chapter 3).

The physics and research perspective

Little research has been done on the effect of the kihap (Japanese kiai) on force, and the results vary:

• In a grip-strength test with martial arts practitioners, force increased on average by about 8 per cent with the shout. The effect was greater in beginners than in experienced practitioners. (Tschampl 2009, Iowa State University)
• In the rear-hand punch of karate athletes, the shout was associated with a faster punch but not with greater impact force (Özbay 2019, 20 athletes).
• In karate athletes the shout did not affect the reaction time of a punch or kick, or jumping performance (Rodrigues et al. 2022, 16 athletes).

The research evidence is thus not sufficient for strong conclusions. The practical core of Choi’s instructions, that is exhaling and tensing the trunk at the moment of impact, is nevertheless in line with what is known about bracing the trunk during heavy exertion.

4.5 Mass (Zilyang)↑ Back to contents

Encyclopedia

According to Choi, the greatest kinetic energy is obtained from the greatest body weight and speed, and so body weight must be increased during a blow. There are two means to this (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 33):

1. Hip twisting. The hips twist in the same direction as the attacking or blocking tool, and the large abdominal muscles twist to bring more momentum into the movement.
2. Knee spring. The hips rise slightly at the start of the movement and drop at the moment of impact, so that body weight is dropped into the movement.

In the illustrations the foot follows a sine-wave path, not a saw-tooth. If the hips stay at the same height throughout the movement, body weight is not brought into the movement. (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 34 and 37) In the training secrets the same is put by saying that a sine wave is created in the movement with the help of the knee spring (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 80).

Choi adds that a body moving downward gains additional momentum. This is why the hand is usually below the shoulder at the moment of impact and, in the air, the foot is below the hip. (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 38–40)

The physics perspective

Mass does not change, but its share does. Body mass is the same throughout the movement. When Choi speaks of increasing body weight, in the language of physics it is a question of how large a part of the body’s mass moves with the blow and transfers its momentum to the target. When striking with the hand alone, little mass is involved; when striking with the whole body, a great deal.

Dropping. Gravitational potential energy is U = mgh (OpenStax, University Physics 1, chapter 8.1). When the centre of gravity drops, potential energy is converted into kinetic energy. Example calculation: if the centre of gravity of a 70 kg student drops 5 centimetres, about 34 joules are released (70 × 9.81 × 0.05). How much of this ends up in the blow depends on technique. It cannot be deduced from the formula alone.

Rotation. The kinetic energy of a rotating body is ½Iω², where I is the moment of inertia and ω the angular velocity (OpenStax, University Physics 1, chapter 10.4). The rotation of the hips and trunk brings rotational energy into the blow, and the kinetic chain transfers it to the limb (see 4.2).

The sine wave and research. The sine wave is a feature peculiar to the Chang Hon style. A great deal has been written about it in the dan grading essays of the ITF organisations, but peer-reviewed measurements of the sine wave’s effect on the force of a blow were scarce. The explanation of making use of the drop of the centre of gravity is sensible according to physics, but the magnitude of the effect has yet to be measured.

4.6 Speed (Sokdo)↑ Back to contents

Encyclopedia

According to Choi, speed is the most important factor in power. He refers to the formula force = mass × acceleration (F = MA). (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 38)

Choi illustrates the importance of speed with experiments: when a large stone is lowered gently onto a sheet of glass, the glass holds, but a small stone thrown at great speed breaks it. A candle flame does not go out when a palm passes slowly through it, but it goes out when a punch or kick stops about an inch from the flame. (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 38)

Reaction force, breath control, equilibrium, concentration and muscle relaxation are all factors affecting speed. They must be coordinated with flexible and rhythmic movement so that power is greatest. (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 38)

The physics perspective

Two different formulas. Newton’s second law F = ma tells how great a force is needed to give a mass an acceleration (OpenStax, University Physics 1, chapter 5.3). Kinetic energy K = ½mv² tells how much energy a moving body has (OpenStax, University Physics 1, chapter 7.2). Both appear in the Encyclopedia, and the concepts of force, energy and power get mixed up. In physics they are different quantities: the unit of force is the newton, of energy the joule and of power the watt.

Why speed is decisive. In kinetic energy, velocity is to the second power. If mass triples, energy triples, but if velocity triples, energy increases ninefold. This is Choi’s own example, and it is correct according to physics. (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 47)

Measurement results. In the side kick of ITF practitioners, the peak velocity of the foot averaged about 5.7 metres per second, and the greatest velocity was reached when the leg had extended to about 82 per cent of its full length (Wąsik 2011). According to the study’s assessment, impact force depends more on velocity than on mass, because velocity is to the second power in the formula (Wąsik 2011). The observation supports Choi’s teaching: the force of a punch or kick grows above all by developing speed.

4.7 Speed and reaction (Sokdo wa Banung)↑ Back to contents

Encyclopedia

In April 1973 Choi measured the speeds of techniques by stroboscopic photography in a laboratory at MIT (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 42). The results:

Source: Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 42–46.

According to Choi, normal reaction time is about 0.2 seconds even at its fastest. Because techniques are faster than this, they cannot be blocked if one waits for the movement to begin. Therefore the opponent’s intentions must be perceived in advance, and the gaze is kept on the opponent’s eyes, not on the hands or feet. (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 44 and 47)

Finally Choi presents the formula P = ½MV², where P is power, M mass and V velocity, and uses it to calculate the significance of speed (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 47).

The physics and research perspective

Reaction time. In the research literature, the simple reaction time of young adults to a visual stimulus is typically about 0.19 seconds (Jain et al. 2015). Choi’s 0.2 seconds corresponds well to this.

