Yoo-Sin Pattern – Instructor 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 Yoo-Sin, highlighting key technical details, common errors to watch for, and practical coaching ideas you can apply immediately in class.
Yoo-Sin Pattern
Yoo-Sin is a 3rd dan ITF Taekwon-Do pattern containing 68 movements, making it one of the longest tuls in the Chang Hon system. It demands strong stamina, accurate directional control, and the ability to maintain technical consistency over an extended performance.
Sample Video
In this sample clip, Master Mark Trotter momentarily loses track of the starting direction during a long coaching session on Yoo-Sin. It’s a light-hearted but very real reminder of how demanding this pattern can be, particularly when teaching or performing under fatigue. Henni Ylimäinen was also unwell on the day, making her perseverance through the session even more commendable.
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: Elbows finish slightly higher than hands. Hands at chest height. No inward movement of the arms first – go up directly.
- Close ready stance C: Normal motion to ready stance (same as all other similar patterns, e.g. Se-Jong).
- Front block – Mov 53: Normally, a front block is to the centre, but this one is delivered at 45 degrees, making it an exception to that rule.
- Crescent kick: Naturally turn the supporting foot.
- Waving kick: Heel in line with the knee, positioned one foot length in front.
- U-shape punch: U-shape fists, one up and one down, to start.
About Yoo-Sin
Yoo-Sin is a physically and mentally demanding pattern that tests endurance, focus, and technical discipline. Its length magnifies small errors, particularly in stance transitions and directional changes. Successful performance relies on pacing, breathing control, and the ability to stay mentally engaged for all 68 movements.
Training Suggestions
- Break the pattern into logical sections and train each independently.
- Use slow-motion repetitions to reinforce balance and control.
- Video review is highly effective for identifying late-pattern technical drop-off.
This clip highlights how even highly experienced instructors can momentarily lose orientation in Yoo-Sin, reinforcing the importance of structured teaching, pacing, and diagram awareness.
Full Yoo-Sin Premium Breakdown
The full, in-depth breakdown of Yoo-Sin is available for TKDCoaching Premium Members. In this session, Master Mark Trotter coaches Finnish 3rd dan Henni Ylimäinen through all 68 movements, offering practical corrections, teaching insights, and performance tips drawn from decades of experience.
Watch the full Yoo-Sin breakdown video (Premium)
Background & Interesting Details
- Yoo-Sin became a Hwa-Rang warrior at the age of 15 and was a master of the Korean sword.
- His father was a General in the Silla Dynasty.
- By age 34, he was Commander-in-Chief of the Silla armed forces.
- His most famous battle was in 660 AD, when he led 50,000 Silla troops in a battle that resulted in the death of Ge-Baek of the Baek-Je Kingdom.
- He died aged 79 and is remembered as Silla’s greatest warrior.
FAQ
- What grade is Yoo-Sin for?
Yoo-Sin is taught and examined at 3rd dan level in ITF Taekwon-Do. - What are the most common mistakes in Yoo-Sin?
Loss of power caused by fatigue, due to the sheer length of the pattern. - How should I introduce Yoo-Sin to new 3rd dan students?
Start by working through the more difficult movements in the pattern (there are many). They can learn the full sequence after that.
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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