A Brief History of Tang Soo Do:
istorical
evidence of organised fighting forms in Korea date back many centuries. Further
records reveal that elite groups of warriors were trained in Martial Arts
to serve their kingdom and country. These warriors were trained in a wide
range of armed and unarmed combat skills. The fighting systems practised by
these warriors were called Soo Bahk Do. However during the Yi Dynasty (1392-1910)
the Koreans also developed various kicking techniques which are called Tae
Kyun.
Tang
Soo Do is a composite style of Soo Bahk Do influenced by northern Chinese
arts and Tae Kyun, the kicking techniques and eastern wisdom. Today's Tang
Soo Do is recognised to be based on the Moo Duk Kwan style. The Moo Duk Kwan
Tang Soo Do school was founded by Master Hwang Kee in 1945.
Tang Soo Do is a classical martial art, not a sport. Though it is not essentially
competitive, it has great combat applications. As a classical martial art,
its purpose is to develop and grow every aspect of the self to produce a mature
person who has totally integrated their intellect, body, emotions and spirit.
This integration helps to free one from inner conflict, to be able to deal
with the outside world in a mature manner.
The Objective of Tang Soo Do:
o help
the individual develop Mentally, Physically, and Spiritually, and in doing
so gain more knowledge of the self by increasing self awareness and developing
a greater sensitivity towards all things in nature.
"In
nature be like water
At rest, like a mirror
Respond like an echo
Be subtle, as though non-existent"
The Five Principles of Tang Soo Do:
Be loyal to your country
Be
obedient to your parents
Be
faithful to your friends
Be
in self control
Never misuse one's art