The method of measurement is decisive. Choi’s times were measured from the phase in which the foot has already left the floor (Encyclopedia, vol. 2, p. 42). In modern research the whole side kick of ITF practitioners, from the lifting of the leg to the end, lasted on average about 0.7 seconds, and the lifting of the leg alone about 0.4 seconds (Wąsik 2011). The figures do not contradict each other, because they measure different things. They nevertheless tell the same practical lesson: the start of a kick is visible to the opponent, so the starting phase of a technique must be made as inconspicuous as possible.

4.8 The secrets of training↑ Back to contents

Choi compiles the theory of power into practical instructions, which he calls the secrets of training (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 80):

1. Study the theory of power thoroughly.
2. Understand the purpose and meaning of every movement.
3. Combine the movement of the eyes, hands, feet and breath into one coordinated action.
4. Choose the attacking tool suited to each vital spot.
5. Learn the correct angle and distance for attack and defence.
6. Keep the arms and legs slightly bent during a movement.
7. Begin almost every movement with a backward-directed motion.
8. Create a sine wave in the movement by using the knee spring correctly.

In the same passage Choi reminds us that diligence alone does not produce quality technique. According to him, the teaching of an incompetent instructor is worse than no teaching at all, because unscientific movements weaken power and correcting them takes a great deal of time. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 80) This is an important reminder for a black belt as an instructor (chapter 6).

4.9 Summary↑ Back to contents

5. Gradings and criteria↑ Back to contents

Three sources affect eligibility for a dan grading:

1. The Encyclopedia describes how Choi organised the gradings and what is demonstrated in them.
2. Suomen ITF Taekwon-Do ry (the Finnish ITF Taekwon-Do association) sets the formal conditions for entering a grading: age, preparation time, training courses and licences. The conditions follow the ITF rules (By-Laws) and are updated with them. (SITF 2024)
3. The clubs define the technical content of the 1st dan grading (itf.fi/sbbp).

The association does not publish the technical requirements of dan gradings. They are set by the international instructor who holds the grading, and gradings for 1st to 3rd dan are held by international instructors. (SITF grading page, see chapter 9) The passages of this chapter that concern the Encyclopedia therefore describe the tradition and fundamentals of the art, not the content of any particular grading.

5.1 The grading in the Encyclopedia (Simsa)↑ Back to contents

Who holds the grading

Source: Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96.

A qualified instructor can normally hold gradings up to half of his or her own degree, for example a 4th dan up to 2nd dan and a 6th dan up to 3rd dan (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96).

Power test. Breaking is strictly forbidden for children, because it can damage bones and muscles (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96). In the clubs, those under 18 always break onto a focus pad or a held strike pad, also in a dan grading (club practice, itf.fi/sbbp).

What is assessed in the grading

In the Encyclopedia’s grading forms, a gup grading assesses patterns, sparring, the power test and attitude. In a dan grading, attitude is replaced by a written thesis. The forms also recorded the candidate’s training background. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 97–101)

The pass mark for a gup grading is 60 points. Each ten points above or below the pass mark can, according to the Encyclopedia, raise or lower the grade awarded accordingly. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 97) In the example forms, candidates have also been awarded a lower grade than the one requested, and the remarks record what needs more practice (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 102–109).

Two rules concern black belts in particular (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 109):

• A double promotion is possible only in gup gradings, not in dan gradings.
• Lowering a grade can be considered only if the instructor does not know the candidate’s previous training background.

Content of dan gradings

The Encyclopedia’s table shows what the holder of each dan grade demonstrates in the next grading. The ”dan” in the table therefore means the candidate’s current grade. For example, a 1st dan holder performs Kwang-Gae, Po-Eun and Ge-Baek in the 2nd dan grading. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 98 and 106)

Source: Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 98.

Thesis. The Encyclopedia requires a written thesis for every dan grading (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 99). In Finland the thesis is an instructor-specific requirement: the person holding the grading may require it. The association’s conditions do not mention a thesis (SITF 2024). The technique names in the table above are the Encyclopedia’s English names; the Finnish edition of this guide gives them as its own Finnish translations.

The first dan grading in the Encyclopedia

In the Encyclopedia, a 1st gup holder performs Hwa-Rang and Choong-Moon in the 1st dan grading (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96). In the example form, the candidate also performs free sparring, self-defence techniques, and breaking with a flying side kick and a reverse turning kick (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 106).

The Encyclopedia describes three programmes by which a beginner can progress to first dan (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 93):

For comparison: in the clubs’ Senior Black Belt programme, the fastest route from white belt to 1st dan is about 37 months and at least 630 hours (itf.fi/sbbp).

5.2 The association’s conditions in general↑ Back to contents

• The conditions have been in force since 1 January 2020 and were updated on 16 March 2024 to match the ITF rules.
• Conditions marked with an asterisk come directly from the ITF rules and change automatically if the ITF changes them. The tables in this chapter must be checked against the association’s current document before registering for a grading.
• The requirements for Taekwon-Do instructor courses (TOK) follow a one-year transition period from the start of the courses. The transition period for coach and instructor courses (VOK) ended on 31 December 2022.
• The International Do Course (IDC) requirement has been in force since 1 April 2025.

Source: SITF 2024.

In addition, the licence must have been paid for at least two seasons before the 1st dan grading (SITF operating instructions 2020).

5.3 Part I: 1st to 3rd dan↑ Back to contents

The association’s conditions

Sources: SITF 2024; SITF operating instructions 2020.

