A Pattern is a series of offensive and defensive moves set in a logical sequence against one or more imaginary opponents. Quite simply they enable practitioners to practice various techniques without the use of an opponent as they are performed solo. They are a very important part of training as many more stances and techniques are used compared to a single bout of sparring. They are also a much better way of judging a students degree of ability, as a much higher standard of technique is required.
Coloured belts learn one new Pattern each time they pass a grading. They generally become more complex each time a student moves up a grade. There are 24 Patterns in Taekwon-Do.