From the earliest times of karate practice, basic and advance techniques were developed by repetitions of prearranged offensive and defensive movements. Because modern sport karate and Taekwondo had not yet been developed there was no way of practicing techniques on an actual opponent without injury or death. Thus the training forms became a vital and mysterious part of early martial arts practice.

Today, forms are still a most important part of Taekwondo learning. A properly executed form trains the muscle reflexes for speed, balance, power, and smoothness of execution. The original Korean forms are noted for their explosive power and anyone learning the Taekwondo patterns should practice with that in mind.

While each system of karate has developed its own unique set of forms, all have certain things in common, such as stable balance, eye contact with an imaginary opponent, a rhythmic flow of motion, and of course, power.

Each belt rank in Taekwondo requires the learning of a new form or forms. As you might assume, the forms become progressively more complex and difficult to perform as one advances through the ranks. When learning a form for the purpose of a belt promotion it is recommended that it be practiced at least 300 times before attempting to test.

- Keith D. Yates, from "The Complete Book of Taekwondo Forms"

The forms used in this school are a combination of original Chang-Hon (blue cottage) patterns developed by General Choi Hong Hi and my instructor, Mr. Cameron Skinner (4th Dan.)

Chun-Ji - Means literally "the Heaven the Earth". It is, in the Orient, interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history, therefore, it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern consists of two similiar parts; one to represent the Heaven and the other the Earth.

Hyung-Do - Beginners form or "form way" (hyung - meaning form & do - meaning way)

Hyung-One - First form after awakening in the knowledge of Taekwondo

Toe-San - The pseudonym of the great Korean patriot and educator, Ahn Ch'ang Ho (1876-1938)

Yul-Guk - The pseudonym of the great philosopher Yi I (1536-1584), who is also known as the "Confucius of Korea".

Choong-Gun - Named after a patriot, An Chung-Gun. The 32 steps represent the age at which he was martyred in prison in 1910.

Hwa-Rang - Named after Hwa Rang Do youth group originating during the Silla Dynasty about 1350 years ago & becoming one of the driving forces behind the unification of the three kingdoms of Korea.

Basai - This is originally a Japanese form but is used widespread among Taekwondo and Tang Soo Do practitioners. The name means "To break through the fortress," indicating the power demonstrated in this form.

Chung-Mu - The name of a great Admiral, Yi Sun Sin, of the Yi Dynasty, who reputed to have invented the first armored battleship in 1592 A.D. The left hand attack ending the form symbolizes his unfortunate death in battle before he was able to demonstrate his loyalty to the King.

Kwang-Gye - The name of the famous Kwang Gye T'o Wang, 19th King of the Koguryo Dynasty who regained the lost territories including the greater part of Manchuria. The 39 steps indicate his 39 year reign.

Po-Un - Pseudonym of a loyal subject, Chong Mong Chu (1400 A.D.), whose famous poem, "I Will not serve a Second Master though I be crucified a Hundred Times," is known to every Korean.

Hyung Three - Fourth form after awakening in the knowledge of Taekwondo. The "Three" represents the 3 ancient mythological levels of the universe: Heaven, Earth & Hell.

Kae-Beck - The General in charge of the forces at the end of the Bak Jai Dynasty. In 660 when the forces of Silla and Dang invaded Bak Jai, Kae Beck organized a fierce army of 5000 soldiers who were finally defeated signaling the end of 678 years of Bak Jai rule.