The clubs’ 1st dan grading

The technical content of the 1st dan grading is the clubs’ own, and it is described in the requirements of the Senior Black Belt programme (itf.fi/sbbp). The key points:

• Patterns: Choong-Moo and all earlier patterns from Chon-Ji to Hwa-Rang. This corresponds to the Encyclopedia, where Choong-Moo belongs to the 1st dan grading.
• Other areas: saju sequences with different techniques and stances, step sparring, self-defence against several opponents, sparring and breaking.
• Theory: a written theory exam based on the colour belt guide. A written practice theory exam and a practice grading are taken before the grading.
• Minimum time: 24 weeks and at least 144 hours from 1st gup.
• Junior black belt: a person under 18 who passes the grading receives a junior black belt, which is exchanged for the adult black belt on reaching adulthood.

Source: club practice, itf.fi/sbbp. The dan grading is an association grading, and it is not part of the club’s own grading registrations.

Towards 2nd and 3rd dan

According to the Encyclopedia, a 1st dan holder prepares for Kwang-Gae, Po-Eun and Ge-Baek, and a 2nd dan holder for Eui-Am, Choong-Jang and Juche (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 98). The backgrounds of the patterns are in chapter 7.

The preparation time is not just waiting. The growing role in club activities required by the association’s conditions means, in practice, instructing and assistant instructing (chapter 6). Choi reminds us that after first dan the real learning of technique only begins (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 95).

5.4 Part II: 4th to 6th dan↑ Back to contents

Source: SITF 2024.

According to the Encyclopedia, gradings for 4th to 8th dan are held by the ITF promotion committee (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96). This is no longer true as such: nowadays there are masters in Finland, and a master can conduct the gradings for 4th, 5th and 6th dan. The patterns are Sam-Il, Yoo-Sin and Choi-Yong for a 3rd dan holder, Yon-Gae, Ul-Ji and Moon-Moo for a 4th dan holder, and So-San and Se-Jong for a 5th dan holder (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 98).

Fourth dan is a threshold: in the Encyclopedia the practitioner moves into the class of experts (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91), and the association requires international instructor training and an exam. The clubs’ Sabeom Program is designed for adult black belts aiming for 4th dan (itf.fi/sbbp).

5.5 Part III: 7th to 9th dan↑ Back to contents

Source: SITF 2024.

According to the Encyclopedia, a 6th dan holder performs Tong-Il in the 7th dan grading (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 98). Ninth dan is not awarded through an ordinary grading; it requires a unanimous decision of a nine-member special committee of 7th and 8th dans (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96).

6. The role of the instructor↑ Back to contents

In the clubs, a black belt by default continues as an instructor (club practice, itf.fi/sbbp). In the association’s conditions, every dan grade carries a role in club and association activities that grows with the grade (SITF 2024). This chapter describes what the Encyclopedia expects of an instructor and how responsibility grows with the dan grade.

6.1 Student and instructor (Sajeji Do)↑ Back to contents

Choi bases the relationship between student and instructor on the Confucian tradition. According to a Korean proverb, father and mother raise the child, but the teacher is the parent who civilises him or her. A student was therefore expected to respect the teacher as much as the parents. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 81)

According to Choi, the relationship needs both warmth and objectivity. He notes that it is often difficult for a parent to raise his or her own child objectively, because the emotional bond is so strong. Raising someone else’s child into a good person in line with the parents’ wishes is a great responsibility. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 81–82) This is a good thought to bear in mind in clubs where a parent instructs his or her own child.

Instructor and student owe each other a debt that can never be fully repaid: a dojang does not grow without a dedicated instructor, nor without equally dedicated students (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 82).

The instructor’s guidelines

Source: Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 82–83.

To guideline 9 Choi adds a remark that concerns young black belts in particular: too often a lower-dan black belt gives illogical answers because he or she fears losing face (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 83).

The student’s duties

The Encyclopedia also lists the student’s duties. A black belt is still a student of his or her own teacher, so these apply to him or her equally (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 84–85):

• Never tire of learning.
• Be ready to sacrifice for the art and the instructor. Take part in demonstrations, teaching and dojang chores, and do not think of training as merely a service bought with a monthly fee.
• Always set a good example for the lower belts, because they imitate those above them.
• Be loyal, and do not criticise the instructor, the art or the teaching methods.
• Practise the technique taught and try to use it.
• Remember that your behaviour outside the dojang reflects on the art and the instructor.
• If the instructor does not accept a technique picked up elsewhere, give it up or train where you learned it.
• You may disagree, but first follow the instruction and discuss the matter later.
• Always be willing to learn and to ask.
• Never betray your instructor.

6.2 The ideal instructor↑ Back to contents

Choi compares the instructor to a general: soldiers are as strong as the general who leads them, and an excellent student is not produced under an incompetent teacher. Because the spirit and the technique of the art are taught together, the instructor must combine the scholar and the soldier. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 87)

According to Choi, the ideal instructor has (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 87):

1. strong moral and ethical principles
2. a clear outlook on life and philosophy
3. a responsible attitude as an instructor
4. a scientific approach to technique
5. knowledge of the vital points and of human anatomy
6. unwavering integrity in political and financial matters
7. dedication to spreading the art around the world
8. the trust of his or her superiors, the trust of his or her colleagues and the respect of his or her juniors.

6.3 Training plan and lesson structure↑ Back to contents

According to the Encyclopedia, the instructor is responsible for his or her students’ detailed training plan, especially for the colour belts. A good plan is like fishing with a net, a bad one like trying to catch fish with bare hands. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 110)

The plan progresses from easy to difficult and from basics to advanced matters. First an overall programme is drawn up, and it is divided into plans for each lesson and each belt grade. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 110)

Choi gives three rules (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 110–111):

1. Teach by belt grade. Higher belts do not need to repeat what they already know.
2. Divide the groups by age. Children, adults and the elderly train in their own groups, so that nobody is injured or overstrained.
3. Rest the groups in turn. The resting group quietly watches the other group train from the edge of the hall. In doing so it learns to notice mistakes and corrects its own.

