Julgok tul 율곡틀 Yul-Gok pattern

List of patterns

Number of movements:

38

Number of attacs:	22
Number of hand attacs:	18
Number of foot attacs:	4

Number of blocks:	12
Number of hand blocks:	12
Number of foot blocks:	0

Number of ready stances:	4
Diagram:

New techniques

Modified techniques

List of techniques

Ready posture: naranhi čunbi sogi narani junbi sogi 나란히준비서기 parallel ready stance

Ready posture: naranhi čunbi sogi narani junbi sogi 나란히준비서기 parallel ready stance

Interpretation

Yul-Gok is the pseudonym of a great philosopher and scholar Yi I (1536 - 1584) nicknamed the "Confucius of Korea". The 38 movements of this pattern refer to his birthplace on 38° latitude and the diagram represents "scholar".

Yi I was born in Gangneung, Gangwon Province in 1537. His father was a Fourth State Councillor and his mother, Shin Saimdang, the accomplished artist and calligraphist. He was the grand nephew of Yi Gi, prime minister 1549 to 1551. Early years he was learn of Baik In-geol, successor of Jo Gwang-jo. It is said that by the age of seven he had finished his lessons in the Confucian classics, and passed the Civil Service literary examination at the age of 13. Yi I secluded himself in Kumgang-san following his mother´s death when he was 16 and stayed for 3 years, studying Buddhism. He left the mountains at 20 and devoted himself to the study of Confucianism.

He married at 22 and a half, went to visit Yi Hwang at Dosan the following year. He passed special exams with top honors with a winning thesis titled Cheondochaek ("Book on the Way of Heaven"), which was widely regarded as a literary masterpiece, displaying his knowledge of history and the Confucian philosophy of politics, and also reflecting his profound knowledge of Taoism. He continuously received top honors on civil exams for a consecutive 9 times. His father died when he was 26. He served in various positions in government from the age of 29, and visited the Ming Dynasty as seojanggwan (document officer) in 1568. He also participated in the writing of the Myeongjong Annals and at 34, authored Dongho Mundap, an eleven-article political memorial devoted to clarifying his conviction that a righteous government could be achieved.

Due to his vast experience in different offices over the years, Yi I was able to garner a wide vision of politics and with the deep trust of the king, became one of the central figures of politics by the time he was 40. His many documents and theses were presented to the royal court but when political conflicts escalated in 1576, his efforts proved fruitless and he returned home. Following his return, he devoted his time to studies and education of his disciples and authored several books.

He returned to office at 45 and while holding various minister positions, produced many writings which recorded crucial political events and showed his efforts to ease the political conflicts that were rampant at that time. However, King Seonjo was noncommittal in his attitude and it became difficult for Yi I to remain in a neutral position in the conflicts. He left office in 1583 and died the following year.

According to legend, he had a pavilion built near the ford of the Imjin River in his lifetime and instructed his heirs to set it ablaze when the king had to flee northward from Seoul, to provide a guiding beacon. This took place during Hideyoshi´s invasions of Korea at the Imjin war.

Today, a portrait of Julgok can be found on South Korean banknotes, similar to a portrait of his mother.

(source: Wikipedia.org)

Pattern is practised by the 5. Gup holder and above.