Tag taekwondo training tips

Pattern Dan-Gun – The Next Step After Chon-Ji

If Chon-Ji represents the birth of the universe – the beginning of your martial arts journey – then Pattern Dan-Gun is your first real climb upward.

You’ve learned to stand, block, and punch with balance. Now, Dan-Gun asks something more:
intention.

It’s about lifting your techniques, your focus, and your mindset beyond the basics.

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The Meaning Behind Pattern Dan-Gun

Dan-Gun (단군) is named after the legendary founder of Korea, Dan-Gun Wanggeom, who, according to Korean mythology, established the first Korean kingdom in 2333 B.C.

So, when you perform this pattern, you’re not just doing 21 movements –
you’re honouring the spirit of a nation and the roots of Taekwondo itself.

This isn’t random choreography; it’s history in motion.

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Pattern Dan-Gun Overview

Dan-Gun’s movements are primarily directed upwards, symbolising Dan-Gun ascending to Heaven.

It’s the bridge between earth and sky – from Chon-Ji’s balance to Dan-Gun’s ambition.

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How to Approach the Pattern Dan-Gun

By now, you’ve realised Taekwondo isn’t about memorising moves – it’s about understanding why those moves exist.

So here’s how to train this pattern properly:

1. Begin in Parallel Ready Stance (Narani Joon-Bi Sogi):
   Not “standing there waiting for your turn.”
   You’re already in motion internally – calm body, active mind.
2. L-Stance Knife Hand Guarding Block (Niunja Sogi Sonkal Daebi Makgi):
   Protect the Body. Keep shoulders down.
   You’ll either make it too square or too flat. Remember: 70/30 weight distribution.
3. L-Stance Twin Forearm Block (Niunja Sogi Sang Palmok Makgi):
   Looks easy. Isn’t.
   You’ll either make it too square or too flat. Remember: 70/30 weight distribution.
4. Knife Hand Strike (Sonkal Taerigi):
   It’s not a swat. It’s a cut.
   Chamber fully, extend with purpose, and feel the “snap” without tension.
5. High Punch (Nopunde Jirugi):
   The key here isn’t height – it’s alignment. Punch at eye level of your imaginary opponent, not above your own head.
6. Final Movement:
   Don’t collapse at the end.
   Finish strong. Stillness is part of the performance.

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Common Mistakes in Dan-Gun

❌ Overreaching on the High Blocks – Your arm isn’t a periscope. Keep it above the head, not behind it.
❌ Flat L-Stances – They’re called L for a reason. Check your back foot is 90 degrees to your front.
❌ Punching Too High – “High punch” doesn’t mean “random skyward jab.” Target the opponent’s face level.
❌ Losing Rhythm – Dan-Gun should flow like a conversation – block, counter, breathe. Don’t rush or pause without reason.

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Symbolism You Can Feel (Not Just Read)

Chon-Ji taught you about balance – Heaven and Earth.

Dan-Gun adds aspiration. It’s about rising – not arrogantly, but intentionally.

You’ve mastered standing still. Now you learn to rise with control.
You’ve learned to move on flat ground. Now you move with meaning.

Think of Dan-Gun as the first story of your growth – the moment you stop being a beginner who just copies and start becoming a student who understands.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dan-Gun

Q: What grade is required to perform Dan-Gun?
A: Dan-Gun is the second ITF Taekwondo pattern, learned at 8th Kup (Yellow Belt) and required for grading to 7th Kup (Yellow Belt with Green Stripe).

Q: How many movements are in Dan-Gun?
A: There are 21 movements, with techniques directed mostly upward, symbolising Dan-Gun’s rise to Heaven.

Q: What’s the most difficult part of this pattern?
A: The Twin Forearm Block (Sang Palmok Makgi). Many students struggle with the angle, stance width, and chamber position – so take your time with it.

Q: How is Dan-Gun different from Chon-Ji?
A: Chon-Ji focuses on foundational blocks and punches at middle and low levels. Dan-Gun adds high techniques and introduces L-Stances, demanding better control and body alignment.

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Final Thought – You’re Not Just Doing Patterns. You’re Building a Legacy.

Every movement in Taekwondo tells a story.
Every stance you hold connects you to those who trained before you.