Lesson plans may flex according to circumstances and the instructor’s judgement, but the warm-up at the start and the cool-down at the end are always done (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 115). The fitness article in volume 1 gives the reasons: warming up improves the mobility of the joints and muscles and prevents injuries, and cooling down prevents stiffness and discomfort after training (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 71).

In the Encyclopedia’s model plan, the beginner learns in the first week how to tie the belt, the attention stance and the bow, dojang etiquette and how to fold the uniform, and already on the second day the basics of the theory of power (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 115). Theory is therefore part of training from the very beginning.

6.4 Saju sequences and teaching the colour belts↑ Back to contents

Saju sequences are not black belt learning material, and they are not patterns. They are a way of practising and demonstrating techniques in four directions. (colour belt guide, chapter 2.2; club practice, itf.fi/sbbp)

However, the instructor must be able to teach them to the colour belts, and specifically with the colour belts’ techniques:

• In the Encyclopedia, the four-direction punch (Saju Jirugi) and the four-direction block (Saju Makgi) are part of the beginner’s first gradings (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96). Their movements are described in volume 8 (Encyclopedia, vol. 8, p. 35 and 71).
• Saju Chagi (the four-direction kick) is not in the Encyclopedia. It is a teaching practice of the clubs, and its movements are in the colour belt guide (colour belt guide, chapter 2.2).
• In the clubs’ gradings, saju sequences progress by belt grade: first the Saju hana sequences, then the Saju dol sequences, and from 5th gup the sequences are performed with different techniques and from 4th gup also with different stances. The grading examiner names the technique and the stance, and the techniques are chosen from what the candidate has learned so far. (club practice, itf.fi/sbbp)

In practice this means that the instructor does not bring into a saju sequence techniques that the student does not yet know. The movements and directions are described in the colour belt guide (colour belt guide, chapter 2.2).

6.5 Responsibilities in the clubs↑ Back to contents

The clubs’ guidelines on the instructor’s responsibility:

• The instructor in charge is always at least a black belt.
• Juniors cannot have legal responsibility. A black belt under 18 can instruct, but responsibility for the training session rests with the adult instructor in charge.
• Founding a club. There is no age or belt grade limit for founding a training group, that is, a club. By tradition a club could be founded from blue belt upwards, but this is history passed on orally, not a rule.
• Founding an association. The founder of a registered association must be at least 15 years old (Associations Act 503/1989, section 7).

The instructor’s path begins even before the black belt. From blue belt upwards, acting as an assistant instructor is recorded twice in the training card, and the 4th gup theory includes teaching one technique to a beginner (club practice, itf.fi/sbbp).

6.6 Part I: 1st to 3rd dan, Boosabeom↑ Back to contents

Role. A Boosabeom is an assistant instructor. An international instructor can give his or her assistants the right to teach, but assistants do not hold gradings (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 123).

Right to teach. According to the Encyclopedia’s main rule, a 1st dan teaches up to 5th gup, a 2nd dan up to 3rd gup and a 3rd dan up to 1st gup (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 123). In practice this means that a 1st dan black belt teaches the early part of the colour belts and the basics of technique.

Emphasis. Of the instructor’s guidelines, three are especially important for a Boosabeom: set a good example, do not invent answers, and treat everyone equally (6.1). A Boosabeom teaches above all by showing: his or her technique is the model that the colour belts imitate.

Training and refereeing. The association requires TOK 1 training before 1st dan, VOK 1 training before 2nd dan and TOK 2 training before 3rd dan. Of the referee courses, the D course belongs to the 1st dan conditions and the C course to the 3rd dan conditions, if age permits. (SITF 2024) One can become a national-level referee from 2nd dan upwards (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 124).

6.7 Part II: 4th to 6th dan, Sabeom↑ Back to contents

Role. A Sabeom is a teacher. In the Encyclopedia, domestic instructors are chosen from black belts of at least 4th dan, and an international instructor is appointed after the ITF qualification exam. An international instructor may teach and hold gradings at home and abroad and issue gup certificates in his or her own name. Dan certificates are applied for from the ITF. (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 123)

Responsibility. A Sabeom draws up the training plan and the lesson plans (6.3), authorises the assistant instructors, and is responsible for making sure that a student is directed to a higher instructor when he or she outgrows the instructor’s own ability to teach (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 82–83 and 110). He or she can hold gradings up to half of his or her own degree (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96).

Training. For 4th dan the association requires the TOK 3 and VOK 2 courses, the International Instructor Course (IIC), the International Do Course (IDC) and the written International Instructor Exam. From fifth dan onwards the instructor licence (instructor plaque) is paid annually. (SITF 2024)

Refereeing. One can become an international referee from 4th dan upwards, after the ITF referee course (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 124).

6.8 Part III: 7th to 9th dan, Sahying and Saseong↑ Back to contents

Role. The Encyclopedia describes 7th to 9th dan as masters who understand all the spiritual and physical details of the art (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 91). The masters also form the committee that decides on the awarding of ninth dan (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96).

The Encyclopedia does not describe a separate list of duties for masters. However, the last precept of Choi’s philosophy gives a direction: the eternal teacher teaches with his or her body when young, with words when old, and by example after death (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 89; chapter 3).

