The Meaning of Forms in Tae Su Do (1965): Translation and Commentary on a Foundational Text

In 1965, during a brief but fascinating period in Taekwondo history, the martial art was officially known as Taesudo. At the center of this period stands a rare and little-known manual written by Lee Kyo Yun, one of the few surviving sources describing how forms were understood during this transitional stage of Korean martial arts.

This booklet presents a carefully translated section from Lee’s Taesudo book, accompanied by historical commentary and analysis. The text explains how forms were classified into “light and agile” forms and “heavy” forms, a system rooted in earlier East Asian martial traditions and strongly influenced by the writings of Gichin Funakoshi and early Karate pedagogy.

Readers will discover:

• A clear English translation of Lee Kyo Yun’s discussion of forms

• Insight into how early Taekwondo practitioners understood the purpose of forms and their role in training

• A breakdown of the forms listed in Lee’s classification system, including Hangul, Hanja, and likely Karate equivalents

• Historical commentary placing the material in the broader context of Taesudo, early Taekwondo, and Karate influence

• An appendix comparing Lee’s classification with material from Choi Hong Hi’s 1959 Taekwondo textbook

Rather than presenting a simplified modern narrative, this work explores the messier and more complex reality of early Taekwondo history, when Korean martial arts were still developing their identity while drawing heavily from Karate traditions.

This booklet is intended for:

• Taekwondo practitioners interested in the historical roots of their art

• Martial arts historians and researchers

• Instructors and advanced students who want a deeper understanding of how forms were interpreted in the early years of Taekwondo

By bringing this obscure material into English, the author aims to make an important piece of early Taekwondo history accessible to a wider audience.