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Moon-Moo Pattern – Instructor Preview & Insights

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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 Moon-Moo, highlighting key technical details, common errors to watch for, and practical coaching ideas you can apply immediately in class.

Moon-Moo Pattern History

Moon-Moo honours the 30th king of the Silla Dynasty. His body was buried near Dae Wang Am (Great King’s Rock). According to his will, the body was placed in the sea: “Where my soul shall forever defend my land against the Japanese.” It is said that Sok Gul Am (Stone Cave) was built to guard his tomb. Sok Gul Am is a fine example of the culture of the Silla Dynasty. The 61 movements in this pattern symbolise the last two figures of 661 AD, when Moon-Moo came to the throne.

Sample Video

This teaser video shows World Champion Mr Mark Trotter and GM Paul McPhail performing Moon-Moo following their coaching session. It shows some of the advanced techniques required in this pattern, such as the high twisting kicks.

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 based on decades of experience and are not official ITF Technical Committee statements.

Key Technical Points

  • Mov 1: Pivot the foot to 15 degrees at the same time as we lower the body.
  • Slow side kick: Punch on both kicks.
  • Bending ready stance B: Drop straight down, no sine wave.
  • Side pushing kick: Punch as you kick. High twisting kick application from Moon-Moo tul
  • Backfist side back technique: Other arm extends slightly bent to solar plexus height, on the shoulder line.
  • Palm downward block: On the chest line.
  • Twisting kicks: No arm position specified; arms naturally in front of the body. Target is to the side-rear (approximately 20 cm behind).
  • Sweeping kick: On the first sweeping kick, keep the arm in the front technique position; on the second, no arm position is specified.
  • Checking kicks – side thrusting kicks: Keep arms in guarding block position.
  • X-stance punch: Target at umbilicus height, to the centre.
  • Arc-hand rising block: Approximately 25 cm away from the forehead.

About Moon-Moo

Moon-Moo is one of the most physically demanding patterns in the ITF syllabus. Its length and intensity require mature body control, strong leg conditioning, and the ability to maintain technical accuracy under fatigue. The pattern features a wide range of techniques, including high slow motion kicks, making it a true test of advanced skill.

Key Teaching Points

  • Emphasise posture and balance before increasing power output.
  • Ensure students understand the rhythm of the pattern rather than rushing to the finish.
  • Reinforce correct recovery positions after jumping and turning techniques.

Training Suggestions

  • Break the pattern into logical sections and train each segment under light fatigue.
  • Use mirrors or video playback to check posture and stance consistency.
  • Practise the final third of the pattern separately to build endurance and confidence.

Full Moon-Moo Premium Breakdown

The full, in-depth breakdown of Moon-Moo is available for TKDCoaching Premium Members. In this session I cover detailed coaching points, corrections, common mistakes, and teaching progressions you can use in your own classes.

👉 Watch the full Moon-Moo breakdown video (Premium)

Background & Interesting Details

  • Moon-Moo is credited with completing the unification of the Three Kingdoms of Korea in 668 AD by conquering Goguryeo, making him the first ruler to oversee a nearly fully unified Korean peninsula.
  • On his deathbed in 681 AD, he expressed a wish to become a sea dragon after death to eternally protect Korea from invasions, particularly from Japan, leading to his cremation and the scattering of his ashes in the East Sea.
  • His underwater tomb, known as Daewangam (Great King’s Rock), is the world’s only submerged royal tomb, located offshore near Gyeongju and featuring a cross-shaped waterway symbolising his path between land and sea.
  • A legend associated with his son, King Sinmun, tells of a magical bamboo flute called Manpasikjeok, grown from bamboo gifted by Munmu’s dragon spirit and General Kim Yu-sin; when played, it could calm enemies, cure illnesses, or control the weather.

FAQ

  • What grade is Moon-Moo for?
    Moon-Moo is performed at 4th dan level in the ITF syllabus.
  • What are the most common mistakes in Moon-Moo?
    Common errors include loss of balance during the many slow motion sequences.
  • How should I introduce Moon-Moo to new 4th dans?
    Introduce the pattern in clear sections, focusing first on balance, posture, and rhythm before building power and speed.

More TKD Patterns and Resources

TKD Patterns Hub – patterns and instructor-focused insights

Explore more pattern previews and coaching notes for all 24 ITF tuls.

Related pages:
Insights on All 24 Patterns by GM McPhail
Favourite Pattern Survey – we’d love to know what you think

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