Conditions. The association requires a minimum age of 40 for 7th dan. For 7th and 8th dan, at least one IIC and one IDC course are required during the preparation time, along with an annually paid instructor licence. The conditions for 9th dan are determined by the ITF rules. (SITF 2024)

7. Patterns: general↑ Back to contents

This chapter explains what patterns are, why there are 24 of them, and what the names of the black belt patterns mean. The movements, diagram and ready posture of each pattern are on separate pattern sheets, published alongside this guide.

7.1 What a pattern is (Tul)↑ Back to contents

Choi explains that in the old East the law was harsh: if a practitioner injured another person, he had to answer for the deed even if the injury was unintentional. Because the present system of free sparring did not exist, skill could not be tested against a moving opponent. This is how the first patterns came about. (Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 13)

A pattern is a set of fundamental movements in a fixed and logical order. The practitioner blocks and attacks several imaginary opponents systematically from different directions, using all the attacking and blocking tools. A pattern develops sparring technique, flexibility of movement, weight shift, muscles, breath control, fluidity and rhythm. It also teaches special techniques that cannot be obtained from fundamental exercises or from sparring. (Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 13)

Choi compares a fundamental movement to the alphabet or to the training of an individual soldier, and a pattern to a word or to the tactics of a unit. Sparring only tells whether the opponent is more or less advanced, but according to him a pattern is a more precise measure of the practitioner’s technique. (Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 13)

What to observe in a pattern

Source: Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 13–14.

All the Encyclopedia’s patterns are described with the practitioner standing on line AB facing direction D (Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 14 and 20). The patterns in the colour belt guide use the same direction markings (colour belt guide, chapter 2).

7.2 Why there are 24 patterns↑ Back to contents

Choi justifies the number by the shortness of life. A human life, perhaps a hundred years, is like a single day compared with eternity. Many enslave themselves to matter as if they would live a thousand years, but some strive to leave future generations a spiritual legacy that is more lasting than matter. Choi says he is leaving Taekwon-Do to humankind as a trace of a man of the late twentieth century. (Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 14)

”The 24 patterns represent 24 hours, one day, or all my life.” (Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 14)

The origins of the patterns

ITF’s 24 patterns (tul) took shape from the late 1950s to the 1980s under the leadership of General Choi Hong Hi and with the help of his closest colleagues, and Choi published them and established them for ITF use.

Confirmed sources. the first five patterns (Hwa-Rang, Choong-Moo, Ul-Ji, U-Nam and Sam-Il) are in Choi’s 1959 book, his 1965 English-language book contains 20 patterns and his 1972 book 24, and Juche replaced Ko-Dang in the 1980s (the oldest known document is a seminar in June 1984). Choi himself explained the meanings of the names and numbers of movements in the Encyclopedia.

Less certain, and partly speculation. various sources name Nam Tae Hi, Han Cha Kyo, Kim Bok Man and Woo Jae Lim among Choi’s colleagues, but no individual pattern can be attributed to a particular creator with certainty. It is possible that the patterns were also modified over the years by instructors and technical committees, and that they show influences from karate and taekkyon, to which Choi himself refers. Claims about individual links are, however, mostly the interpretations of enthusiasts and have not been confirmed.

7.3 Interpreting the patterns↑ Back to contents

The name of a pattern, the number of its movements and its diagram (Yon Moo Son) represent either heroes of Korean history or historical events (Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 15). The names have been chosen from the most significant people of almost five thousand years of history (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 42).

For Choi, interpretation is not mere knowledge. He defines the spiritual dimension of the art so that the practitioner understands the full meaning of every pattern (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 41), and one of the technical principles of the art is that every movement of a pattern expresses the personality and spirit of the person it is named after (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 43). Properly understood, according to Choi, the patterns show that the art is intended only for self-defence and for defending justice (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 42).

How the meaning is constructed

Source: Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 15–18.

Order

Every pattern is closely connected with the fundamental exercises. The patterns are therefore practised in the Encyclopedia’s order, which gives the best result with the least effort. (Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 18)

7.4 Part I: 1st to 3rd dan↑ Back to contents

Choong-Moo belongs to the 1st dan grading. In the Encyclopedia, a 1st gup holder performs Hwa-Rang and Choong-Moo in the grading (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 96). The clubs’ 1st dan grading requires Choong-Moo and all earlier patterns (club practice, itf.fi/sbbp). After first dan, every dan grading includes three new patterns (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 98).

The Grading column shows which dan grading the pattern belongs to. The pattern is therefore practised by the holder of the previous dan: for example, Kwang-Gae by a 1st dan holder.

Sources: interpretations Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 16–17. Numbers of movements and ready postures: Kwang-Gae vol. 11, p. 35; Po-Eun vol. 11, p. 131; Ge-Baek vol. 11, p. 217; Eui-Am vol. 12, p. 37; Choong-Jang vol. 12, p. 145; Juche vol. 12, p. 273; Sam-Il vol. 13, p. 29; Yoo-Sin vol. 13, p. 109; Choi-Yong vol. 13, p. 257.

¹ Information from Grandmaster McPhail’s collection, because the corresponding Encyclopedia page has not been checked or the Encyclopedia refers only to a picture. ² The Encyclopedia refers to a picture (close stance toward D). In McPhail’s collection the stance is close ready stance D. ³ The Encyclopedia’s entry. In McPhail’s collection the ready posture is a parallel stance with the elbows at the sides. Check the pattern sheet.

7.5 Part II: 4th to 6th dan↑ Back to contents

Sources: interpretations Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 17–18. Numbers of movements and ready postures: Yon-Gae vol. 14, p. 33; Ul-Ji vol. 14, p. 147; Moon-Moo vol. 14, p. 245; So-San vol. 15, p. 29; Se-Jong vol. 15, p. 185; Tong-Il vol. 15, p. 251.

¹ The Encyclopedia refers to a picture. The name of the stance is from Grandmaster McPhail’s collection.

