Tang Soo Do
Encyclopedia
Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art
promoted by Hwang Kee
that has roots in various martial arts, including taekkyeon and Subak
.
pronunciation of the Chinese character
s 唐手道 (Tang Shou Dao). Tang Soo Do literally means "China Hand Way" (the "Tang" refers to the Tang Dynasty
). Similar characters are pronounced karate-dō in Japanese
. The first character, 唐 (which initially referred to China), was later changed to 空 by Gichin Funakoshi
to mean "empty" rather than "China" (空手道, or Kong Shou Dao; the Korean pronunciation of these characters is "Kong Soo Do
"). Outside of the Far East
, the term "Tang Soo Do" has primarily become synonymous with the Korean martial art promoted by grandmaster Hwang Kee.
in 1978, Tang Soo Do is one of a number of generic Korean terms for fighting with bare hands and feet. As such, Tang Soo Do cannot be said to have a founder. Rather, the name of "Tang Soo Do" was adopted by Hwang Kee, the founder of the Moo Duk Kwan
, as a descriptor of the art he promoted.
The history of the Moo Duk Kwan
(from which the majority of all modern Tang Soo Do stylists can trace their lineage) can be traced to a single founder: Hwang Kee. Hwang Kee
learned Chinese martial arts
while in Manchuria
. He also was influenced by what he claimed were the indigenous Korea
n arts of taekkyeon and subak
.
.
Around the time of the liberation of Korea in 1945, five martial arts schools called the kwans
were formed by men who were primarily trained in some form of karate, but also had exposure to taekkyeon and kungfu. The five prominent kwans (and respective founders) were: Chung Do Kwan
(Lee Won Kuk), Jidokwan
(Chun Sang Sup), Chang Moo Kwan
(Lee Nam Suk and Kim Soon Bae), Moo Duk Kwan
(Hwang Kee
), and Song Moo Kwan
(Ro Byung Jik). These schools taught what most Americans know as "Korean Karate." However, there were some philosophical differences in technique application and more of an emphasis on kicking in the Tang Soo Do Jido/Chung Do/Chang Moo/Moo Duk/Song Moo Kwan systems.
Around 1953, shortly after the Korean War
, four more annex kwans formed. These 2nd-generation kwans and their principle founders were: Oh Do Kwan
(Choi Hong Hi
and Nam Tae Hi
), Han Moo Kwan
(Lee Kyo Yoon), Kang Duk Won
(Park Chul Hee and Hong Jong Pyo) and Jung Do Kwan
(Lee Young Woo). In 1955, these arts, at that time called various names by the different schools, were ordered to unify, by South Korea's President Syngman Rhee
. A governmental body selected a naming committee's submission of "Taekwondo" as the name. Both Son Duk Sung and Choi Hong Hi claim to have submitted the name.
In 1959, the Korea Taekwondo Association
(KTA) was formed in an attempt to unify the dozens of the kwans as one standardized system of Taekwondo. The first international tour of Taekwondo, by General Choi Hong Hi
and Nam Tae Hi
(founders of the Oh Do Kwan) and 19 black belts, was held in 1959. In 1960, Jhoon Rhee was teaching what he called Korean Karate (or Tang Soo Do) in Texas
, USA. After receiving the ROK Army Field Manual (which contained martial arts training curriculum under the new name of Taekwondo) from General Choi, Rhee began using the name Taekwondo. There are still a multitude of contemporary Taekwondo schools in the United States that teach what is known as "Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan". This nomenclature reflects this government-ordered kwan merger. Modern Taekwondo schools with the Moo Duk Kwan lineage often practice the early Tang Soo Do curriculum, a curriculum that was more closely associated with Karate-Do Shotokan.
