Tae Kwon Do Forms are performances of a sequence of typical techniques from the martial art, either with or without the use of a weapon. This sequence is sometimes called “imaginary fighting” as it involves pre-determined and choreographed routines, sequences and patterns which resemble real combat, but are artistically non-combative or cooperative. These Tae Kwon Do Forms are performed as a way of practicing basic and advanced techniques in the martial art as well as in open competitions.
Basically, there are two general classes of Tae Kwon Do Forms: creative and standard. Creative forms are created by the performer and are generally more acrobatic in nature. (As an example, a performer may break several boards that have been arranged in a shape.) The early standard forms are more true to the original martial art basics of their time period.
The official International Tae Kwon Do Federation 24 Forms are the following:
Cheon-Ji, Dan-Gun, Do-San, Won-Hyo, Yul-Gok, Jung-Geun, Toi-Gye, Hwa-Rang, Chung-Mu, Gwang-Gae, Po Eun, Gye-Baek, Yu-Sin, Chung-Jang, Eul-Ji, Go-Dang, Sam-Il, Choe-Yeong, Se-Jong, Yeon-Gae, Mun-Mu, Eui-Am, Seo-San, Tong-Il
And you might wondering why they are 24, not 25 or 23. People believe that these 24 Tae Kwon Do Forms or Patterns represent 24 hours, one day. The name of the pattern, the number of movements, and the diagrammatic symbol of each pattern symbolizes either heroic figures in Korean history or instances relating to historical events.
If what you want to do is practice Tae Kwon Do Forms, then the best thing is to have a Master with whom you can study. Next to that, the best thing is to have a book that has been created with multiple purposes in mind; it should be a reference, a study guide, a point of view. I am finding some books to be an indispensable learning companion – one that is helping me to make this Tae Kwon Do Forms really come alive in my own expression of it.