On the Encyclopedia’s introduction pages, the patterns for 4th dan say ”4th dan and above”, but for So-San and Se-Jong ”5th dan” and for Tong-Il ”6th dan” (Encyclopedia, vol. 14, p. 33; vol. 15, p. 29, 185 and 251).

7.6 Part III: 7th to 9th dan↑ Back to contents

From seventh dan upwards there are no new patterns. All 24 patterns are in hand, and Tong-Il is the last (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 98).

In Choi’s words, the master’s relationship to the patterns is spiritual: the spiritual dimension of the art is understanding the full meaning of every pattern (Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 41). A master does not merely know the patterns, but can teach their interpretation and how a movement expresses the person it is named after.

7.7 Historical figures in chronological order↑ Back to contents

The black belt patterns span almost two thousand years of Korean history. The table gives the dating of each person or event according to both the Encyclopedia and historical sources.

The Encyclopedia’s interpretations are the art’s official explanation, and answers in a grading follow them. A black belt should nevertheless know where they differ from ordinary historical sources. The differences are in bold.

Sources: Encyclopedia, vol. 1, p. 159; vol. 10, p. 16–18; vol. 11, p. 18. Historical sources are Wikipedia articles, whose titles are in brackets (chapter 9.5).

In So-San’s case the year 1692 is probably a misprint, because volume 10 and the historical sources give the year 1592. In Ul-Ji’s case the Encyclopedia’s ”Yang Je” apparently means the Sui dynasty Emperor Yang. The number of movements in Yon-Gae, 49, is based on the Encyclopedia’s year 649.

Juche. The same word is also the name of North Korea’s official state ideology (Wikipedia: Juche). The Encyclopedia presents it as a general philosophical idea of man as master of his own fate (Encyclopedia, vol. 10, p. 17). Juche replaced the previously used pattern Ko-Dang (see chapter 7.8).

7.8 Extended information: special patterns↑ Back to contents

Ko-Dang and U-Nam are not among the 24 patterns and are not part of the clubs’ dan gradings. They belong to the ”Extended information” section of this black belt guide and not to the colour belt guide, and their information is unconfirmed.

• Ko-Dang (39 movements). The pseudonym of the patriot Cho Man Sik. The pattern used to be the 2nd dan pattern until Juche replaced it. Unconfirmed.
• U-Nam (42 movements). The pseudonym of Korea’s first president, Syngman Rhee. The pattern appeared only in Choi’s early instruction book of 1959, and it was removed in 1960. Unconfirmed.

Sources: online sources and Nick Campbell’s supplementary Volume 16 (chapter 9). Neither pattern is in the Encyclopedia’s volumes 8–15.

7.9 Pattern sheets and further reading↑ Back to contents

The black belt pattern sheets are made in the same way as the colour belt sheets (colour belt guide, chapter 2.1). They contain the movements, diagram and ready posture of each pattern.

Grandmaster McPhail’s collection ”ITF Patterns on Mobile” of all 24 patterns with their Korean terms is an additional source with more detailed execution instructions (chapter 9). It has been used in this guide to cross-check the Encyclopedia’s entries. Pattern sheets with more detailed execution instructions (PDF). Source: Grandmaster McPhail and https://tkdcoaching.com/.

7.10 Differences between sources↑ Back to contents

The movements on the pattern sheets have been checked against scanned pages of the Encyclopedia. Grandmaster McPhail’s collection is being used for cross-checking, and wherever the sources differ and the Encyclopedia’s text is legible, the sheet has the Encyclopedia’s version. Most differences are wording (for example ”slow motion” or a refinement of the technique). The following deviations in the Encyclopedia itself have been left on the sheets as they are, because they look like misprints:

• Ul-Ji, movement 29: the Encyclopedia prints the direction of the L-stance as D, although the movement is performed toward F.
• So-San, movement 31: the Encyclopedia prints the direction as ”DC”, and the sheet has C as in McPhail’s collection.
• Eui-Am, movements 7 and 20: X-stance toward B.
• Juche, ready posture: the Encyclopedia’s introduction page and caption differ from each other; the sheet has the posture according to the introduction page.
• Choong-Jang, movement 28: the Encyclopedia describes only a hand transfer (both fists to the right hip) without a technique, while in McPhail’s collection the movement is a rear elbow thrust. The detailed instruction has the Encyclopedia’s version, and the simple sheet has McPhail’s technique in yellow as unconfirmed.

One contradiction remained unresolved (Choong-Jang 28, above). If more information emerges or new differences are found between the sources, they will be recorded here and on the sheets, and the guide and the website will be updated together.

7.11 Pattern list (Kwang-Gae–Tong-Il)↑ Back to contents

The black belt patterns with their grading and number of moves. Printable pattern sheets (technique names only) and detailed move descriptions are available as PDFs on the Finnish page. Choong-Moo and the patterns before it are in the colour belt theory guide. Ko-Dang and U-Nam are special patterns (Extended information); their information is unconfirmed.

Pattern sheets with more detailed execution instructions: ITF Patterns on Mobile – all 24 patterns (PDF). Source: Grandmaster McPhail and https://tkdcoaching.com/.

8. Glossary↑ Back to contents

This glossary supplements the glossary of the colour belt guide (colour belt guide, chapter 9). It collects the Korean terms used in this guide. The spelling follows the Encyclopedia unless otherwise stated. The Encyclopedia’s romanisation is a system of its own, so the same word may look slightly different in different sources.

8.1 Titles↑ Back to contents

-nim is an honorific suffix meaning respected. It is attached to a title only when addressing a specific person or speaking respectfully of him or her, for example ”Sabeomnim” in the dojang. It is not used in ordinary factual text, and nobody uses it of themselves (chapter 2.2).

