One of the rewards for passing a promotion test is the introduction of a new pattern. Learning a new pattern means learning new techniques. The techniques are often awkward at first just as a high block was awkward on your 2nd day of class.

Eventually, through repetition, concentration, and experimentation, the movement will become smoother and more second nature. By the time you are demonstrating the pattern for your next test, the movement should be one you are comfortable executing with full exertion and confidence. Remember, every move in the pattern should be executed strongly enough to break a board. (Even the blocks?)

In my opinion, General Choi was quite brilliant in his selection of movements in the patterns. Each pattern helps the practitioner evolve further toward total mind and body control. In Chun Ji, we learn how to turn, step, and punch and block. We learn to focus and pay attention to our movements. In Joong Gun, we learn to move backwards and forwards and shift comfortably between L stance and walking stance and how to generate power by dropping down into a rear-foot stance.

I hope you enjoy learning your new patterns and that you continue to pursue mastery of them. Over time, Chon Ji will remain as difficult as your highest pattern since there is always something to learn and always something to improve.

In my opinion, General Choi was quite brilliant in his selection of movements in the patterns. Each pattern helps the practitioner evolve further toward total mind and body control. In Chun Ji, we learn how to turn, step, and punch and block. We learn to focus and pay attention to our movements. In Joong Gun, we learn to move backwards and forwards and shift comfortably between L stance and walking stance and how to generate power by dropping down into a rear-foot stance.

Your first job is to learn the rythm of the pattern, the steps and the basics of the movements. After, you know how to step through the pattern, you should make sure you know the exact stance for each movement. In a couple of weeks, you can begin to refine the movements through experimentation. Strip away what is wasteful or ineffective. After two months or so, you should focus on keeping your fingers tight, your eyes focused, the precision of the strikes and blocks and perfecting your stances. Please don’t hesitate to ask a senior student about the purpose of a difficult movement or for some help in it’s execution.
I hope you enjoy learning your new patterns and that you continue to pursue mastery of them. Over time, Chun Ji will remain as difficult as your highest pattern since there is always something to learn and always something to improve.

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