When you perform Dan-Gun, imagine the lineage behind it – generations of martial artists perfecting the same 21 moves.

Do it with pride.
Do it with precision.
And do it with the same quiet determination that’s carried Taekwondo from ancient Korea to your modern-day dojang.

The Pattern Everyone Thinks They’ve Mastered – Until They Watch Themselves on Video

Let’s be honest.

Every Taekwondo student thinks they’ve nailed Chon-Ji after a week of practice. It’s only 19 moves – how hard can it be? Then someone records them on their phone and suddenly they’re moving like a fridge-freezer on roller skates.

Chon-Ji isn’t just “the beginner pattern.”

It’s the DNA of Taekwondo.

If you mess up Chon-Ji — you mess up everything that comes after it.

So today, we’re not just going to perform Chon-Ji.

We’re going to understand it.
We’re going to respect it.
And we’re going to make sure you never drift through it on autopilot again.

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What Does “Chon-Ji” Actually Mean?

천 “Chon” = The Sky or Heaven.
지 “Ji” = Earth.

Together (천지), they represent the birth of creation – the moment everything begins.

In Taekwondo terms:
👉 This is where your journey officially starts.

You are the universe in uniform form. White belt. Blank slate. No habits. No ego. Just potential.

So when you bow before performing Chon-Ji – don’t just bow out of habit.

Bow like you’re acknowledging the moment you come into being – as a martial artist.

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Pattern Chon-Ji Overview

Simple? Yes.
Lazy? No.

The beauty of Chon-Ji is that it lets your body learn before your brain catches up. Repetition builds instinct. Instinct builds defence. Defence builds confidence.

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Step-by-Step Breakdown of Chon-Ji

I’m not going to list every single move like IKEA furniture instructions. Instead – here’s how to think your way through it:

• Ready Stance (Joon-Bi) – Feet shoulder-width, fists tight, brain awake. If you’re already daydreaming, start again.
• Low Block, Left – Defend the groin. It’s your most valuable asset.
• Step Forward, Middle Punch – Deliver with intention, not like you’re pressing a doorbell.
• Repeat by pivoting 180 Right – Balance and symmetry are key.
• Turn, Block, Punch – This is where students lose spatial awareness and drift diagonally. Stay on your line.
• And so on… (The Full steps are available On the CHON-JI syllabus page).
• Finally “Chon-Ji” or Khap – Don’t scream like a kettle. Shout like someone just broke into your house.

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Common Chon-Ji Mistakes (Don’t Lie – You’ve Done At Least One)

❌ Robot Mode – Moving like every muscle is independently confused. Flow, don’t stutter.
❌ Stance Too Short or Too Wide – You’re not surfing or tightrope walking. One-and-a-half shoulder widths. End of story.
❌ Punching With Floppy Wrists – This isn’t badminton. Align the knuckles.
❌ Looking at the Floor – The floor isn’t attacking you. Eyes forward.

Fix these early – or they’ll follow you through every future pattern like bad habits at a buffet.

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Chon-Ji Is Not Just a Pattern – It’s a Philosophy

Once you understand Chon-Ji, you see it everywhere.

• Balance (Heaven + Earth) → Balance your training with rest.
• Foundation → Build your basics before spinning in circles for Instagram likes.
• Repetition → Chon-Ji doesn’t get boring – you get sloppy.

If black belts treat Chon-Ji with respect – so should you.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Chon-Ji

Q: How long does it take to learn Chon-Ji?
A: You can memorise it in a week. You can understand it in a month. But you will refine it for the rest of your Taekwondo journey.

Q: Do ITF and WTF/TKD Olympic styles both practice Chon-Ji?
A: No. Chon-Ji is specific to ITF Taekwondo (Chang-Hon patterns). WT uses different “Taegeuk” forms.

Q: What grade is required to perform Chon-Ji?
A: It’s traditionally this first pattern is learned at 9th Kup (White Belt, Yellow Stripe) and required for grading to 8th Kup (Yellow Belt).

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Final Thought – Don’t Just Perform Chon-Ji. Become Chon-Ji.

Next time you perform it, don’t rush through it like it’s something to get out of the way.

Treat it like the moment you first write your name.
Not perfect – but important.

Every black belt in history has performed Chon-Ji. Some still do it daily. Why?

Because masters keep polishing what beginners ignore.