Tong-il Pattern – Preview & Insights

Tong-Il Pattern

Tong-Il is the 6th dan ITF Taekwon-Do pattern and the final of the 24 ITF tuls, with 56 movements symbolising the hope for the reunification of Korea. It is an interesting pattern with an interesting history. See how the pattern has developed over time with this video clip

The pattern demands high-level control of rhythm, directional changes, and precise use of body weight and hip to deliver power through complex combinations.

Pronunciation: How to pronounce Tong-Il correctly

Pattern Speed: – 1 minute, 35 seconds
Approximate performance time for the full pattern. Timing varies between practitioners and is provided as an unofficial guide only.

Video Preview

Side blocks in Taekwon-Do are any blocks performed with the body half- or side-facing the opponent, with the blocking tool focusing toward the centre line of the shoulder. Any wider and the body becomes exposed; any shallower and the block will not cover the incoming attack. This free clip from a Tong-Il coaching session with Grand Master Paul McPhail coaching Master Joliette Trân, highlights the correct alignment of stance, hip, and shoulder for powerful and protective side blocks.

About Tong-Il

Tong-il denotes the resolution of the unification of Korea which has been divided since 1945. The diagram  symbolizes the homogenous race.

Tong-Il brings together themes from earlier patterns and requires maturity in balance, rhythm, and expression of power. It includes varied stances, long and short transitions, and multiple changes of facing. It also has some spinning kicks – a highlight for most as they don’t appear in any other patterns.

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.

Training Suggestions

• Drill the kicking sequences separately, especially the spinning kicks.
• Break the pattern down. It is a long pattern with complex sections, so be patient when learning it.
• Use video review your technique.

Teaching Ideas for Instructors

• Emphasise posture integrity throughout, as even small alignment errors are magnified in a pattern of this length and complexity.

• Focus on balance and recovery following kicking techniques, ensuring students fully stabilise before continuing.

• Encourage relaxed but powerful execution, helping students avoid excessive tension that can disrupt flow and endurance.

• Teach Tong-Il in clearly defined segments, then progressively link them to build both physical stamina and mental focus.

Background & Interesting Details

Tong-il underwent major changes AFTER it had been already been published in the 1965 book “TAEKWON-DO”? We have a Premium video that shows the differences between the 1965 and 1999 published versions of the pattern. Here is a free preview clip

A lesser-known theory about the number of movements in Tong-il is that the number 56 was also chosen because, in Korean numerology, 5 + 6 = 11, symbolising harmony and balance, and tying to the meaning of unification. Apparently General Choi referenced this privately but did not include it in the Encyclopaedia.

Full Tong-Il Video

This full coaching session features Grand Master Paul McPhail coaching Master Joliette Trân through the complete 6th dan pattern. It includes technical corrections, explanations of key decisions, and clear teaching progressions.

Watch the full Tong-Il coaching session (Premium)