In ITF-style taekwondo, there are four types of Closed Ready Stances:
- The Closed Ready Stance Type A is performed with both feet together and parallel. The weight is distributed evenly on both feet with the legs straight. The right fist is lightly cupped in the left hand (with the fingers of the left hand on the knuckles of the right fist) and held 30 centimeters (12.2 inches) in front of the philtrum. This stance is performed either full or side facing. (See also: Covered Fist Posture, a WTF-style stance.)
- Type B: The right fist is lightly cupped in the left hand (with the fingers of the left hand on the knuckles of the right fist) and held 15 centimeters (6.1 inches) in front of the navel. This stance is only performed full facing
- Type C: The left knifehand overlaps on top of the right knifehand, and the middle fingertips and the foreknuckles are on top of each other. The knifehands are held 10 centimeters (4.1 inches) overlapping each other in front of the lower abdomen, with the right hand closest to the body. This stance is performed either full or side facing. (See also: Overlapped Hands Posture, a WTF-style stance.)
- Type D: The lower arms are bent at approximately 30 degrees. The fists are held 30 centimeters (12.2 inches) from the thighs with the elbows slightly bent. This stance is performed either full or side facing.
According to Black Belt Excellence:
- When our Founder, General Choi Hong Hi thought about Won Hyo, he visualised him in this posture, chanting with his moktak, hands close together, and so he created close ready stance A (moa jumbi sogi A) with this in mind. After creating close ready stance A, he then moved the height of the position of the hands to form Close Ready Stance B (moa junbi sogi B) . He then moved the hands to a lower position and opened the fingers to create Close Ready Stance C. However, General Choi did not indicate to me any significance or meaning to the other ready postures in the patterns mentioned in the question (Joong Gun, Toi Gye, Hwa Rang and Eui Am). My understanding of Close Ready Stances A,B and C is that they also convey a sense of calm, humility and modesty.