8.2 System, gradings and competition↑ Back to contents

8.3 Patterns and sparring↑ Back to contents

Ready postures of the black belt patterns

Sources: Encyclopedia, vols. 11–15, pattern introduction pages (chapter 7); the warrior ready stance and the stances of Ul-Ji and Tong-Il from Grandmaster McPhail’s collection. An empty Korean column means that the Korean name has not been checked.

8.4 Moral culture↑ Back to contents

The names of the tenets (Ye Ui, Yom Chi, In Nae, Guk Gi, Baekjul Boolgool) are in the colour belt guide (colour belt guide, chapter 5).

8.5 Theory of power↑ Back to contents

8.6 Physics concepts↑ Back to contents

Sources: OpenStax, University Physics 1 (chapter 9); Putnam 1993.

9. Sources↑ Back to contents

9.1 Primary source↑ Back to contents

Choi Hong Hi: Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do, volumes 1–15. The guide uses scanned volumes. Page numbers are the printed page numbers of the volumes. The notation ”PDF p.” means a page of the scanned file where the printed number could not be read.

• Origins of the patterns: Choi Hong Hi: Taekwon-Do books (1959, 1965, 1972) and the Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do (primary sources for the history of the patterns); the ITF publication list https://itftkd.sport/history/publications/.

9.2 Documents of the association and the clubs↑ Back to contents

• Suomen ITF Taekwon-Do ry: Vaatimukset dan-vyöarvojen suorittamiselle (Requirements for completing dan grades). Instructors’ division 18 May 2019, updated in line with the ITF By-Laws updates on 16 March 2024. Referred to in this guide as ”SITF 2024”. https://taekwon-do.fi/wp-content/uploads/sitf-mustan-vyon-vyookoekriteerit-2024.pdf
• Suomen ITF Taekwon-Do ry: Toimintaohje 2020 (Operating instructions 2020). https://taekwon-do.fi/wp-content/uploads/sitf-toimintaohje-2020.pdf
• Suomen ITF Taekwon-Do ry: Säännöt ja ohjeet (Rules and instructions). https://taekwon-do.fi/liitto/saannot-ja-ohjeet/
• Suomen ITF Taekwon-Do ry: Vyökokeet (Gradings). https://taekwon-do.fi/taekwon-do/vyokokeet/
• Beom, Sasaja and Stadin TKD: Teoriaopas (Theory guide; the colour belt guide). https://itf.fi/tkd_teoria/
• Beom, Sasaja and Stadin TKD: Senior Black Belt Program, technical requirements by belt grade. https://itf.fi/sbbp
• Yhdistyslaki 503/1989 (Associations Act 503/1989). https://www.finlex.fi/fi/lainsaadanto/1989/503

9.3 Cross-checking of the patterns↑ Back to contents

• McPhail: ITF Patterns on Mobile. A collection of all 24 patterns with their Korean terms. Used to cross-check the Encyclopedia’s entries (numbers of movements, ready postures and movements). The collection is available as a PDF: Pattern sheets with more detailed execution instructions. Source: Grandmaster McPhail and https://tkdcoaching.com/.

9.4 Physics and sports research (chapter 4)↑ Back to contents

Fundamentals of physics:

• OpenStax: University Physics Volume 1. Chapter 5.3 Newton’s Second Law. https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/5-3-newtons-second-law
• OpenStax: University Physics Volume 1. Chapter 5.5 Newton’s Third Law. https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/5-5-newtons-third-law
• OpenStax: University Physics Volume 1. Chapter 7.2 Kinetic Energy. https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/7-2-kinetic-energy
• OpenStax: University Physics Volume 1. Chapter 8.1 Potential Energy of a System. https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/8-1-potential-energy-of-a-system
• OpenStax: University Physics Volume 1. Chapter 9.2 Impulse and Collisions. https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/9-2-impulse-and-collisions
• OpenStax: University Physics Volume 1. Chapter 10.4 Moment of Inertia and Rotational Kinetic Energy. https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/10-4-moment-of-inertia-and-rotational-kinetic-energy
• OpenStax: University Physics Volume 1. Chapter 12.1 Conditions for Static Equilibrium. https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/12-1-conditions-for-static-equilibrium
• OpenStax: University Physics Volume 1. Chapter 14.1 Fluids, Density, and Pressure. https://openstax.org/books/university-physics-volume-1/pages/14-1-fluids-density-and-pressure

Sports research:

• Wąsik, J. (2011). Kinematics and Kinetics of Taekwon-do Side Kick. Journal of Human Kinetics 30, 13–20. doi:10.2478/v10078-011-0068-z. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3588635
• Putnam, C. A. (1993). Sequential motions of body segments in striking and throwing skills: descriptions and explanations. Journal of Biomechanics 26, 125–135.
• Lenetsky, S. et al. (2013). Assessment and contributors of punching forces in combat sports athletes: implications for strength and conditioning. Strength and Conditioning Journal 35(2). doi:10.1519/SSC.0b013e31828b6c12
• Tschampl, M. (2009). The use of Ki to ”psych-up” and increase strength. Thesis, Iowa State University. https://dr.lib.iastate.edu/entities/publication/ceda504f-8c54-48e8-bc22-fe20af9e4a5c
• Özbay, İ. H. (2019). Karatedeki bağırışların vuruş kuvvetine ve vuruş hızına etkisinin incelenmesi (The effect of shouting on punching force and speed in karate). Thesis, Marmara University. https://openaccess.marmara.edu.tr/entities/publication/3b711e88-d71b-433f-9685-c10f901a3d5a
• Rodrigues, J. C. C. et al. (2022). Effects of kiai on jumping performance and striking reaction time in Karate athletes. Ido Movement for Culture 22(1). https://www.imcjournal.com/index.php/en/volume-xxii-2022/contents-number-1/147-vol-22/abstract-vol-22-no-1/1733-abstract-effects-of-kiai-on-jumping-performance-and-striking-reaction-time-in-karate-athletes
• Jain, A., Bansal, R., Kumar, A. & Singh, K. D. (2015). A comparative study of visual and auditory reaction times on the basis of gender and physical activity levels of medical first year students. International Journal of Applied and Basic Medical Research 5(2), 124–127. doi:10.4103/2229-516X.157168. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4456887

