ITF Patterns
Why Do We Practice Patterns?
The ancient law in the Orient was similar to the law of Hamurabi, "an eye
for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," and was rigorously enforced even if death was
caused accidentally.
In this type of environment, and since the present system of free sparring
had not yet been developed, it was impossible for a student of the martial arts to
practise or test his individual skill of attack and defense against actual moving
opponents.
Individual advancement was certainly hindered until an imaginative
practitioner created the first patterns.
Patterns are various fundamental movements, most of which represent
either attack or defense techniques, set to a fixed and logical sequence.
The student systematically deals with several imaginary opponents under
various assumptions, using every available attacking and blocking tool from
different directions. Thus pattern practice enables the student to go through
many fundamental movements in series, to develop sparring techniques,
improve flexibility of movements, master body shifting, build muscles and
breath control, develop fluid and smooth motions, and gain rythmical
movements.
It also enables a student to acquire certain special techniques which
cannot be obtained from either fundamental exercises or sparring. In short, a
pattern can be compared to unit tactics or a word, if fundamental movement is
an individual soldier's training or alphabet. Accordingly, pattern, the ledger of
every movement, is a series of sparring, power tests, feats and characteristic
beauty.
Though sparring may merely indicate that an opponent is more or less
advanced, patterns are a more critical barometer in evaluating an individual's
technique.
The following points should be considered while performing patterns:
1. The pattern should begin and end at exactly the same spot. This will
indicate the performer's accuracy.
2. Correct posture and facing must be maintained at all times.
3. Muscles of the body should be either tensed or relaxed at the proper
critical moments in the exercise.
4. The exercise should be performed in a rhythmic movement with an
absence of stiffness.
5. Movement should be accelerated or decelerated according to the
instructions in this book.
6. Each pattern should be perfected before moving to the next.
7. Students should know the purpose of each movement.
8. Students should perform each movement with realism.
9. Attack and defense techniques should be equally distributed among
right and left hands and feet.
There are a total of twenty four patterns in Taekwon Do.
The reason for 24 Patterns
The life of a human being, perhaps 100 years, can be considered as a day
when compared with eternity Therefore, we mortals are no more than simple
travellers who pass by the eternal years of an aeon in a day
It is evident that no one can live more than a limited amount of lime.
Nevertheless, most people foolishly enslave themselves to materialism as if
they could live for thousands of years- And some people strive to bequeath a
good spiritual legacy for coming generations, in this way, gaining immortality.
Obviously, the spirit is perpetual while material is not Therefore, what we can
do to leave behind something for the welfare of mankind is, perhaps, the most
important thing in our lives.
Here I leave Taekwon Do for mankind as a trace of man of the late 20th
century
The 24 patterns represent 24 hours, one day, or all my life.
What They Say
Please read our Google reviews from past and current students
My daughters have both been training for the past year with Marc at Parallax Taekwon-Do. Marc is extremely professional, knowledgeable and definitely has a great rapport with all of the students. My girls have both enjoyed the training sessions and vastly improved with both fitness levels and skills. They have learned self discipline, improved their confidence, strength and coordination. It has been very rewarding watching them achieve their grading to the next levels. They have loved the experience too. We were beginners with no prior Martial arts experience. Great value for money. NSW Active Kids vouchers accepted too! A+ all round.
My 12 year old son has been training under Marc for about 2 years now. Marc is a wonderful coach with a great teaching style. He is very personable , approachable, friendly & very popular with his students. Highly recommend Marc & Parallax Taekwon-Do.
My daughter enjoys going here for her Taekwando classes and looks forward to it every week. Marc is a very professional trainer and works with the parents too, to ensure the kids achieve their full potential. This is an excellent activity for kids to build their confidence, socialise with other children and get good exercise, all while also building an integral life skill.
I have had children go to Mark for a year and am truly pleased with his interaction and patience with his students .The children have progressed in their ability and knowledge and love going every week. It is a wonderful way for children to improve their self discipline and confidence in themselves and is truly rewarding to watch when they get it right and achieve a grading to the next level which they know is earned by them. The children go twice a week for an hour and it is very good value for money for the parents. Highly recommended to any parents. See for yourself and be the judge.
I am glad to be back training with Parallax Tkd after a 10 year break from ITF taekwondo, as Mr. Fitzsimons is a very patient and dedicated teacher who will encourage you every step of the way. Every class is different and filled with fitness, drills and pattern work. Marc will challenge you based on your individual needs and will also be mindful if you have a specific injury and will adapt exercises accordingly. I would encourage you to try a class, whether you are a beginner or an experienced martial artist, as the atmosphere in the classes is focussed but also relaxed, your fellow classmates will be very supportive and welcoming
Fantastic & rewarding experience training in ITF TKD under a professional & attentive instructor like Mr Marc Fitzsimons. Thanks to his coaching skills, Marc helped me to grow in my martial art journey from a "eager to learn white belt"to a "confident 2nd degree Black belt". Loving every session !!
A great way for kids to be active. Our two children have loved working with Marc to increase their fitness and learn the discipline involved with Taekwon-Do.
I did Taekwon-Do back in America. I really enjoyed the experience, however I never met a teacher who such patience with his students. If you want to learn Taekwon-Do from someone, I believe Marc would be the best person to do it.
Very patient and caring instructor. Both of my children really enjoy the class. Friendly classmates and environment. Highly recommended
Fun classes and good teacher. Very good way to stay fit
Very friendly environment, instructor is very patient with kids unlike other Taekwondo in the area.