A Pattern Demonstration

[Postmaster]

During my recent Thailand trip I performed a Taekwon-Do pattern for a
group of ministerial personnel from the Thai Police Force.

I started by explaining shortly the difference between WTF (sport) and
ITF (art) and mentioned Taekwon-Do’s involvement in the Vietnam War.

Next I introduced the form I would do: “Choong-Moo.” I gave a little
information on Admiral Yi Soo Shin, whom after the pattern is named,
and his successful defence of Korea against the Japanese navy. I also
encouraged the audience to see if they can extrapolate strategies used
by Admiral Yi against his enemy from the movements of the pattern.

Lastly, I explained the typical methods of power generation in ITF
Taekwon-Do, using both vertical and horizontal forces (sine wave and
hip rotation) and explained how this may relate to a Muay Thai round
house kick that swings horizontally but also pushes down with the
shin.

Having given the audience some specific points with which to interpret
and appreciate the pattern, I finally performed it. It finished with a
wonderful ovation.

I do not attribute the great applause to my excellence. I know all too
well that patterns is not my speciality any more and there is still
room for improvement. The success of the performance, I believe, is in
helping the audience to interpret what they saw. If I merely performed
the pattern without my initial explanations, I doubt the response
would have been as animated. But because I educated the audience with
certain background information, helped them to look at certain
technical principles like hip rotation and wave form, and provided
them with a connection to something they are already familiar with—
Muay Tahi—the audience was able to understand and interpret what they
saw.

Of course, mere words cannot make up for sloppy skill. Even a
layperson can see the difference between poor proficiency and
experienced practise.

Regards,
Sanko