About The Art Of Tang Soo Do

Tang
Soo Do, Moo Duk Kwan is a traditional Korean style of Martial Art whose roots
lie in Okinawan Karate, Tae Kyon, and Chinese Martial Arts. Tang Soo Do, as
practiced today was developed by Korean masters whose training was primarily
done in Japan and China before the end of World War II and later in South Korea
after its liberation. The most famous of these masters, Grandmaster Hwang, Kee,
developed the Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan style by incorporating elements of
Okinawan Karate, Korean Tae Kyon, and Chinese Martial Arts he learned while
living in Manchuria during World War II. Grandmaster Hwang taught the Moo Duk
Kwan style as an art and not a sport.
Tang
Soo Do`s training methodology was almost identical to that of Karate training
done at the University level prior to World War II in mainland Japan and
developed its practitioners through rigorous physical and mental training. The
instruction also fosters and develops character, integrity, self-confidence,
concentration, and a respect for others in its practitioners. While not taught
as a sport, Tang Soo Do has always had a sport element. Tang Soo Do
practitioners like Chuck Norris, Darnell Garcia, Billy Blanks, and others too
numerous to mention have Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan roots and were famous for
their competitive excellence and were instrumental in the growth of Tang Soo Do
in the United States.
Tang
Soo Do is famous for its kicking techniques which are derived from Korea`s only
surviving indigenous martial art, Tae Kyon. Grandmaster Hwang`s genius was that
he combined the best of Okinawan Karate with the Korean and Chinese martial arts
he studied and popularized his style throughout South Korea until it became the
most practiced martial art in the country before the advent of Tae Kwon Do as
the national sport of Korea. The Tang Soo Do is practiced all over the world and
is one of the most practiced martial arts in the United States.
The Five Codes of Tang Soo Do
The five
codes of Tang Soo Do apply to all members and are meant to guide the Tang Soo Do
practitioner. All members should memorize and fully understand the meaning of
the codes.
1.
Loyalty to your country
2. Obedience to Parents and Elders
3. Respect for Instructors and Seniors
4. Be in Self Control at all times
5. Never misuse one's Art