Yul-Gok – Green-Black Belt Pattern (L38)

Pattern Yul Gok – 38 movements

Yul Gok is the senior green belt (green belt black stripe) form in the Chang Hon system of patterns. Part of what makes this form interesting are the changes in pacing and rhythm throughout. While the practitioner should find the inherent rhythm in every form, Yul Gok further challenges the student. Some movements in the pattern are meant to be performed at full speed, others quite slow, and a few at a medium pace, all while maintaining a high level of performance throughout. The students must discipline themselves to understand that even slow movements require a high level of focus and energy.

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.

Yul Gok – Growth of Power

After discussing the first 5 elements of power, and encouraging students to place 100% effort into every move during Won Hyo, it can seem strange that Yul Gok demands slow movements as well. It puts on display the student’s ability to create friction and tension throughout an entire movement, and broadens their understanding of the ranges of motion. There is an old saying in martial arts “if you can’t do it slow, you can’t do it fast.” This is true of understanding the proper trajectory of each move. Yul Gok introduces new ranges of motion, footwork, and the ever popular head grab to forearm strike.

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

Pattern Synopsis

The 38 movements in Yul Gok have a unique diagram. Unlike most patterns, Yul Gok’s form appears as a “T”, with an additional line drawn through the middle. 

This is the first form that begins with a strike. Stepping into a deep middle stance, the practitioner slowly releases a tense punch to the center, followed by two quick punches. This repeats, and is quickly followed by a series of blocks and punches. The pattern then slows again. The student’s must utilize their whole body to slowly press through a section of stance shifts and pressing blocks, before exploding into side kick, head grab, and forearm strike. Near the end of the pattern, we see a stancing/balance challenge with a backfist, followed by a two-handed block, in which each arm travels through a different range of motion.

After the pattern concludes, the left foot returns to ready stance.

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