Dan-Gun Pattern – Preview & Insights
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 Dan-Gun, highlighting key technical details, common errors to watch for, and practical coaching ideas you can apply immediately in class.
Dan-Gun Pattern
Dan-Gun is the second ITF Taekwon-Do pattern and builds on the technical foundation established in Chon-Ji. This page provides an overview of the pattern basics and links to other Premium videos. It is not a step-by-step teaching tutorial — rather, it helps you check rhythm, stance accuracy, chambering, hand positions and overall presentation.
Pronunciation: How to pronounce Chon-Ji correctly
Video Preview
Below is a preview of our Premium Dan-Gun video with side-by-side analysis between a yellow belt and a world champion.
About Dan-Gun
Dan-Gun is named after the legendary founder of Korea in 2333 BC. The pattern contains 21 movements and is taught at 8th gup.
Dan-Gun introduces several technical features for beginners, including:
- Knifehand guarding blocks in L-stance
- Twin forearm block
- Introduction of continuous motion
These movements help students transition from the basic mechanics of Chon-Ji into more refined motion and coordination.
Key Technical Insights from GM Paul McPhail
Drawing from my ongoing work and research 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
- Movement 1.Knifehand guarding block: Guarding arm side fist should finish in front of the chest, not drifting too high or too low.
- Movement 2.High punch: Ensure punches finish at eye level with square shoulders and a stable stance. You can learn more about the trajectory of the punch in our Inside TKDC article.
- Movement 14. Rising blocks stepping: Make sure the foot moves towards the centre line when stepping to enable effective hip use and proper alignment.
Training Suggestions
Understanding Continuous Motion in Dan-Gun
Continuous motion is where we perform movements without stopping, so that the techniques flow together in a graceful way. General Choi’s idea was to have parts of our patterns that emphasise the aesthetic beauty of movement.
The breathing is done by inhaling once, then exhaling continuously with a strong exhalation at each moment of impact. When performing two movements in continuous motion, we perform a full sine wave on each movement.
The first case of continuous motion in the patterns is in Dan-Gun movements 13 and 14, when we execute a forearm low block followed by a forearm rising block.
Movements 13 and 14 of Dan-Gun tul in continuous motion
Teaching Ideas for Instructors
- Teach the more difficult techniques first, such as the continuous motion sequence, twin forearm block and the knifehand guarding block). Then build them into the full pattern.
- Use slow-motion stepping to help students feel balance, posture and stance length.
- Teach chamber positions early to avoid future correction habits in blocks and punches.
- Encourage students to review their techniques on video.
- Use our video on maximising power to further your knowledge so that you can teach more effectivly.
Dan-Gun Background & Interesting Details
- The legend of Dan-Gun tells that God Hwanin sent his son Hwang-Ung to the East to build a new country. Hwang-Ung settled on Paektu Mountain, where Lake Chon-Ji is located.
- One day, a tiger and a bear appeared in front of Hwang-Ung and asked if they could become human. Hwang-Ung agreed, on the condition that they had the patience to retire from the sunlight for 21 days (the number of movements in the pattern). The tiger could not endure the cave and left, but the bear had more faith and patience and stayed for the full 21 days, transforming into a beautiful woman.
- She married Hwang-Ung and gave birth to their son, who they named Dan-Gun. This son is said to have founded the first Korean dynasty in 2333 BC.
Frequently Asked Questions about Dan-Gun
How many movements does Dan-Gun have?
Dan-Gun has 21 movements.
What level learns Dan-Gun?
Dan-Gun is taught at 8th gup.
What does Dan-Gun mean?
Dan-Gun is named after the legendary founder of Korea in 2333 BC.
Where can I watch a full breakdown?
Inside the TKDCoaching Premium Members area – see links below.
Full Dan-Gun Breakdown
The full Dan-Gun breakdown class is available to TKDCoaching Premium Members. It includes in-depth coaching points, corrections, common mistakes and teaching methods for instructors.
Watch the full Dan-Gun breakdown video (Premium)
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
Full breakdowns for all 24 ITF Taekwon-Do patterns
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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.