Introduction

Tang Soo Do is a martial art that originated in Korea and has a rich history that has shaped its present form and will continue to influence its future trajectory. It is known for its powerful kicks, quick strikes, and fluid movements.

History of Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do traces its roots back to ancient Korea, where martial arts were an integral part of the culture. It was influenced by various styles, including Chinese martial arts styles such as Kung Fu and the indigenous Korean martial art, Taekkyon. This amalgamation resulted in a distinct and refined system of combat, emphasizing both physical techniques and mental discipline. Korea has a long and rich history of martial arts, with evidence of various styles being practiced as early as the Three Kingdoms period (57 BC – 668 AD). These martial arts were influenced by neighboring countries, including China and Japan.

Chinese martial arts played a significant role in shaping the development of Tang Soo Do. During the Tang Dynasty (618-907 AD), the Silk Road facilitated cultural exchanges between China and Korea, leading to the introduction of Chinese martial arts techniques and philosophies. The Influence of Kung Fu One of the most influential Chinese martial arts styles in Tang Soo Do is Kung Fu. The fluid movements, intricate forms, and emphasis on balance and coordination found in Kung Fu have greatly influenced the techniques and training methods of Tang Soo Do.

Following the Japanese occupation of Korea in the early 20th century, Japanese karate began to influence Tang Soo Do. Karate techniques and philosophies were incorporated into the existing Korean martial arts, leading to further refinement and development.

Okinawa, an island located between China and Japan, served as a cultural bridge for martial arts. Many practitioners traveled to Okinawa to learn from its renowned masters. Tang Soo Do adopted certain techniques and principles from Okinawan Karate, enriching its repertoire of strikes, blocks, and forms.

Over time, Tang Soo Do evolved in tandem with Korea’s historical and cultural developments, eventually gaining global recognition as a respected martial art form.

The modern form of Tang Soo Do was developed in the mid-20th century by Grandmaster Hwang Kee. He combined traditional Korean martial arts with his own innovations to create a unique system.

The Development of Tang Soo Do

Masters and Lineages

Over the years, many masters emerged who contributed to the development and spread of Tang Soo Do. Each master added their unique insights and teachings to the art, creating different lineages and variations of the style.

Grandmaster Hwang Kee

One of the most prominent figures in the history of Tang Soo Do is Grandmaster Hwang Kee. In 1945, he founded the Moo Duk Kwan school, which became the foundation for modern Tang Soo Do. Grandmaster Hwang Kee’s teachings emphasized the integration of physical techniques, mental discipline, and ethical values.

The formally registered organizations’ name is Dae Han Soo Bahk Do Association. Soo Bahk Do means historical Korean preventing art, which Grand Master Hwang Kee mastered, and it is his most favorite word amongst all the historic names. At that point, most individuals knew this martial art’s name to be Tang Soo Do.

After World War II and the Japanese occupation of Korea, many alternative colleges of empty-handed prevention emerged, one of which was Soo Bahk Do, based on Hwang Kee. Hwang Kee strived to continue the traditionalism of the artwork, while many others have been attempting to move extra towards sports. Jae Chul Shin moved from Korea to the United States and later fashioned the World Tang Soo Do Association in 1982. Grandmaster Jae Chul Shin spread the art through dedicated practitioners and organizations.

Spread of Tang Soo Do

Under the leadership of Grandmaster Hwang Kee, Tang Soo Do gained popularity and spread both within Korea and internationally. In the 1960s, Tang Soo Do schools began to appear in the United States, Europe, and other parts of the world.

Tang Soo Do Today

Today, Tang Soo Do is practiced by millions of people worldwide. It continues to evolve and adapt, with practitioners incorporating modern training methods and techniques while preserving the traditional values and principles of the art.

Techniques in Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do incorporates a wide range of techniques, including punches, kicks, blocks, and joint locks. One of the most distinctive features of Tang Soo Do is its emphasis on kicks. Practitioners are trained to deliver powerful and precise kicks using their legs, which can be devastating to opponents. In addition to kicks, Tang Soo Do also focuses on strikes with the hands and elbows, as well as various grappling techniques.

Philosophy of Tang Soo Do

Tang Soo Do is not just about physical techniques; it also encompasses a philosophy that guides the practitioner’s behavior both inside and outside the training hall. It promotes the idea of using martial arts skills responsibly and only when necessary, embodying the true essence of self-defense. The five tenets of Tang Soo Do are:

• Integrity: Practitioners are expected to uphold high moral and ethical standards.
• Concentration: The mind must be focused and concentrated during training and in everyday life.
• Perseverance: Tang Soo Do teaches the value of persistence and never giving up.
• Respect and Obedience: Respect for oneself and others is a fundamental principle of Tang Soo Do.
• Humility: Practitioners are encouraged to be humble and to treat others with kindness and respect.

Training in Tang Soo Do

Training in Tang Soo Do is both physically and mentally demanding. Practitioners undergo rigorous training to develop strength, flexibility, and endurance. They also learn self-defense techniques and sparring drills to apply their skills in real-life situations. The training is structured and progressive, with practitioners advancing through different belt ranks as they master the techniques and principles of Tang Soo Do.

Conclusion

Tang Soo Do is a martial art that offers not only physical fitness and self-defense skills but also a path to personal growth and self-improvement. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced practitioner, Tang Soo Do has something to offer. So why not join a local Tang Soo Do school and embark on your martial arts journey? Remember, the journey of a thousand kicks begins with a single step!