The martial art of Tang Soo Do

The martial art of Tang Soo Do is relatively modern, but its roots lie in the ancient Korean art of Soo Bahk Do - very similar to the Japanese martial art of Shotokan Karate, which can be traced back many centuries. Tang Soo Do is a style composed from three major areas and styles, which are Soo Bahk Do (60%), Northern Chinese Kung Fu (30%) and Southern Chinese Kung Fu (10%) (and some elements of Kenpo too)

Literally translated, the word TANG means Tang Dynasty of China which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea. SOO means hand, but it implies fist, punch, strike or defence. DO means way of life or art. Thus TANG SOO DO means the Korean classical martial art which was influenced by the T'ang method of martial art.

The final translation can be put together as the rather poetical - WAY OF THE CHINESE (TANG) HAND

Tang Soo Do is both a 'hard' and a 'soft' style of martial art, with the hard external influence coming from the Soo Bahk and the soft internal from the Northern Chinese systems. Both of which can easily be recognised in the Hyungs (forms) that are practiced within the style.

The purpose of Tang Soo Do training is not for fighting, but to perfect techniques which will enhance your total self. If the occasion arises when you must defend yourself, of equal importance is the development of the proper spirit to supplement the physical skills which are attained.

Tang Soo Do is a classical martial art and it's purpose is to develop every aspect of the 'self' in order to produce a mature person who can totally integrate his intellect, emotions, body and spirit.