The Evolution of Tong-il

TKD Coaching preserves and documents important moments in the technical and historical development of ITF Taekwon-Do. This post examines the evolution of the Tong-Il pattern and highlights a lesser-known but significant fact – Tong-Il was revised after it had already been formally published.

The Evolution of Tong-Il

Tong-Il occupies a unique position within the ITF pattern syllabus. As the final pattern created under General Choi Hong Hi, it symbolises unification and represents the culmination of the Chang Hon system.

What many practitioners are unaware of is that Tong-Il did not remain unchanged after its initial publication. The pattern first appeared in the 1965 book TAEKWON-DO, yet a number of technical details were later revised. These updates were reflected in later publications, including the 1999 Encyclopaedia.

By comparing the two versions side by side, this presentation highlights changes in technique selection, sequencing, and emphasis. It provides valuable insight into how the pattern evolved and how General Choi continued refining the syllabus over time.

For instructors and senior students, this knowledge is particularly useful when teaching advanced classes, preparing candidates for high-level gradings, or answering detailed questions about the history of the ITF patterns.