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

Won-Hyo is the fourth ITF Taekwon-Do pattern in the ITF syllabus and is performed by 6th gup (green belt) students. It introduces important stance transitions, hip rotation mechanics and more complex hand–foot timing, making it a key bridge between beginner and intermediate patterns.

Won-Hyo Pattern

About Won-Hyo

Won-Hyo is named after the monk Won-Hyo (617–686 AD), who played a major role in spreading Buddhism throughout Korea. His teachings and writings had long-lasting influence across Korea, China and Japan. The pattern reflects both his spiritual insight and his impact on Korean culture.

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

Teaching Ideas for Instructors

• Practise the new technical elements (stance transitions, side piercing kick, hip rotation) first, then learn the full pattern sequence.
• Focus on hip movement in each technique to develop stronger and more efficient power generation.
• Highlight correct L-stance length and width — students often shorten or collapse the stance.
• After the right side piercing kick (movement 26), step diagonally one foot distance to return to your starting point.

Full Won-Hyo Breakdown (Premium)

The full Won-Hyo 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 Won-Hyo breakdown video (Premium)

Won-Hyo Background & Interesting Details

• The date 686 AD refers to the year Won-Hyo passed away. Buddhism had already reached Korea earlier, but it was Won-Hyo who helped bring it to ordinary people.
• His birth name was Sol-Sedang. He was a skilled horseman and javelin thrower, and served as a Hwa-Rang warrior before renouncing violence.
• The Skull Story: During a storm, he drank water in darkness believing it was fresh rainwater. At sunrise he realised it had been collected inside a rotten skull filled with maggots. From this he concluded: “Everything is created by the mind alone.”
• In 662 AD he left the priesthood and travelled the country teaching Buddhism, eventually influencing the entire Silla Kingdom.
• Won-Hyo authored 86 works across 240 publications. Twenty-three survive today and continue to shape Korean thought.
• He died aged 70.

Frequently Asked Questions about Won-Hyo

What rank learns Won-Hyo?
Won-Hyo is learned at 6th gup (green belt).

How many movements are in Won-Hyo?
Won-Hyo has 28 movements.

What is the main focus of the pattern?
Developing accurate transitions between L-stance and fixed stance, and correct execution of the side piercing kick.

Why is it named Won-Hyo?
To honour the monk who helped spread Buddhism throughout Korea.

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 – tell us which tul you enjoy most

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