Despite this unification effort, the kwans continued to teach their individual styles. For instance, Hwang Kee and a large constituent of the Moo Duk Kwan continued to develop a version Tang Soo Do that eventually became what is now known as "Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan". This modified version of Tang Soo Do incorporates more fluid "soft" movements reminiscent of certain traditional Chinese martial arts and kicking techniques rooted in Korean taekkyeon. Other modern Tang Soo Do systems teach what is essentially Korean Karate in an early organized form. The World Tang Soo Do Association and the International Tang Soo Do Federation, for instance, teach systems of Tang Soo Do that existed before the Taekwondo "merger" and before the development of modern Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan. These versions of Tang Soo Do are heavily influenced by Korean culture and also appear related to Okinawan Karate as initially taught in Japan by Funakoshi Gichin. As mentioned above, the term "Tang Soo Do/Dangsudo" was initially a Korean pronunciation of "The Way of The Chinese Hand". In Japan, 唐手道 was pronounced "karate-do" ("The Way of The Chinese Hand"). These characters initially reflected historical origins of the arts. However, the term "Tang Soo Do" (mostly in the United States and Europe) has evolved to currently describe a form of Karate that is distinctly Korean, but is different than both Taekwondo and Soo Bahk Do.
To restore national identity after the protracted occupation of Korea by Japanese forces, the Korean government ordered a single organization be created. On September 16, 1961, most kwans agreed to unify under the name 'Korea Tae Soo Do
Association'. The name was changed back to the "Korea Taekwondo Association" when General Choi became its president in August 1965.
Tang Soo Do continues to expand and flourish under numerous federations and organizations that, for various reasons, separated from the Moo Duk Kwan. It can be argued that Tang Soo Do is one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the United States, although Moo Duk Kwan as founded by Hwang Kee is the only martial arts organisation that systematically enumerates its dan members sequentially, and has done so since its founding in Seoul in 1945. Due to political in-fighting and splintering, Tang Soo Do has seen several members break off from their origin, though the Moo Duk Kwan as founded by Hwang Kee continues to represent Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do) worldwide, and is headed by Hwang Kee's son, Hyun Chul Hwang. The Amateur Athletic Union
Taekwondo recognizes Tang Soo Do ranks, permits Tang Soo Do hyeong in competition and also hosts non-Olympic style point-sparring to accommodate the various traditional Korean stylists.
Chuck Norris, the famous actor, popularized Tang Soo Do in the United States, and evolved the martial art Chun Kuk Do
from it.
, or dan rank, is frequently replaced by a Midnight Blue Belt
for students who attain Dan rank
. The reason for the midnight blue belt
is due to the belief in Korean culture
, that black symbolizes an ending or a finishing point. It was also a belief of the founder of Moo Duk Kwan, Hwang Kee, that black is a color to which nothing can be added, signifying that a dan holder is still learning. Many schools and organizations still opt to use the black belt
. The Moo Duk Kwan lineage of Tang Soo Do incorporates a red-striped midnight blue (or black) belt to denote individuals who have reached the rank of Sah Beom Nim (사범님/師範님), or 4th dan. In other systems, the 7th-10th dan ranking is signified with two red stripes or a single golden stipe running along the length of a midnight blue (or black) belt to denote individuals who have reached the rank of “kwang jang nim” or (grandmaster). The original non-dan, or gup, belt colors established by Hwang Kee were: white belt; green belt; and red belt. In the 1970s, an orange belt was added after the white belt along with either one or two stripes onto the orange, green and red belts, encompassing ten gup (student) levels, and is currently the system in use in the Moo Duk Kwan. In the mid 1980's a yellow belt was placed between the white and orange belt in some other organisations. Many variations of this ranking system are still used and typically employ other colors (e.g., yellow, brown, purple, blue, etc.). However, this is primarily a western influence.
