Practice and performance

Hierarchy of Pattern Performance

When first learning a new pattern, students perform the movements as a person walking over rocky ground—sudden, jerky movements while avoiding rocks. As students practice the pattern hundreds of times, they gain an understanding of the movements and the pattern flows as water flows over rocky ground—smooth movements that flow from one rock to another. This transition from jerky to smooth movements, while still maintaining power, transitions through five levels of performance.

Basic. Learning the basic movements in technically proper manner. Students struggle to learn each movement and technique and are unsure about how movements should be performed. They ask many questions and try to do everything the instructor says and does. However, their performance lacks context and purpose.

Imitation. As the basic movements are learned, students tend to watch senior belts and imitate their movements. They may be performing the movements properly, but they do not know why, so their movements are still without context and purpose.

Simulated. Performance is ttechnically correct, but it is unrealistic and impractical. Instead of looking like the real thing, it looks like an imitation of the real thing, such as play that depicts real life while not appearing as real life.

Rehearsed. Performance appears real, but it lacks the enthusiasm and energy of a real combat situation. Performance is similar to a rehearsal for a play. Everything is there except the emotion of the action performance of the play.

Real. A realistic performance that flows naturally with the intensity and power of a real fight. Spectators feel they are watching a small part of a real battle where a true warrior is fighting valiantly and proudly, exhibiting the highest level of training and perfection of technique. The student understands the context and purpose each movement and has practiced the pattern so much that its performance appears as natural a walking.

Performance Methods

Most patterns may be performed using four different methods: traditional, quick, power, and concentration. Each method has its own specific purpose.

Traditional. This is the normal method to perform a pattern. It is the way patterns will be performed during a promotion testing or in competition. This method integrates the other three methods into a smooth, rhythmic presentation where each step flows gracefully into the next in an orderly fashion.

Quick. To perform a pattern using the quick method, complete it as fast as you can while still maintaining proper form and power. Each step is done in a quick, snappy fashion.

Power. To perform a pattern using the power method, perform each movement and technique using maximum power while maintaining proper form. Each step should still be performed smoothly and in an orderly fashion.

Concentration. To perform a pattern using the concentration method, perform each movement and technique slowly and deliberately with maximum concentration, while maintaining proper form. Each movement should be performed smoothly and in an orderly fashion but the body is kept under maximum tension. Each movement is performed as if your body was refusing to do the movement and you must fight against it to complete the movement. This method is mentally and physically exhausting.

Perform patterns remembering the ancient elements

• Earth. Strong stances, balance, and good basic techniques.

• Wind. Proper breathing, lightness, and direction of movement.

• Fire. Speed, power, and focus.

• Water. Flow, smoothness, and giving and receiving.

Sequence of movement

• Turn Head. Turn head toward the direction of the attacker (identity threat) and chamber for your block or attack (prepare threat response).

• Turn body. Turn body to face the threat.

• Move feet. Step into appropriate stance and execute the block or attack (neutralize theat)

Consider the following while performing patterns

• Perform movements with precision and accuracy.

• Begin and end each pattern at exactly the same spot on the floor (not true for all patterns). This indicates the proper performance of all stances and movements.

• Perform all movements at the speeds and rhythms required by the pattern being performed.

• Correct posture and facing must be maintained at all times.

• Head/eyes should turn to face opponent before body turns.

• Concentration should be reflected in the face and eyes.

• Do not "wind" techniques. "Winding" is a term used to describe the motion of raising the rear heel after a step forward and then dropping it as you execute a hand technique, such as when performing a forward stepping reverse punch. The correct motion is to hold the punch until the front foot touches the floor and then fire it. This insures hand-foot timing (foot touches, punch fires, punch reaches target as weight is shifted to the foot, thus adding mass of body to the punch. When "winding" front foot touches, weight is shifted, rear heel lifts, and then heel drops as the punch is fired. Some think this looks good when performing patterns, but it is not Taekwondo and it does not increase power. We perform as we practice. If you practice patterns this way, when under stress your body will perform this way.

