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
|