According to the World Tang Soo Do Association the rank system is a colored belt system starting at White and ending with Black. There are 2 groups in the ranking, the gups and the dans. The gup ranks vary from organization to organization but generally are as follows: White 10th gup, White Stripe 9th gup, Yellow 8th gup, Orange 7th gup, Green 6th gup, Blue 5th gup, Brown 4th gup, Purple 3rd gup, Red 2nd gup, Red Stripe 1st gup. The tag (stripe) on a belt signifies a higher rank of the belt. Between the Gups and the Dans is the Dark Blue belt called a Cho Dan Bo, or Black belt candidate. The Black belts are called Dans and each degree has its own specific name. The Dan rank ranges from 1st-10th degree. First Dan is known as Chokiyonim, second Dan being Kyosanim (instructor), the third dan is Poo Sabunim (junior master or master candidate) and the 4th-6th Dan are Sabom nim (master), 7th-10th Dan Kwanjanim. In the Moo Duk Kwan, Dan level is known by its Korean numeration, such as Cho Dan, Ee Dan, Sam Dan for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan respectively, and onward. The ranks of Kyosa and Sa Bom are separately awarded after successfully demonstrating ability, knowledge, understanding and character for that level in a Dan Shimsa, or test. One may not test for Kyosa (Certified Instructor) until 2nd Dan, or Sa Bom (Master Instructor) until 4th Dan or above. Dans levels from 4th Dan onward are known as Ko Dan Ja, whether Sa Bom or not. In the Moo Duk Kwan there is only one Grand Master, or Kwan Jang Nim, a successor to the founder of modern Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan. Currently this is Hyun Chul Hwang, Hwang Kee's son. Also in the US, a simple timing structure was created for the Dan ranking system, where if in constant study, then it was easy to measure when testing for the next rank would began where the next dan was equal to the number of years that must be spent training. For example a First Dan would have two years before they could be candidate for Second Dan, etc.
They are generally memorized and demonstrated at a test for ranking up or a tournament.
sequence.
As in karate-do kumite
, scoring techniques in Tang Soo Do competition should be decisive; that is, all kicking and hand techniques that score should be delivered with sufficient footing and power so that if they were delivered without being controlled they would stop the aggressive motion of the opponent. This rule means that many techniques may not be given points because of a lack of demonstrable intent and control. Judging is partly based in the concept of Son Sok Mi (line-speed-beauty) and contestants who clearly show their control and intent are more likely to score with their techniques. Much of the footwork is the same, but the position of the body when executing blows is markedly different between the styles of competition. Rapid fire pump-kicking seen in American freestyle point sparring is sometimes used in Tang Soo Do competition. However in order to score, the final kick in the pump-kick combination should be delivered from a solid base and with sufficient power or the technique is not considered decisive. Consequently, the pace of a Tang Soo Do match can be somewhat slower than would be seen at a typical NASKA-type tournament, but the techniques (theoretically) should be somewhat more recognizable as linear, powerful blows that are delivered from reliably stable stances and body positions.
Variation between Tang Soo Do competitions is extensive unless they are members of the Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, which is operated under strict and codified rules and procedures. Because modern Tang Soo Do was developed at the same time as Tae Kwon Do and because many Tae Kwon Do practitioners enjoy Tang Soo Do competition, the powerful rear leg and spinning kick techniques used in both ITF and WTF Tae Kwon Do are commonplace traditional Tang Soo Do competitions, but are not delivered with full contact to the head.
Tang Soo Do sparring is a semi-contact event. Though often billed as "light" or "no-contact", the typical level of contact is controlled to the body and none to the head. Some level of contact in Tang Soo Do sparring is considered essential in understanding proper technique and developing mental preparedness and a level of relaxation critical to performance in stressful situations. Lessons learned from contact sparring can be applied to all aspects of life. That said, unnecessarily or disrespectfully harming your opponent in Tang Soo Do sparring is not tolerated. Originally, under Hwang Kee, protective pads were not allowed, in order to foster the discipline and control necessary to demonstrate good technique under fighting conditions, but by the 1980s light cloth pads were allowed. By the 1990s full foam pads were permitted in the interest of contestants safety, but with no contact to the head allowed anymore. Health and longevity of practitioners are major goals of Tang Soo Do practice. Consequently, serious injuries are counterproductive because they retard a level of physical training that is needed to foster emotional and intellectual growth. However, minor injuries, such as bumps, bruises and the occasional loss of breath, may be invaluable experiences. Each match should begin and end with respect, compassion and a deep appreciation for the opponent. Contestants waiting their turn in the ring sit in classroom fashion and respond with a bow when they are called to the ring. They must bow before entering and exiting the ring, and to the judges and their opponents before and after each match. Though Tang Soo Do sparring is competitive, competitions are more of an exercise, or way to develop the self, than they are a truly game-like competitive forum. Introspection and personal growth are fostered through this semi-contact competitive forum.