• Tense or relax muscles at proper points within the pattern. Move like a wave that gracefully moves toward shore and then explodes onto the beach.

• Perform the pattern rhythmically, smoothly and without stiffness.

• Perform all movements with rapid facing and correct posture.

• Do not just "walk" through the pattern, perform as if you were Hwa-rang warrior in mortal combat.

• Perform techniques with power and control.

• Show spirit and positive attitude.

• Use correct foot/hand shape.

• Use wide stances with proper foot placement.

• Do not hold breath. Use breathing that is in rhythmic with each movement.

• Kiai at proper points.

• Accelerate or decelerate movements at the proper points.

• Know the purpose of each movement.

• Know the distinctive features of pattern.

• Know the meaning of each pattern.

• Perform each movement with realism.

• Perfect each pattern before moving to the next.

Sting once said about music. "Great music's as much about the space between the notes as it is about the notes themselves." In Taekwondo: a great pattern is as much about the space between the movements as it is about the movements themselves.

Elements of a Perfect Pattern

• Sequence. Use the proper and correct sequence of moves.

• Power. Command of the release, restraint, and relaxation of explosive or focused power.

• Tension and Relaxation. Master breathing and timing for the accumulation and release of power.

• Speed and Rhythm. Coordinate  movements at rates appropriate to the sub-sequences within the pattern.

• Direction of Movements. Maintain balance and confidence in steps when changing direction.

• Spirit or Attitude. Exhibit a sense of calm and humility based on self confidence and dedication to the perfect pattern.

• Power of Technique. Use rigor and strength in movements. Use equal power in both attack and defense movements.

• Understanding. Demonstrate that an understanding of the sequence of movements has been internalized and so that the movements flow with the naturalness and ease of reflex.

• Distinctive Features. Evocate in the observer a vivid awareness of the specific kinds of attacks and of the number and direction of attackers for which a particular pattern is designed.

• Perfect Finish. Finish with evidence of concentration and control. The last move of the pattern ends at the starting point and then remains frozen or fixed there until signaled by the instructor, judge or referee.

• Precision of Movements. Demonstrate accuracy in the execution of a convents that reflects the finest logical coordination of balance, distance, power, ability, and control.

• Intent. Direct and concentrate your entire attention upon points of power. The intent of the eyes communicate both a determination to defend against attack and a predetermined plan or deliberate design for defense. Further, the eyes anticipate the intended direction of moves by quick shifts and then concentration of focus upon the point of power.

 Five Principles of Pattern Performance

• Eyes. Bright and Clear

• Mind. Calm and Focused

• Body. Soft and Low (stable, supple, and relaxed)

• Feet. Slow and Precise

• Hands. Fast and Controlled

Speed Changes

During the course of performing a pattern, the tempo should remain steady, but there may be one of more required changes in speed of the individual motions. There are two types of motion speed in patterns:

• Slow: motion is performed very slowly with a slow exhale with tensed muscles as if you were trying to use full speed and power but some invisible force is resisting your movement.

• Normal: motion is performed normally with full speed and power with sharp exhale.

Competitor Tips

Competitors must demonstrate they have an understanding of the patterns through their pattern performance. Patterns must be performed with competence and Competitors must demonstrate a clear understanding of the principles underlying the patterns.

• Basics. regardless of your rank, your basics need to be sharp. As a beginner, your basics might consist of a front kick and some simple punches. As an advanced competitor, your basics might include spinning kicks, jumping kicks or multiple-hand combinations.

• Enthusiasm. When your name is called, loudly acknowledge, and respectfully bow and present yourself to the judges. This sets a tone that alerts the judges that a motivated competitor coming.

• Work not Walk. Work through the pattern, do not walk through it. If you merely walk through the pattern, you will have an average performance, whereas, if you work through the pattern, you will have a powerful performance that deserves recognition.

• Do not be afraid of the judges. They are people like you who enjoy Taekwondo. They love to watch a crisp powerful form and want each competitor to his or her best. Do not be intimidated if they sit stone-faced, they are doing it out of respect for you.

