Which form system do you prefer?

[bushido_man96]

I was wondering which forms system you prefer to practice? I have done some of the Tae-Guks, but currently practice the Chang 'On System. I have also used the Songahm System of the ATA in the past.

Right now, I prefer the Chang 'On system, because of the applications that I have found can be applied to them.

How about everyone else? Feel free to include Tang Soo Do forms, as well as any other system you might know, like MDK.

[stoneheart]

I find the Tae Guk and Palgwe forms to be the ugliest with no mystery in the applications. These forms are very much what you see is what you get.

The Chang Hon forms resemble the Pyong On forms used in TSD, but that's no coincidence since General Choi was a Shotokan stylist. bushido_man96, you could pick up any number of bunkai (bun seoh) from students of shotokan, wado-ryu, tsd, soo bahk do that use variations of the Pyong On/Heian/Pinan kata. In fact, you can even delve more deeply into the Okinawan versions for some fascinating interpretations. Just ask any Shorin-ryu guy (and I believe there are a couple on these forums). The Chang Hon and Pyong On forms are by far the most substantive out of the mainstream kata practiced by Korean stylists.

As for the Songahm sets, I like them. They were deliberately designed to emphasize kicking, so they suit TKD well. As with the Tae Guk and Palgwe, the interpretations are straight forward.

These days when I practice kata, I usually do some from Uechi or Goju. Both systems teach short distance power strikes and that's a facet I am emphasizing right now.

[frightmaster]

You know after studying the Twe Guk forms and some Palgwe forms. I liked th ePlagwe forms most. I am WTF so I will be shot or something I am sure. But I just looked at the Chang On forms and like what I see. Is there any particular schools that will teach those?

[stoneheart]

I believe both the Tae Guk and Palgwe forms were designed by a committee of TKD masters. If true, that explains the "hollow" feeling they have to me.

Frightmaster, any school or organization with a lineage to the old ITF will practice the Chang Hon forms. James Benko's organization uses them as does Chuck Sereff's. Like I said, I like them very much... Just please leave out the sine wave movement!

[frightmaster]

I will try to remember to leave it out. smile I am looking for a new school as I had it out with my master over my BB test. I so want to add more to my skills and feel I will not be able to under that master. The Chang Hon forms look like they can challange me very well.

[bushido_man96]

I believe both the Tae Guk and Palgwe forms were designed by a committee of TKD masters. If true, that explains the "hollow" feeling they have to me.

You are correct, I think. These forms were designed after the General had introduced his forms systems. General Choi founded the ITF, and shortly afterwards, when the Korean peninsula split into North and South, I think, if I remember right, that Gen. Choi was loyal to North Korea. Therefore, there was a scramble in the South to make a style to counter the Northern TKD, and thus the KTA and WTF were born. They designed new forms to totally seperate themselves from the ITF, which Gen. Choi ended up basing in Canada, I think. Also, the WTF made the bigger push to get to the olympics as well, and that is why the WTF is so popular today. In a nutshell!

Just please leave out the sine wave movement!

The sine wave movement is ok to use, just as long as it is not over-exaggerated.

[karatekid1975]

I have done the Pyung Ahns, Taegeuks, and started to learn the Chang Hon's. I think I like the Pyung Ahns for the challenge of them. The Taegeuks were easy to learn except for 7 and 8 (I do like those two a lot). With the Chang Hons, I was only there at that dojang for two months and I didn't learn them in order. I learned Chon Moo, though, and I really liked it.

[Fosgate]

The Chil Sungs I like. I only know the first 3 right now but have seen the more advanced ones performed. Awesome.

[bushido_man96]

I have done the Pyung Ahns, Taegeuks, and started to learn the Chang Hon's. I think I like the Pyung Ahns for the challenge of them. The Taegeuks were easy to learn except for 7 and 8 (I do like those two a lot). With the Chang Hons, I was only there at that dojang for two months and I didn't learn them in order. I learned Chon Moo, though, and I really liked it.

I am not familiar with the Pyung Ahns. What are they like, and where do they come from?

[bushido_man96]

The Chil Sungs I like. I only know the first 3 right now but have seen the more advanced ones performed. Awesome.

This is another stumper for me. I have not heard of the Chil Sungs. Can you give some information on them as well? What system are you in? Thanks!