KoDang: The Lost ITF Form

KoDang is a historical Taekwondo form that, in the early 1980s, was replaced by the more widely known Juche pattern in many ITF schools. Despite its removal from the official syllabus, KoDang holds significant historical and symbolic value within the martial arts community. This form was originally designed for practitioners advancing from 2nd Dan to 3rd Dan, and its creation is tied to both Korean patriotism and the personal sacrifices of a revered figure in Korean history.

The Historical Significance of KoDang

The name KoDang is a pseudonym for Cho Man Sik, a prominent Korean patriot who dedicated his life to Korea’s independence movement during the Japanese occupation. He was also deeply committed to the education of his people. The form itself was created to honor Cho Man Sik’s legacy. Each of the 39 movements in KoDang represents different aspects of Cho’s life and struggles. Specifically, the number 39 in the form’s movements is symbolic of two key elements: the number of times Cho Man Sik was imprisoned during his life and the geographical location of his birthplace, which lies on the 39th parallel north.

Movement Breakdown

Each movement in KoDang is precise and deliberate, embodying not just physical technique, but also deep symbolism. Here is a breakdown of some of the key movements and techniques involved in the pattern:

1. Start Position:
   • Closed Ready Stance C (Moa Junbi Sogi C)
     The practitioner begins in a standard ready stance, mentally preparing for the form ahead.
2. Movement 1:
   • Middle Pushing Block with Left Palm (Annun So Sonbadak Miro Makgi)
     The right foot moves to a sitting stance (Annun So), and the left palm executes a middle pushing block.
3. Movement 9:
   • Left Bending Ready Stance B (Guburyo Junbi Sogi B)
     A stance that prepares the practitioner to execute various kicking and punching techniques, emphasizing balance and readiness.
4. Movement 11-14:
   • Back Piercing Kicks & Knife-Hand Blocks
     These movements focus on high-level striking techniques, including back piercing kicks (Kaunde Dwitcha Jirugi) and guarding blocks with knife hands (Sonkal Kaunde Makgi), all while switching between L-stands.
5. Movement 30:
   • High Side Strike with Back Fist (Kyocha So Dung Joomuk Nopunde Yop Taerigi)
     This jump to an X-stance emphasizes power and accuracy, executed with a right back fist strike to the side.
6. Movement 39:
   • High Guarding Block with Knife-Hand (Niunja So Sonkal Nopunde Daebi Makgi)
     The final movements in KoDang involve intricate blocking and guarding techniques, symbolizing the protection of the nation, mirroring Cho Man Sik’s own dedication to the preservation of Korean independence.

These movements, paired with deliberate breathing and focus, create a beautiful but challenging form designed to test not only technical ability but also mental strength and discipline.

KoDang’s Disappearance and Replacement

In 1986, KoDang was officially removed from the ITF curriculum by General Choi Hong Hi, the founder of Taekwondo. While Choi cited a need for incorporating new techniques into the training regimen, there were also other factors at play. The political and financial climate of the time likely influenced the decision to phase out KoDang in favor of a new pattern, Juche.

The replacement of KoDang by Juche was not just about technique. Juche introduced new forms and movements, and with this change, Taekwondo in the ITF saw a shift toward a more modernized approach. This change was controversial for some, but over time, Juche became the standard form for 3rd Dan promotion in many schools.

Despite its removal from the official syllabus, KoDang remains a key part of some traditional schools and has been incorporated into the United States Kido Federation (USKF) curriculum as a 3rd Dan form. This showcases the lasting influence and importance of KoDang for those who continue to honor its historical and martial significance.

KoDang in Today’s Taekwondo Community

Although KoDang is no longer commonly practiced in the majority of ITF schools, its symbolic connection to Cho Man Sik’s life ensures that the form is remembered by Taekwondo historians and practitioners who continue to uphold the traditions of the past. For those interested in learning the form, there are resources available online, including a demonstration video by John Chung available on YouTube, which can be accessed here.

KoDang’s inclusion in the USKF curriculum and its continued use in select Taekwondo schools demonstrate that, even though it has faded from the mainstream ITF syllabus, it remains an essential part of the martial arts landscape for those who value history, tradition, and symbolic forms of training.

Conclusion

KoDang’s removal from the official ITF syllabus marks a significant shift in the history of Taekwondo, but its legacy endures. The form not only embodies the physical techniques of Taekwondo but also serves as a lasting tribute to Cho Man Sik’s selflessness and sacrifice. By preserving and practicing KoDang, Taekwondo practitioners honor a crucial chapter in Korean history and martial arts tradition.

References:

• “Ko-dang.” Taekwondo Fandom. Accessed March 27, 2025. https://taekwondo.fandom.com/wiki/Ko-dang
• “JourneyBBRoadMap.pdf.” Omaha Blue Waves. Accessed March 27, 2025. https://omahabluewaves.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/JourneyBBRoadMap.pdf