Kwang Gye – Recommended-Black Belt Pattern (L39)

Pattern Kwang Gye – 39 movements

Kwang Gye is the recommended black belt form in the Chang Hon pattern system. In our dojang, this belt is a black field covered with one red stripe. This pattern combines short, quick movements with strong and powerful ones. You will see full speed, slow, and isometric movements, long stance shifts, and a lot of variety. This pattern displays not only the practitioner’s ability to generate power, but also their capacity to move through movements with gracefulness. 

As with all patterns and new movements, we encourage you to learn your forms in class, with an instructor. This video series allows you to recall what you learned in class to ensure that you practice correctly at home. There is nuance to every move and pattern, and we want to ensure that you do not develop bad habits.

In the following video, you can practice along with Stevens Family instructors Jack Stevens III, and Jenna Davis. Master Jack Stevens calls out each technique, so you can practice with video assistance, or just listen for cues.

 

Kwang Gye – “Recommended” Black Belt

What is a recommended black belt? This is a common question. It is a provisionary rank that falls between the color belt ranks and becoming a 1st Dan (“Decided” black belt). At the point of receiving a recommended black belt, the martial artist is considered to be a “master of the basics”. While there is always more to learn and develop, the recommended period should be treated as a proving ground- a period to refine technique. At this point, the technician should display what kind of black belt they will be. This includes being a person of high character, a martial artist with clean technique, and a student with a desire to learn, work hard, and help others.

Since this is a probationary time period, a recommended belt who does not display these qualities may be demoted to red belt black stripe until such time as their instructor sees marked improvement in their technique and/or character. 

The patterns created in the Chang Hon system are named after important people, places, or historical events in Korean history.

Pattern Synopsis

Kwang Gye has 39 movements and follows the “scholar” diagram- a capital “T” with a strike through the middle. 

The “Hands to Heaven” ready stance sets the stage for the form to follow. There is a quick outward burst, to display power, followed by a slow drop to a “Closed B” ready position, to display balance. What follows is a series of slow, controlled movements, followed by more short bursts of full speed techniques. There is a flourish as the pattern turns to face the opposite direction. After multiple quick kicks, grabs and strikes, the pattern then slows down again, briefly, before turning back to the original direction. As Kwang Gye nears the end, it finishes with high and low strikes, front kicks up the center, and an advancing punch..

After the pattern concludes, the left foot returns to “Hands to Heaven” ready stance.

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