Introduction of Tang Soo Do

Literally translated, the word “Tang” means the T’ang Dynasty of China, which reflects the shared cultural background between China and Korea. “Soo” means hand, but implies fist, punch, strike or defense and “Do” means a way of life or art. It is one of the oldest and most effective means of fighting known to man, and is considered to be the ultimate in unarmed self-defense. Tang Soo Do consists of blocking, shifting, punching, striking, and kicking. Although it can be aggressive, it is taught by most groups as self-defense, exercise and character building.

The laymen has often been misled about Tang Soo Do. With few exceptions, erroneous information about the art has stressed the bizarre: board breaking, tile crushing and brick breaking. To add to the confusion, many instructors have capitalized on such feats of strength to display themselves as mystical members of some sort of oriental secret cult and allow Tang Soo Do to be termed with a killer art. It is true that a practitioner can smash stacks of tiles with his bare fist, chop through bricks, and split boards with high flying kicks; but such exhibitions are only used to demonstrate the power of a Tang Soo Do blow.

Other misconceptions of the art is that one must harden or mutilate the hand in order to be effective in Tang Soo Do. Although a zealous student may form calluses on certain parts of the hand and feet by repeated practice, no one has to condition his hands to the extent they become deformed or impaired.

The essence of Tang Soo Do is speed. Effective application of technique depends on one’s ability to properly strike the vulnerable areas of an opponents body. There is no mystic or secret power to Tang Soo Do nor are all the moves deadly and dangerous. A well trained Tang Soo Do person can control his movements to the amount of damage he desires and can frustrate most attacks without doing grievous harm to his attacker.

Tang Soo Do Movements may seem very odd to the laymen, but each movement has been analyzed and geometrically calculated so that whatever the action, it is the maximum the human body can achieve. One quickly learns it is not size and strength alone that win, rather speed and knowledge are the deciding factors in determining who will emerge victorious in physical combat.

For just good exercise, Tang Soo Do ranks among the best because it utilizes all parts of the body and keeps them in tone. Unlike other exercises that are often times boring, Tang Soo Do is always challenging, stimulating and especially purposeful.

Tang Soo Do is a physical art as well as a mental art; a technique, and a character builder of mind and body, and keeps them in tone. One of its greatest attributes is that anyone, irrespective of size, age or sex can practice the art according to his or her own capabilities or in spite of his or her handicaps.

Purpose of Tang Soo Do

The following purpose and definitions of Tang Soo Do will help those who wish to understand and practice this Korean Martial Art.

1. Tang Soo Do is an excellent and healthful means of physical conditioning, because in its practice, the whole body is exercised.

2. Tang Soo Do requires deep concentration to develop mental, moral and spiritual discipline.

3. Tang Soo Do develops confidence and poise.

4. Tang Soo Do is a proven effective method of self defense without the use of weapons.

5. Tang Soo Do can be practiced within the physical limitations of each individual.

6. Tang Soo Do can be studied and its methods practiced without the help of a partner or the use of a large training area.

7. In Tang Soo Do, a high degree of achievement and improvement can be attained within a period of dedicated training.

"Perfection is a path, not a destination"

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