next up previous contents index
Nächste Seite: Descriptions of patterns Aufwärts: A short overview of Vorherige Seite: Partner Exercises   Inhalt   Index


Hyong

A major part of every lesson is Hyong (Forms). Hyongs are defined patterns, which resemble a fight with one or more virtual opponents. The Hyongs contain all major techniques. Indeed they could be seen as an encyclopedia of techniques. In the very first editions of the 'Taekwon Do' book by General Choi Hong Hi, only 20 Hyongs were mentioned besides the Karate forms. Later the Karate forms were removed, and four more Hyongs added for a total of twentyfour. Twentyfour is symbolically for every hour of a day, which in turn stands for the whole life.

Later on during the early 80's, Gen. Choi Hong Hi replaced one of the original Hyongs (Ko-Dang), by a new one (Juche). Accordingly to Walt Lang, 7.DAN USTF, this was because some techniques, whom Gen. Choi felt are important, were missing from the Hyongs. Ko-Dang was the most contemporary to remove.

In the Münchner Volkshochschule, as well as the Volkshochschule Pullach, we practice the original 20 Hyongs accordingly to Gen. Choi's first books. Additionally, we practice Naihanchi (Cholgi) and Bassai Hyong. These two Hyongs are some of the oldest known forms. Both are well known in other martial arts, such as Karate, Tang Soo Do as well as some chinese arts.

Except for the first Hyong (Chon-Ji) and the newer Juche, all Hyongs are named after important people of korean history, or historic events. These names are very strongly related to korean culture, as well as the person of General Choi Hong Hi, who founded Taekwon Do in 1955. For non korean people this names are not that important in a historical sense, but are still taught to preserve and respect korean tradition.

The numbering of the Hyongs changed somewhat over time, as well as the total number (see above), but regardless of 20 or 24 Hyongs, Tong-Il will be always the last one. This is because it stands for the unification of South and North Korea, which hopefully sometimes will happen.

There are special versions of the hyongs for handicapped people without arms. These versions are designed by Bernhard Jegan 3. Dan, together with his teachers.

1.
Chon-Ji
Version for handicapped people

2.
Tan-Gun
Version for handicapped people

3.
To-San
Version for handicapped people

4.
Won-Hyo
Version for handicapped people

5.
Yul-Kok
Version for handicapped people

6.
Chung-Gun
Version for handicapped people

7.
Toi-Gye
Version for handicapped people

8.
Hwa-Rang
Version for handicapped people

9.
Chung-Mu
Version for handicapped people

10.
Gwang-Gae

11.
Po-Eun

12.
Ge-Baek

13.
Yoo-Sin

14.
Choong-Jang

15.
Ul-Ji

16.
Sam-Il

17.
Ko-Dang

18.
Choi-Yong

19.
Se-Jong

20.
Tong-Il

The following Hyongs were added later (in the 70's) by Gen. Choi. Also the numbering changed a little bit, as Tong-Il will be always the last one, as Korea is not yet reunified.

During the 80's, the Ko-Dang Hyong was replaced by the following:




next up previous contents index
Nächste Seite: Descriptions of patterns Aufwärts: A short overview of Vorherige Seite: Partner Exercises   Inhalt   Index
Klaus Steinberger
1999-09-03

Please enter comments

Back to Budo Home Page