Yoo Sin

In 1965, Yoo Sin was listed as the 13th pattern, coming after Ge Baek. Whether that means that Yoo Sin was originally a 2nd dan pattern, or if this implies an older age for the pattern, I am unsure. What I do know is that significant portions of Yoo Sin can be found in Karate kata, predominantly Passai/Bassai-Dai, as well as some pieces from the Pinan/Heian series (which is rare in black belt level patterns). Yoo Sin has been my favorite pattern to research.

The first three black belt patterns all seem to have much closer connections to Karate kata than the patterns that follow. The fact the Yoo Sin originally followed these seems fitting, considering the sheer amount of sequences it borrows. For more on this "big picture" relationship, see the Kata page.

The following videos were used as reference:

ITF Legacy performance of Yoo Sin.

Hirokazu Kanazawa performing Heian Sandan, Heian Godan, Bassai-Dai, Tekki Shodan, Gojushiho-Sho (Shotokan)

First off, Yoo Sin's ready position can be found in Bassai-Dai.

Yoo Sin follows its opening twin elbow with the rear punches seen at the end of Heian Sandan.

The following hooking-block-punch combination, which appears often in higher level Chang Hon patterns, is not something that I've come across in Karate kata. It is so distinct and appears so often that I'm almost convinced that I just haven't found its origin yet.

Yoo Sin moves to the 45 degree angle and performs two outward blocks (one inner- and one outer-forearm). It's possible that this was inspired by a sequence found early in Bassai-Dai, considered only for the amount of Bassai sequences found in Yoo Sin.

Soon after, Yoo Sin forms a sitting stance, twisting to the side while blocking, returns to the center to punch, then twists to the other side. This is very similar to a sequence found in Bassai, though it is seen in other Karate kata as well. Yoo Sin obviously does this with different blocks, and adds an additional punch.

Yoo Sin follows this with the X block sequence from Heian Godan, seen previously in Toi Gye, but here it follows much more closely to the original (hand twirl included).

Yoo Sin then does a series of knife hands going forward and backward, also seen in Bassai. Yoo Sin does two forward, two backward, while Bassai does three forward, one backward.

Soon after, Yoo Sin (shown here from the rear) turns around and performs two twin punches at the 45 degree angle. This punch does appear in Bassai, though the original sequence appears properly in Joong Gun. These punches are performed at 45 degree angle on both sides at the beginning of Gojushiho-Sho, though this is likely coincidental.