On the sine wave (not peer-reviewed):

• ITKD (International Taekwon-Do, New Zealand): members’ dan grading essays on the sine wave, for example Kraiger (2016), Simplified Physics of the Sine Wave, and an Argument for Hip Twist. https://www.members.itkd.co.nz/reference/essays/2016/Senior%20Dan%20Dec%2016/Gr113_1025_Kraiger_attessay_Simplified_Physics_of_the_Sine_Wave,_and_an_Argument_for_Hip_Twist.pdf

9.5 Historical sources (chapter 7)↑ Back to contents

• Wikipedia: Gwanggaeto the Great. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gwanggaeto_the_Great
• Wikipedia: Battle of Salsu. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Salsu
• Wikipedia: Yeon Gaesomun. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yeon_Gaesomun
• Wikipedia: Siege of Ansi. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_Ansi
• Wikipedia: Gyebaek. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gyebaek
• Wikipedia: Munmu of Silla. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Munmu_of_Silla
• Wikipedia: Kim Yu-sin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Yu-sin
• Wikipedia: Choe Yeong. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Choe_Yeong
• Wikipedia: Jeong Mong-ju. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jeong_Mong-ju
• Wikipedia: Sejong the Great. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sejong_the_Great
• Wikipedia: Hangul. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangul
• Wikipedia: Yi Sun-sin. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yi_Sun-sin
• Wikipedia: Hyujeong. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hyujeong
• Wikipedia: Kim Deok-ryeong. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kim_Deok-ryeong
• Wikipedia: Son Byong-hi. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Son_Byong-hi
• Wikipedia: March 1st Movement. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/March_1st_Movement
• Wikipedia: Juche. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Juche

9.6 Unconfirmed sources (chapter 7.8)↑ Back to contents

Information gathered from these sources is marked in the guide with the word Unconfirmed.

• Campbell, N. et al. (2016). Volume 16: Supplemental Volume to the Encyclopedia of Taekwon-Do. ISBN 9781535566469. Covers Ko-Dang and U-Nam. Not a volume by Choi himself.
• Ko-Dang: https://itftaekwondo.com/?p=389 and https://icenitaekwondo.co.uk/?p=2185
• U-Nam: https://taekwondo.fandom.com/wiki/U-Nam
• Hooper-Whiti: 3rd dan essay (ITKD, 2021). https://www.members.itkd.co.nz/reference/essays/2021/Gr160_12757_Hooper-whiti_attessay_Essay_for_3rd_Dan.pdf

Frequently asked questions↑ Back to contents

Who is the black belt theory guide for?

The guide is for the black belts of Beom, Sasaja and Stadin TKD, those preparing for the first dan grading, and instructors. It continues where the colour belt theory guide (itf.fi/tkd_theory) ends, and assumes that the colour belt guide is known.

What theory is required in a dan grading?

The clubs’ 1st dan grading includes a written theory test, and the theory must be known from cover to cover. According to the Encyclopedia, every dan grading includes a written thesis, but in Finland requiring a thesis is the examiner’s own requirement. The requirements of the Finnish ITF Taekwon-Do federation for the 1st dan are the level 1 instructor course (TOK 1), a minimum age of 13, the D-umpire course if age permits, and a licence paid for two seasons.

How is the black belt theory guide organised?

The guide has nine chapters: Introduction, Dan grades and titles, History and philosophy from the black belt’s perspective, Theory of power, Gradings and criteria, The role of the instructor, Patterns, Glossary and Sources. The dan-specific content is divided into three parts: I 1st–3rd dan, II 4th–6th dan and III 7th–9th dan.

Which patterns belong to the dan gradings?

The clubs’ 1st dan grading requires Choong-Moo and all earlier patterns. The patterns from Kwang-Gae to Tong-Il in this guide belong to the higher dan gradings, and they are divided into dan parts I–III in the guide (chapters 7.4–7.6).

Where can the black belt theory guide be downloaded or printed?

The printable PDF guide (24 pages, in Finnish) can be downloaded with the button at the top of the Finnish page itf.fi/tkddanteoria. The pattern sheets (Kwang-Gae–Tong-Il) and the detailed execution instructions are also available there as PDFs in chapter 7.11. This English page has no PDF files.

Which sources does the guide follow?

The main source is General Choi Hong Hi’s 15-volume Taekwon-Do Encyclopedia, summarised in our own words with references. The dan criteria follow the requirements of the Finnish ITF Taekwon-Do federation (2024), and Grandmaster McPhail’s collection (tkdcoaching.com) has been used for cross-checking the patterns.

Is the black belt theory guide available in Finnish?

Yes. The Finnish original is at itf.fi/tkddanteoria. The Finnish page is the master version, and if the versions differ, the Finnish text applies.

Compiled by Kalevi Mannermaa 2026

Black Belt Theory Guide v2.1, 22.10.2026.

© Kalevi Mannermaa – All rights reserved 2026 · www.itf.fi