All 24 (+ 1) Tuls of Taekwondo return exactly to the same place and in the same direction as where they started. Whether that is the case and how that is possible will be the subject of Blog 6.

To start with the first question: No, they do not all return to the same spot, but they do move in the same direction. There is one Tul, called Dang-Gun Tul, which ends half a shoulder width behind the spot where it starts. At least if that Tul is performed very precisely. In the case of all other Tuls, it is accurate, and this is because a ‘trick’ has been applied in the design.

In the design of the Tuls, the possibility is created for the Taekwondo practitioner to adjust his/her performance in such a way that it comes out well. This ‘trick’ is not ‘playing unfairly’; it gives the performer the space to ensure a perfect execution.

What MUST NOT be changed:

• In the basic diagram ABCD and possibly EF, the lines are perpendicular to each other.
• Stands may not be shortened or extended.
• Extra movements may not be added.

At Chon-Ji Tul, everything is mirrored, and thus the Tul comes out just right. And there is a Tul with perfect symmetry, Po-Eun Tul. Nothing needs to be adjusted here.

In the Tuls, there are the following options to adjust the return journey:

• When stepping in double steps, such as in Do-San Tul position 24 [go to Dosan], the placement of the feet is indicated with ‘place the left foot next to the right foot’. The distance between those feet is not given.
• Do-San Tul has another opportunity to come out well, namely in the slanting action lines EC and FC [go to Dosan ]. By adjusting the angle of these action lines in relation to the CD line, you can turn more or less towards the return point.
• After a foot technique, the foot is placed down and the other foot steps forward: as in Won-Hyo Tul positions 27 [ go to Won-Hyo ] ‘place the right foot forward’. The distance and the place where that foot is to be placed is not given. A maximum distance of 1 shoulder width forward is maintained.
• Slipping and jumping is often applied. The length and direction of the slip/jump is generally indicated, as in Yul-Gok Tul position 36 [ go to Yul-Gok ] ‘jump forward towards C’. This is also often applied.

Often, these possibilities are incorporated, mostly at the end of the Tul. This gives the Taekwondo-Ka the chance to conclude the Tul perfectly. Unfortunately, in this respect, Dang-Gun Tul does not align.