Pattern meaning - Chon-Ji
Chon-Ji literally means "the Heaven the Earth". It is, in the orient interpreted as the creation of the world or the beginning of human history, therefore it is the initial pattern played by the beginner. This pattern consists of two similar parts: one to represent Heaven and the other Earth.
History of Chon-Ji
Chon-Ji is seen as the creation of the world through the separation of the heavens from the earth creating the world where people and animals can live.
This is often symbolised in the theory of Yin-Yang », and it is interesting that the theory of Yin-Yang, or opposites is evident in this pattern meaning. The cross shaped diagram represents the four elements of the universe: fire, water, air and earth. Particularly as this pattern is learned by the White Belt at the beginning of their journey to earn the coveted Black Belt, we can begin to see how this theory permeates through Eastern philosophy. There are 19 movements in Chon-Ji which represent the 10 grades (gup's) and 9 degrees (dan's) in the system of rank » of Taekwon-Do. The symbol which represents Yin-Yang (Taeguk ») can be found on the South Korean national flag », which also uses symbols representing the opposites of Heaven and Earth, Fire and Water. The taeguk was a powerful symbol of Korean independence » during the Japanese occupation (1910-1945). Chon-Ji also has another spiritual interpretation as Lake Chon-Ji » is said to be the spiritual home of the Korean people. As Korea herself traces her beginnings to Chon-Ji so the student begins with this pattern. Lake Chon-Ji » is the ‘Heavenly’ Lake, located in a crater on Baekdu Mountain » (White Headed Mountain also Ever-White Mountain), which is referred to in Juche » , and is located on the border between China and North Korea, which was the first residency of the legendary Dan-Gun » before he established his capital at Asadal (now Pyongyang) in 2333 B.C. 
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YouTube video - Mr Jaroslaw Suska, Poland
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