History of the Forms

Tan-Gun

Named after the legendary hero who was said to have founded Korea in 2334 B.C.

To San

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

Won Hyo

Named after the noted monk who introduced Buddhism to the Silla Dynasty in 686 A.D.

Yul Guk

The pseudonym of the great philosopher and scholar, Yi the first (1536-1584), who is also known as the "Confucius of Korea". The diagram of this form represents scholar.

Chung Gwen

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

Toi Gye

The pen name of the noted scholar, Yi Hwang, an authority on neo-Confucianism. The 37 steps of this form refer to his birthplace on the 37th degree latitude.

Hwa Rang

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

Chung Mu

The name of the great Admiral, Yi Sun Sin, of the Yi dynasty, who was reputed to have invented the first armored battleship in 1952 A.D. The hand attack ending the form symbolized his unfortunate death in battle before he was able to demonstrate his complete 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 reign of 39 years.

Po Un

Pseudonym of 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.

Kae Bek

General in charge of the forces of Bak Jai. When the combined armies of Silla and Dang invaded in 660 A.D. he assembled 5,000 men of the highest morale and courage and then killed his own wife and children before leaving for battle. Although defeated, he is remembered for his loyalty and bravery.

Pyung Un Hi

Competition form for advanced belts added to the system by Grand Master Jhoon Rhee some time after 1977.

Young Dragon

A competition kata which originated in Dorsey's Black Dragon Karate System. The kata emphasizes powerful kicking and combination hand techniques.