Korean martial arts
Korean martial arts are the martial arts that originated from Korea. Some well known Korean martial arts are hapkido, kuk sool won, and taekwondo. There has also been a revival of Korean sword arts as well as knife fighting and archery...
promoted by Hwang Kee
Hwang Kee
Grand Master Hwang Kee was one of the most important figures in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. He was the founder of Soo Bahk Do and the school of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan.-Life:...
that has roots in various martial arts, including taekkyeon and Subak
Subak
Subak, Subakgi or Yusul is either a specific ancient Korean martial art. Historically this term may have specified the old Korean martial art of taekkyeon.-History:...
.
Etymology
Tang Soo Do is the KoreanKorean language
Korean is the official language of the country Korea, in both South and North. It is also one of the two official languages in the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Prefecture in People's Republic of China. There are about 78 million Korean speakers worldwide. In the 15th century, a national writing...
pronunciation of the Chinese character
Chinese character
Chinese characters are logograms used in the writing of Chinese and Japanese , less frequently Korean , formerly Vietnamese , or other languages...
s 唐手道 (Tang Shou Dao). Tang Soo Do literally means "China Hand Way" (the "Tang" refers to the Tang Dynasty
Tang Dynasty
The Tang Dynasty was an imperial dynasty of China preceded by the Sui Dynasty and followed by the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms Period. It was founded by the Li family, who seized power during the decline and collapse of the Sui Empire...
). Similar characters are pronounced karate-dō in Japanese
Japanese language
is a language spoken by over 130 million people in Japan and in Japanese emigrant communities. It is a member of the Japonic language family, which has a number of proposed relationships with other languages, none of which has gained wide acceptance among historical linguists .Japanese is an...
. The first character, 唐 (which initially referred to China), was later changed to 空 by Gichin Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi
was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...
to mean "empty" rather than "China" (空手道, or Kong Shou Dao; the Korean pronunciation of these characters is "Kong Soo Do
Kong Soo Do
Kong Soo Do is a Korean martial art. Its name is composed of the Korean pronunciation of the Chinese characters for "karate-do". In English it means "empty-hand way". However, it is different from karate-do...
"). Outside of the Far East
Far East
The Far East is an English term mostly describing East Asia and Southeast Asia, with South Asia sometimes also included for economic and cultural reasons.The term came into use in European geopolitical discourse in the 19th century,...
, the term "Tang Soo Do" has primarily become synonymous with the Korean martial art promoted by grandmaster Hwang Kee.
Founder
According to books published by General Choi Hung Hi in 1965, and Hwang KeeHwang Kee
Grand Master Hwang Kee was one of the most important figures in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. He was the founder of Soo Bahk Do and the school of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan.-Life:...
in 1978, Tang Soo Do is one of a number of generic Korean terms for fighting with bare hands and feet. As such, Tang Soo Do cannot be said to have a founder. Rather, the name of "Tang Soo Do" was adopted by Hwang Kee, the founder of the Moo Duk Kwan
Moo Duk Kwan
Moo Duk Kwan is split into two groups. One is Soo Bahk Do, formerly Tang Soo Do, and earlier Hwa Soo Do. The other is Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan. Soo Bahk Do was founded by Grand Master Hwang Kee, November 9, 1945...
, as a descriptor of the art he promoted.
The history of the Moo Duk Kwan
Moo Duk Kwan
Moo Duk Kwan is split into two groups. One is Soo Bahk Do, formerly Tang Soo Do, and earlier Hwa Soo Do. The other is Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan. Soo Bahk Do was founded by Grand Master Hwang Kee, November 9, 1945...
(from which the majority of all modern Tang Soo Do stylists can trace their lineage) can be traced to a single founder: Hwang Kee. Hwang Kee
Hwang Kee
Grand Master Hwang Kee was one of the most important figures in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. He was the founder of Soo Bahk Do and the school of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan.-Life:...
learned Chinese martial arts
Chinese martial arts
Chinese martial arts, also referred to by the Mandarin Chinese term wushu and popularly as kung fu , are a number of fighting styles that have developed over the centuries in China. These fighting styles are often classified according to common traits, identified as "families" , "sects" or...
while in Manchuria
Manchuria
Manchuria is a historical name given to a large geographic region in northeast Asia. Depending on the definition of its extent, Manchuria usually falls entirely within the People's Republic of China, or is sometimes divided between China and Russia. The region is commonly referred to as Northeast...
