Taekwondo is a Korean martial art, combines combat and self-defense techniques with sport and exercise. Taekwondo training generally includes a system of blocks, kicks, punches, and open-handed strikes and may also include various take-downs or sweeps, throws, and joint locks. Jumping kicks, turning, spinning, sliding kicks requiring great flexibility are performed solo or combined with a rapid flurry of multiple kicks. Thus a variety of kicks, punches and blocks are performed in multiple directions called pattern. Taekwondo patterns are a crucial part of any grading and they increase in difficulty and complexity as the student advances through the belt system.