• Stances. Keep your stances as low as they should be. Ensure your weight distribution and foot alignment are accurate. Posture is important before and after your presentation.

• Rhythm. Use correct rhythmic combinations. Try not to make your entire routine a blur. Stop for a second after each technique sequence to let the judges appreciate your solid stances, incredible balance, and perfect basics.

• Realism. Move similar to the way you would if fighting real attackers. Strong kicks, punches, and blocks are essential. Remembering that they are fighting numerous imagery opponents and that there is a slight delay before engaging each new opponent.

• Facial Expressions. Your facial expressions control how you feel and how others perceive how you feel. It would be hard to take someone's kata seriously if they smiled all the way through it. Keep your expressions serious throughout your kata and intensify your expression when you kiai.

• Eye Contact. Eye contact is a term for turning your head and looking in the direction you are about to move or strike. Always look before you move..

• Accuracy. Do not add any meaningless additional or stylized moves

• Power. Move smoothly and deliberately, but execute the technique with maximum power and body tension. A form is a self-defense scenario against imaginary opponents. Therefore, your movements better be effective. Strong kicks, punches and blocks are essential. It is better to have a strong low kick rather than a weak high kick. Do not give up power for flash. There is no reason to save yourself for later. Let it all out, while remaining in control, and really show you have the power to make each punch and kick count.

• Balance. Stumbling during a pattern is a major error. Demonstrate good balance and show that you are in control during the entire routine.

• Symmetry. Symmetry defined is beauty of form arising from balanced proportions. Symmetry in patterns refers to your general form.  Patterns are very specific about how arms and legs are positioned in relation to the body. The blocking arm usual extend from the line of the body at a 45 degree angle.  Punches are usually at a 90 degree angle from the line of the body. Almost everything is squared off at 45 and 90 degree angles.  Pay close attention to you symmetry.

• Do not lose your concentration is you make a mistake. Nobody is perfect. Some days are good days and some we try to forget. If you make a mistake keep going. Show the judges the rest of the things you can do well.

• Be quick but don't hurry. Make the technique quick (unless a slow movement is required) and powerful, but do not rush through the pattern.

• Do not be discouraged is you have to start over. Just bow to the judges and ask if you can start over. Give your second try all the enthusiasm and effort of your first try and you may still win the gold!

• Your competitors are your peers. You are competing against people of your same age and belt level. Your competitors are people just like you with a similar experience level. They are nervous too!

• Focus. You must focus if you want your techniques to be accurate. Usually, when a person's eyes start to wander, he or she is unsure of the next move. Do not lose your concentration, whether you did not practice enough or because someone starts playing loud music in the ring next to you.

• Intensity and Presence. Since you are fighting imaginary opponents, you should not have a blank look on your face or a smile. Be intense. Use your facial expressions to help the judges visualize your fight. Kiai intensely at the appropriate points. Low intensity kiais or powerful exhalations help emphasize techniques at other times.

• Speed. Some basic, traditional forms do not require much speed from strike to strike. However, even in a simple form, show great speed in a single kick or a single punch. In the more advanced forms, showing a quick combination of movements is important. Do not emphasize speed exclusively.

• Crisp Techniques. Ensure your techniques are executed crisp and snappy. The arm, leg, or body should move from one position to the next as quickly as possible and should stop exactly in it's next position. If the technique calls for a flowing motion, seek to be smooth rather than fast.

• Flexibility. If your flexibility is good, you will be able to perform difficult kicks with ease.. I do not think there is anything more exciting than watching someone throw a kick straight up with good execution and power.

• Difficulty of Movements. The more difficult your moves are, the higher you will score. However, many people put difficult moves in their routines before they can perform them flawlessly.

• Perform for the back row. Stage actors make exaggerated movements so the movements may be seen by people sitting in the last row of the theater. When performing patterns, you should perform for the person sitting on the top row of the bleachers. When sweeping movements are required, make them very large sweeping movements; when snap is required, make it very snappy; when power is required, make it very powerful. When performing patterns, you imitating a fight against multiple opponents. Remember, are performing a fight, not using realistic fighting techniques.