Introduction
Se-Jong is named after the greatest Korean king, Se-Jong, who invented the Korean alphabet, Hangul, in 1443. He was also a noted meteorologist. The pattern diagram is in the shape of the Chinese character for king, representing King Se-Jong.
The 24 movements refer to the 24 letters of the Korean alphabet. Se-Jong Tul is performed by 5th Dan Black Belt students and requires advanced control of slow motion, continuous motion, precise direction changes, one-leg stance, diagonal stance, fixed stance, rear foot stance, and mature hand-foot coordination.
Pattern Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Pattern Name | Se-Jong Tul |
| Rank | 5th Dan Black Belt |
| Movements | 24 |
| Meaning | Named after King Se-Jong, inventor of the Korean alphabet |
| Symbolism | The 24 movements refer to the 24 letters of the Korean alphabet |
Stances and Leg Techniques
- Diagonal Stance
- One-Leg Stance
- Close Ready Stance Type B
- Fixed Stance
- Close Stance
- X-Stance
- Sitting Stance
- L-Stance
- Walking Stance
- Mid Side Front Turning Kick (Foot)
Leg Placements and Motions
Leg Placements
- Instep to hollow of opposite leg
- Foot in line behind opposite foot
- Heel raised approximately 1 foot ahead opposite foot
- Heel raised approximately 1 foot behind opposite foot
Motions
- Slow Motion
- Continuous Motion
Arm Techniques
- Mid Punch (Forefist)
- Mid Guarding Block (Knife-Hand)
- Mid Guarding Block (Forearm)
- High Side Strike (Backfist)
- Low-Mid Scooping Upward Block (Palm)
- Low Pressing Block (Palm)
- Mid Side Thrust (Elbow)
- Mid Thrust (Straight Fingertip)
- High Punch (Forefist)
- High Thrust (Flat Fingertip)
- Low Block (Knife-Hand)
- Mid Downward Block (Palm)
- Mid Upward Block (Palm)
- Mid Outward Block (Knife-Hand)
- Mid Vertical Punch
- Mid-High Block (Twin Forearm)
- Low-Mid Scooping Upward Block (Palm)
Arm Placements and Body Movements
Arm Placements
- Palm struck by back forearm
- Fingerbelly on opposite side fist
- Backfist under opposite elbow
- Mid fist extended on shoulder line
- Hands stay in previous position
Body Movements
- Pivot Left 45 Degrees
- Turning Right 270 Degrees
- Spot Turn Method 1 Left 180 Degrees
- Turning Right 45 Degrees
- Stepping Across Left
- Jumping Forward
- Turning Left 180 Degrees
- Turning Right 90 Degrees
- Turning Left 90 Degrees
- Stepping Forward
Performance Notes
Se-Jong Tul is shorter than many other senior black belt patterns, but it is not simple. Its difficulty is found in precision, stillness, balance, and control. Students must show mature understanding of stance placement, especially in one-leg stance, diagonal stance, fixed stance, and close stance transitions.
The slow motion sections must be performed with complete control, correct breath, and stable posture. The continuous motion sections should connect naturally without blurring the individual shape of each block, punch, or thrust. The mid side front turning kick must be chambered, executed, and recovered cleanly before the following stance is placed.
Because Se-Jong Tul honors one of Korea's most important kings and the creation of Hangul, the performance should show dignity, intelligence, and restraint. The student should demonstrate technical authority rather than unnecessary speed.
Movement Sequence
| Move | Body Movement | Direction | Stance / Leg Technique | Technique |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0 | Ready Position | 12:00 D | Close Ready Stance Type B | Ready Position |
| 1 | Turning Right 90 Degrees | 9:00 B | Walking Stance | Low Block (Forearm) |
| 2 | Turning Right 180 Degrees | 3:00 A | Close Stance with heel raised | Mid-High Block (Twin Forearm) |
| 3 | Turning Left 90 Degrees | 12:00 D | Mid Side Piercing Kick | High Punch (Forefist) |
| 4 | Stepping Forward | Forward | Walking Stance | High Rising Block (Forearm) |
| 5 | Turning Left 90 Degrees | 12:00 D | Walking Stance | Mid Side Strike (Knife-Hand) |
| 6 | Turning Right 180 Degrees | 9:00 E | Walking Stance | High Rising Block (Forearm) |
| 7 | Turning Right 90 Degrees | 12:00 D | Close Ready Stance Type B | Ready transition |
| 8 | Jumping Forward | Forward | X-Stance | High Side Strike (Backfist) |
| 9 | Turning Right 90 Degrees | 3:00 G | Walking Stance | High Punch (Forefist) |
| 10 | Spot Turn Method 1 Left 180 Degrees | 9:00 H | Fixed Stance | High Guarding Block (Forearm) |
| 11 | Stepping Forward | Forward | Walking Stance | Mid Thrust (Straight Fingertip) |
| 12 | Turning Left 180 Degrees | 3:00 G | Walking Stance | Mid Downward Block (Palm) |
| 13 | Turning Right 90 Degrees | 6:00 C | Sitting Stance | Low-Mid Scooping Upward Block (Palm) |
| 14 | Jumping Forward | Forward | X-Stance | High Side Strike (Backfist) |
| 15 | Slowly Stepping Across Right | Forward | Sitting Stance | High Block (Twin Forearm) |
| 16 | Stepping Across Left | Forward | Diagonal Stance | Low Pressing Block (Twin Palm) |
| 17 | Pivot Left 45 Degrees | 4:30 CE | Walking Stance | Mid Outward Block (Twin Arc-Hand) |
| 18 | Turning Right 45 Degrees | 6:00 C | One-Leg Stance | Low Block, instep to hollow of opposite leg |
| 19 | Slowly Stepping Backward | Rear | Walking Stance | Mid Upward Block (Palm) |
| 20 | Stepping Forward | Forward | One-Leg Stance | High Strike (Backfist) |
| 21 | Stepping Forward | Forward | Fixed Stance | Mid Side Thrust (Elbow) |
| 22 | Turning Right 270 Degrees | 3:00 A | L-Stance | High Guarding Block (Knife-Hand) |
| 23 | Turning Left 180 Degrees | 9:00 B | L-Stance | Mid Punch (Forefist) |
| 24 | Turning Right 90 Degrees and Return | 12:00 D | Close Ready Stance Type B | Return to ready position |
Key Learning Objectives
- Perform all 24 movements with 5th Dan-level precision and calm control
- Understand the symbolism of King Se-Jong and the 24 letters of Hangul
- Develop balance in one-leg stance and accuracy in diagonal and fixed stance transitions
- Coordinate slow motion, continuous motion, thrusts, palm blocks, and guarding blocks
- Maintain dignity, technical clarity, and restraint throughout the full pattern
Important Reminder
Se-Jong Tul contains 24 movements. Because the pattern is shorter, every movement is exposed. Students should avoid rushing and should focus on exact stance placement, correct hand position, controlled breathing, and clear finishing lines.