Patterns:
The ancient law in the Orient was similar to the law of Hamurabi, "an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth," and was rigorously enforced even if death was caused accidentally. In this type of environment, and since the present system of free sparring did not exist, it was impossible for a student of the martial arts to practice or test his individual skill of attack and defence against actual moving opponents. Individual advancement was hindered until an imaginative practitioner created first patterns. Patterns are various fundamental movements, most of which represent either attack or defence techniques, set to a fixed and logical sequence. The student systematically deals with several imaginary opponents under various assumptions, using every available attacking and blocking tool from different directions. Thus pattern practice enables the student to go through many fundamental movements in series, to develop sparring techniques, improve flexibility of movements, master body shifting, build muscles and breath control, develop fluid and smooth motions, and gain rhythmical movements. It also enables a student to acquire certain special techniques which cannot be obtained from either fundamental exercises or sparring. In short, a pattern can be compared to unit tactics or a word, if fundamental movement is an individual soldier's training or alphabet. Accordingly, pattern, the ledger of every movement, is a series of sparring, power tests, feats and characteristic beauty. Though sparring may indicate that an opponent is more or less advanced, patterns are a more critical barometer in evaluating an individuals technique.

The following points should be considered while performing patterns:
1.Pattem should begin and end at exactly the same spot.
2 Correct posture and facing must be maintained at all times
3.Muscles of the body should be either tensed or relaxed at the proper critical moments in the exercise.
4.The exercise should be performed in a rhythmic movement with an absence of stiffness.
5.Movement should be accelerated/decelerated according to set instructions.
6.Each pattern should be perfected before moving to the next.
7.Students should know the meaning of each technique.
8.Students should perform each movement with realism.
9 Attack and defence techniques should be equally distributed among right and left hands/feet.

Sparring:
Sparring is the physical application of attack or defence techniques gained from pattern and fundamental exercises against actual moving opponents under various situations. It is therefore, indispensable to promote the fighting spirit and courage, to train the eyes, to read the opponents tactics as well as manoeuvres, to forge, toughen or develop the attacking and blocking tools, to test his or her own skills and abilities, to learn other movements unlikely to be gained from patterns or fundamental exercises.

Free Sparring (Jayoo Matsogi) - Free sparring is essentially an open combat with controlled attacking and prohibition of attacking to vital points. In free sparring there is no prearranged mode between the two fighters, and both participants are completely free to attack and defend with all available means and methods with one exception; the attacker must stop the attacking tool just before reaching the vital spot when not wearing any protection equipment. Because Taekwon-do is a lethal form of self-defence, the sparring rules unlike those of other competitive sports, count only blows within two centimetres of a vital spot instead of counting the number off ineffective blows or the use of brute strength. In sparring, focused blows, speed, balance, strong and accurate blocking, skilful dodging and attitude are taken into consideration. Students should familiarise themselves with true Taekwon-do style sparring through theoretical powerful movements that are aesthetically pleasing while avoiding ~chicken fighting." Chicken fighting is caused by those student who only use stereotyped movements without any tactics and regard for the opponent's position.

Semi-free sparring (Ban-jayoo Matsogi) - Semi-free sparring is used by students to safely practice the various techniques of Taekwon-do against an opponent. It consists of the two participants attacking in turns. The distance between the participants, method of attack and defence used, attacking and blocking tools are completely optional. The number of steps taken can vary. In the I.U.T.F. three steps are taken.

One-step Sparring ( Ilbo Matsogi) - Virtually, this sparring is considered the most important one from the point that the ultimate goal of Taekwon-do in real combat is to win the victory with a single blow. As a matter of fact it is not only exercised at most levels but can also be used in actual situation. It is therefore advisable for the student to apply all techniques exclusively including counter-attack, flying attack, defence and dodging attack with hand or foot while flying under various assumptions. The secret of this sparring is to deliver a completely accurate, speedy and decisive blow at the opponent's vital spot at the right time with the right weapon while defending against the opponent's attack effectively.