A Journey Through Taekwondo’s Second Pattern
If you are a yellow belt in ITF Taekwondo, you are probably familiar with the pattern Dan-Gun. It is the second pattern you learn, after Chon-Ji, and it consists of 21 movements. But do you know the meaning and the history behind this pattern? Do you know the tips and tricks to perform it well? In this blog post, I will share with you some interesting facts and useful advice about Dan-Gun, the pattern that represents the legendary founder of Korea.
What or Who was Dan-Gun?
Dan-Gun is the name of the mythical ancestor of the Korean people, who is said to have established the first Korean kingdom in 2333 B.C.E. According to the legend, Dan-Gun was the son of Hwanung, the son of Hwanin, the supreme god of heaven. Hwanung descended from heaven to Mount Taebaek (Taebaek-San), where he met a bear and a tiger who wanted to become human. He gave them a test: to stay in a cave for 100 days, eating only garlic and mugwort. The tiger gave up, but the bear persevered and turned into a woman. Hwanung married her and she gave birth to Dan-Gun. Dan-Gun grew up to be a wise and benevolent ruler, who named his kingdom Joseon, meaning “land of the morning calm”. He also built a sacred altar on Mount Paektu, where he worshipped his heavenly father.
Why is Dan-Gun important for Taekwondo?
Dan-Gun is important for Taekwondo because he symbolises the origin and the spirit of the Korean people, who have a long and proud history of martial arts. Taekwondo is not only a physical discipline, but also a cultural heritage that reflects the values and the identity of the Koreans. By learning and performing Dan-Gun, you are honouring the legacy of Dan-Gun and connecting with the roots of Taekwondo. You are also showing respect to your instructors and your fellow students, who share the same passion and the same goal: to improve yourself and to contribute to society through Taekwondo.
How to perform Dan-Gun well?
Dan-Gun is a beginner pattern, but it is not easy to master. It requires a lot of practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips and tricks to help you perform Dan-Gun well:
- Start and end in the parallel ready stance, facing the instructor. Keep your eyes focused and your body relaxed. Breathe deeply and calmly.
- Step the left foot 90 degrees to the left into a right L-stance, with a middle knife hand guarding block. Make sure your stance is wide and stable, and your block is strong and accurate. Your knife hand should be in line with your shoulder, and your other hand should be on your side, protecting your ribs.
- Step forward into a right walking stance, with a right high punch. Your punch should be at eye level, and on the centre line. Your left hand should be pulled back to your hip, ready for the next movement.
- Step the Right foot clockwise 180 degrees and go into a left L-stance, with a middle knife hand guarding block. Repeat the same principles as before, but with the opposite side.
- Step forward into a left walking stance, with a left high punch.
- Turn left 90 degrees and go into a left walking stance, with a low block with your left arm. Your forearm should be slightly bent.
- Step forward into a right walking stance, with a right high punch.
- Step forward into a left walking stance, with a left high punch.
- Step forward into a right walking stance, with a right high punch.
- Move the left foot, counter clockwise, 270 degrees into a right L-stance, and perform a twin forearm block. The high block should be above your head, and your outside block should be in front of your chest.
- Step forward into a right walking stance, with a right high punch.
- Turn clockwise 180 degrees into a left L-stance, and perform a twin forearm block.
- Step forward into a left walking stance, with a left high punch.
- Turn left 90 degrees into a left walking stance, and perform a left low block and then a left rising block (Continuous Motion). This combination block, is used to defend against two attacks from the same direction. Your low block should be followed by a rising block without any pause.
- Step forward into a right walking stance, with a right rising block.
- Step forward into a left walking stance, with a left rising block.
- Step forward into a right walking stance, with a right rising block.
- Turn left 270 degrees into a right L-stance, with a left knife hand strike. Your knife hand strike should be at neck level.
- Step forward into a right walking stance, with a right high punch.
- Turn left 180 degrees into a left L-stance, with a right knife hand strike.
- Step forward into a left walking stance, with a left high punch, and yell “Dan-Gun!!
- When the instructor says “Bah Ro”, pivot on the Right foot and bring the left foot back into the parallel ready stance, facing the instructor. Bow respectfully and smile proudly. You have just performed Dan-Gun!
Conclusion
Dan-Gun is a pattern that teaches you the basics of Taekwondo, but also the history and the culture of Korea. It is a pattern that honours the legendary founder of Korea, and the spirit of the Korean people. It is a pattern that challenges you to improve your skills, your power, and your spirit. It is a pattern that rewards you with a sense of achievement and a sense of belonging. Dan-Gun is not just a pattern, but another step in your Taekwondo journey.
I hope you enjoyed this blog post on the ITF Taekwondo pattern Dan-Gun. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to share them.
Thank you for reading and happy training!