. He also was influenced by what he claimed were the indigenous Korea
Korea
Korea ) is an East Asian geographic region that is currently divided into two separate sovereign states — North Korea and South Korea. Located on the Korean Peninsula, Korea is bordered by the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Russia to the northeast, and is separated from Japan to the...
n arts of taekkyeon and subak
Subak
Subak, Subakgi or Yusul is either a specific ancient Korean martial art. Historically this term may have specified the old Korean martial art of taekkyeon.-History:...
.
History
During the Japanese occupation (1910–1945), Hwang Kee left Korea and ventured into Manchuria. There he came into contact with an art similar to T'ai chi ch'uan. Hwang Kee eventually incorporated the flowing and graceful motions of the Chinese system with the linear, strong movements of Karate Do and the diverse kicking of taekkyeon. This blend resulted into what is currently known as Soo Bahk DoSoo Bahk Do
Soo Bahk Do is the name of the martial art founded and taught by Kwan Jang Nim Hwang Kee, his successor Hwang Hyun Chul, known as H.C. Hwang, and instructors who are certified by member organizations of the World Moo Duk Kwan, Inc.- History :...
.
Around the time of the liberation of Korea in 1945, five martial arts schools called the kwans
Kwans
This article is about martial arts. For the Finnish music band see KwanKwan in Korean literally means building or hall, but when used in martial arts it can also refer to a school or clan of martial artists who follow the same style and/or leader...
were formed by men who were primarily trained in some form of karate, but also had exposure to taekkyeon and kungfu. The five prominent kwans (and respective founders) were: Chung Do Kwan
Chung Do Kwan
Chung Do Kwan, created by Won Kuk Lee in 1944, is the first of nine schools or kwan teaching what came to be known as taekwondo. This style of Tae Kwon Do is known for its overall power and emphasis on kicks to the head.-Founding:...
(Lee Won Kuk), Jidokwan
Jidokwan
Jidokwan is one of the original nine schools of the modern Korean martial arts that became Taekwondo and was founded in what is now South Korea at the end of World War II. Its name translates as "School of Wisdom". The Jidokwan in Korea still exists today. It functions as a social fraternal order...
(Chun Sang Sup), Chang Moo Kwan
Chang Moo Kwan
Chang Moo Kwan is a Korean martial arts group was founded by Lee Nam Suk and Kim Soon Bae.- History :At the end of World War II, several Kwans wet set up. In the late 1950s, these Kwans united under the name Tae Soo Do...
(Lee Nam Suk and Kim Soon Bae), Moo Duk Kwan
Moo Duk Kwan
Moo Duk Kwan is split into two groups. One is Soo Bahk Do, formerly Tang Soo Do, and earlier Hwa Soo Do. The other is Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan. Soo Bahk Do was founded by Grand Master Hwang Kee, November 9, 1945...
(Hwang Kee
Hwang Kee
Grand Master Hwang Kee was one of the most important figures in the Korean martial art of Tang Soo Do. He was the founder of Soo Bahk Do and the school of Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan.-Life:...
), and Song Moo Kwan
Song Moo Kwan
Song Moo Kwan, originally named "Song Do Kwan", is one of the nine original kwans of taekwondo in Korea. Its founder, from 1944, Byung Jick Ro , is one of the highest ranking taekwondo practitioners in the world.- History :...
(Ro Byung Jik). These schools taught what most Americans know as "Korean Karate." However, there were some philosophical differences in technique application and more of an emphasis on kicking in the Tang Soo Do Jido/Chung Do/Chang Moo/Moo Duk/Song Moo Kwan systems.
Around 1953, shortly after the Korean War
Korean War
The Korean War was a conventional war between South Korea, supported by the United Nations, and North Korea, supported by the People's Republic of China , with military material aid from the Soviet Union...
