TKDCoaching’s TKD Patterns Hub provides instructors with clear teaching insights, coaching cues, and step-by-step guidance for every ITF pattern. This page offers an instructor-focused preview of Po-Eun, highlighting key technical details, common errors to watch for, and practical coaching ideas you can apply immediately in class.
Po-Eun Pattern
Po-Eun is the second of the three patterns learned at 1st dan level, and it is examined for grading to 2nd dan. It contains 36 movements and is performed on a straight-line diagram, making it an excellent pattern for identifying accuracy of line, balance, and consistency of basic technique.
Pronunciation: How to pronounce Po-Eun correctly
Pattern Speed: – 45 seconds
Approximate performance time for the full pattern. Timing varies between practitioners and is provided as an unofficial guide only.
Video Preview
This clip comes from a TKDCoaching Premium session on Po-Eun tul with ITF World Champion Master Mark Trotter. In this excerpt, Master Trotter coaches triple World Champion Miss Roisin Giles (2nd dan), focusing on the low front blocks and the fundamentals that make them effective at black belt level.
About Po-Eun
Po-eun is the pseudonym of a loyal subject Chong Mong-Chu (1400) who was a famous poet and whose poem “I would not serve a second master though I might be crucified a hundred times” is known to every Korean. He was also a pioneer in the field of physics. The diagram (—) represents his unerring loyalty to the king and country towards the end of the Koryo Dynasty.
Key Technical Insights from GM Paul McPhail
Drawing from my ongoing study and technical work within ITF Taekwon-Do, each pattern in this Hub includes a short set of key technical points – practical reminders practitioners often overlook. These notes are personal insights and are not official ITF Technical Committee statements.
Key Technical Points
- Mov 2: Lift arm right beside the body – not forward. Relax the shoulder – arms drop slightly before lifting.
- Movements 6-7,24,25. Forefist Pressing blocks: Back forearms cross before blocking. Then concentrate on downward (punching like) movement of the block.
- Movement 8. Wedging block: Wedging block shoulder width between inner forearms.
- Movement 9. Back elbow thrust: Use fingerbelly to push on the fist.
- Movements 6-12, 24-30. Continuous motion: Relax in between each movement.
- Movement 14. U-shape grasp: Top palm faces up.
- Movement 15. Twin elbow horizontal thrust: Look to side at last minute – turn head naturally.
- Movement 16. Backfist side back strike: Cross forearms palms facing down (keep same position as previous movement)
Training Suggestions
- Study the correct placement of the feet to ensure you adhere to the pattern diagram.
- Don’t rush the continuous motion – should be slow and steady.
- Emphasise clean finish positions: blocks and punches should complete with clear reaction force and correct chambering.
- Keep stance length consistent throughout – short stances reduce power and make technique look rushed.
Teaching Ideas for Instructors
- Mark a straight line on the floor (tape or chalk) and have students perform the pattern noting where you step off and back on the line.
- Isolate the continuous motion sequence and work on the accuracy of these movements.
- Ensure your students practice the sudden and forceful drop into the X-stance low blocks.
Background & Interesting Details
- Po-Eun (Chong Mong-ju, 1337–1392) was a renowned scholar and senior official of the Koryo dynasty, known for his unwavering loyalty.
- During the transition to the Joseon dynasty, Yi Bang-won attempted to persuade Po-Eun to change allegiance; Po-Eun refused through poetry.
- Po-Eun was later assassinated on Sonjukkyo Bridge in Kaesong.
- The bridge remains a historical monument, said to stain red when it rains.
Frequently Asked Questions about Po-Eun
- What grade is Po-Eun for?
Po-Eun is learned at 1st dan level and examined for grading to 2nd dan. - What are the most common mistakes in Po-Eun?
Rushing leads to sloppy technique – slow down to maintain accuracy. - How should I introduce Po-Eun to new 1st dan students?
Teach it as a fundamentals pattern with strong application understanding.
Full Po-Eun Breakdown
The full, in-depth breakdown of Po-Eun is available for TKDCoaching Premium Members.
Watch the full Po-Eun breakdown video (Premium)
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Bibliography & Acknowledgements
This page incorporates reference material from From Creation to Unification by Stuart Anslow, ITF New Zealand (ITFNZ Inc) technique handbooks, and personal technical notes from ITF Technical Committee meetings.