ITF Taekwondo Pattern Blueprint: Chon-Ji
By Ian Hollinsworth – Premier Dojang
From Beginner to Black Belt Podcast | PremierDojang.com
👊 Introduction: Why Patterns Matter
Patterns (Tuls) are the heartbeat of ITF Taekwondo. They are more than just choreography — they combine technique, rhythm, breathing, and mindset into a living training tool.
When I first learned Chon-Ji, it wasn’t just about getting the movements right. It was about learning how to move with purpose, how to connect stance to technique, and how to understand that every block, every punch, has meaning.
This guide will walk you through Chon-Ji step by step, with theory, techniques, practical insights, and teaching cues. Whether you’re training at your local dojang or practising alone at home, you’ll have everything you need to study and perform Chon-Ji with confidence.
📖 Pattern Theory
- Pattern Name: Chon-Ji
- Number of Movements: 19
- Meaning: Literally, “Heaven and Earth.” In the Orient, it is interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history. It is therefore the initial pattern played by the beginner. The pattern consists of two similar parts; one to represent the Heaven, the other the Earth.
- Significance: As the first ITF pattern, it represents beginnings. Fittingly, it is the first pattern played by beginners.
- Structure: The pattern consists of two similar parts — one representing Heaven, the other representing Earth.
🥋 Techniques in Chon-Ji
Chon-Ji uses some of the most fundamental ITF Taekwondo techniques. These become the building blocks for all future training.
- Parallel Stance (Narani Sogi)
- Walking Stance (Gunnun Sogi), Outer Forearm Low Block (Najunde Bakat Palmok Makgi)
- Walking Stance (Gunnun Sogi), Middle Forefist Punch (Kaunde Ap Joomuk Jirugi)
- L-Stance (Niunja Sogi), Inner Forearm Middle Block (Kaunde An Palmok Makgi)
💡 Pro Tip: Focus on the stance as much as the hand technique. Without the stance, the block or punch has no foundation.
🧭 Pattern Diagram
Chon-Ji is performed on a cross-shaped diagram. You begin in the centre, moving towards points labelled A, B, C, and D. The pattern should begin and end on the same spot — a test of balance, accuracy, and control.
🔢 Step-by-Step Walkthrough
| Step | Direction / Footwork | Stance | Technique |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Move left foot to B | Left Walking Stance | Low Block with left forearm |
| 2 | Step forward to B | Right Walking Stance | Middle Punch with right fist |
| 3 | Turn clockwise to A | Right Walking Stance | Low Block with right forearm |
| 4 | Step forward to A | Left Walking Stance | Middle Punch with left fist |
| 5 | Step to D | Left Walking Stance | Low Block with left forearm |
| 6 | Step forward to D | Right Walking Stance | Middle Punch with right fist |
| 7 | Turn clockwise to C | Right Walking Stance | Low Block with right forearm |
| 8 | Step forward to C | Left Walking Stance | Middle Punch with left fist |
| 9 | Turn left to A | Right L-Stance | Inner Forearm Middle Block (left) |
| 10 | Step forward to A | Right Walking Stance | Middle Punch with right fist |
| 11 | Turn clockwise to B | Left L-Stance | Inner Forearm Middle Block (right) |
| 12 | Step forward to B | Left Walking Stance | Middle Punch with left fist |
| 13 | Turn left to C | Right L-Stance | Inner Forearm Middle Block (left) |
| 14 | Step forward to C | Right Walking Stance | Middle Punch with right fist |
| 15 | Turn clockwise to D | Left L-Stance | Inner Forearm Middle Block (right) |
| 16 | Step forward to D | Left Walking Stance | Middle Punch with left fist |
| 17 | Step forward to D | Right Walking Stance | Middle Punch with right fist |
| 18 | Step back to C | Left Walking Stance | Middle Punch with left fist |
| 19 | Step back to C | Right Walking Stance | Middle Punch with right fist |
| End | Return to centre | Parallel Stance | Ready Position |
💡 Pro Tip: Beginners often rush the turns. Focus on planting your stance first, then delivering the block or punch.
🔑 Teaching Cues & Learning Hooks
1. Inner Forearm Middle Block (Yellow Stripe upgrade)
At 10th Kup, students learn Outer Forearm Block.
At 9th Kup, they add the Inner Forearm Middle Block — but the hand crossing is different.
To help students remember:
- “Gangnam Block” – the blocking hand is positioned under the other hand, like the arm-crossing pose in Gangnam Style.
- “South of the River” – the blocking hand is south (underneath).
- “Secret Block” – for younger students, the blocking hand is hidden underneath, making it a secret.
2. Turning in Chon-Ji (avoiding confusion)
Beginners often struggle with which way to turn. Here are some simple associations to lock it in:
- Count each step. Don’t just “go through it” — number the moves in your head.
- Spring and Go. Before turning, prepare by lowering slightly (like a spring), then move explosively into the next step.
- Right = Right / Left = Left.
- Example: In Step 2, the right hand punches and the right foot is forward. For Step 3, both right hand and right foot pivot to the right (180°).
- Example: In Step 4, the left hand punches and the left foot is forward. For Step 5, both left hand and left foot pivot to the left (90°, or an “L” angle).
- Stance Change Reminder. At Step 9, you switch into L-Stance for the first time.
- Diagram Tail Reminder. At Step 16, the diagram of the cross extends — you punch forward again (Step 17), then Step 18 and Step 19 move backward with punches, completing the “tail” of the cross.
👉 These cues appeal to different learning styles — visual (“L-shape”), verbal (“Right goes right”), and kinesthetic (“Spring and Go”).
🎥 Video Resources
To truly understand Chon-Ji, you must see it in motion. Scan the QR codes or click the links below to watch:
- Full Demonstration: Chon-Ji performed at normal speed.
- Step-by-Step Breakdown: Each movement explained with details, tricks, and common mistakes to avoid.
(Link to your YouTube channel + future embedded QR code in the PDF.)
🎧 Podcast Tie-In
Want to go deeper? In my podcast ITF Taekwondo: From Beginner to Black Belt, I cover Chon-Ji with stories, insights, and how I teach it to students today.
🎧 Listen here: [Spotify Episode Link]
🌍 Training Beyond the Dojang
Not everyone has access to daily classes — and that’s okay. Here’s how you can study Chon-Ji anywhere:
- Practise the diagram footwork in a small space.
- Shadow-train the hand techniques separately.
- Record yourself — compare with demonstration videos.
- Use slow practice → then gradually add speed and rhythm.
🚀 Next Steps
- Master Chon-Ji before moving to Dan-Gun.
- Sign up to receive the next Pattern Blueprint (Dan-Gun) straight to your inbox.
- Explore more training resources at PremierDojang.com.
👉 Join our global Taekwondo community. Subscribe now and never miss the next pattern release.
🔗 About Premier Dojang
Founded and led by Ian Hollinsworth — 6th Dan Black Belt, former England Squad Coach, and lifelong martial artist.
PremierDojang.com is more than a club site — it’s a global hub for ITF Taekwondo insight, training, and resources.
Follow us:
📲 Instagram/TikTok: @PremierDojang
🎥 YouTube: [Premier Dojang Channel]
🎧 Podcast: ITF Taekwondo: From Beginner to Black Belt