, four more annex kwans formed. These 2nd-generation kwans and their principle founders were: Oh Do Kwan
Oh Do Kwan
Oh Do Kwan founded in 1955, was the 6th Kwan to open in Korea.-Meaning:The word Oh can be translated both as 'mine' and 'our', which makes the meaning of Oh Do Kwan 'the school of my way'.-Founding:...
(Choi Hong Hi
Choi Hong Hi
Choi Hong Hi , also known as General Choi, was a South Korean army general and martial artist who is a controversial figure in the history of the Korean martial art of taekwondo. Choi is widely regarded as the 'Founder of Taekwondo'—most often by International Taekwon-Do Federation organizations...
and Nam Tae Hi
Nam Tae Hi
Nam Tae Hi is a pioneering South Korean master of taekwondo, and is known as the 'Father of Vietnamese Taekwondo.' With H. H. Choi, he co-founded the Oh Do Kwan and led the twelve original masters of taekwondo of the Korea Taekwon-Do Association .-Early life:Nam was born in March 1929 in Seoul,...
), Han Moo Kwan
Han Moo Kwan
Han Moo Kwan was founded in August 1954 by Kyo Yoon Lee and is one of the nine original Kwans that later formed Kukkiwon Taekwondo.Lee was a student at the Chosun Yun Moo Kwan Kwon Bop Bu, learning from its founder, Sang Sup Chun...
(Lee Kyo Yoon), Kang Duk Won
Kang Duk Won
Kang Duk Won was one of the original 9 kwans that eventually merged to create the Kukkiwon system. This Kwan was founded in the later 1950s by former students of the YMCA Kwon Bop Bu . These two students of YMCA Kwon Bop Bu founder Byung In Yoon were Hong Jong-Pyo and Chul Hee Park...
(Park Chul Hee and Hong Jong Pyo) and Jung Do Kwan
Jung Do Kwan
Jung Do Kwan was founded in 1956 by Young Woo Lee, and was the last of the original nine Kwans that formed the Kukkiwon. This is detailed in "A Modern History of Taekwondo" by Kyong Myong Lee and Kang Won Sik ....
(Lee Young Woo). In 1955, these arts, at that time called various names by the different schools, were ordered to unify, by South Korea's President Syngman Rhee
Syngman Rhee
Syngman Rhee or Yi Seungman was the first president of South Korea. His presidency, from August 1948 to April 1960, remains controversial, affected by Cold War tensions on the Korean peninsula and elsewhere. Rhee was regarded as an anti-Communist and a strongman, and he led South Korea through the...
. A governmental body selected a naming committee's submission of "Taekwondo" as the name. Both Son Duk Sung and Choi Hong Hi claim to have submitted the name.
In 1959, the Korea Taekwondo Association
Korea Taekwondo Association
Korea Taekwondo Association , originally the Korea Taekwon-Do Association, is the first taekwondo organisation. It was founded in 1959, although official South Korean sources give 1961 as its year of establishment. In 1966, some members of the KTA, led by H. H...
(KTA) was formed in an attempt to unify the dozens of the kwans as one standardized system of Taekwondo. The first international tour of Taekwondo, by General Choi Hong Hi
Choi Hong Hi
Choi Hong Hi , also known as General Choi, was a South Korean army general and martial artist who is a controversial figure in the history of the Korean martial art of taekwondo. Choi is widely regarded as the 'Founder of Taekwondo'—most often by International Taekwon-Do Federation organizations...
and Nam Tae Hi
Nam Tae Hi
Nam Tae Hi is a pioneering South Korean master of taekwondo, and is known as the 'Father of Vietnamese Taekwondo.' With H. H. Choi, he co-founded the Oh Do Kwan and led the twelve original masters of taekwondo of the Korea Taekwon-Do Association .-Early life:Nam was born in March 1929 in Seoul,...
(founders of the Oh Do Kwan) and 19 black belts, was held in 1959. In 1960, Jhoon Rhee was teaching what he called Korean Karate (or Tang Soo Do) in Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
, USA. After receiving the ROK Army Field Manual (which contained martial arts training curriculum under the new name of Taekwondo) from General Choi, Rhee began using the name Taekwondo. There are still a multitude of contemporary Taekwondo schools in the United States that teach what is known as "Taekwondo Moo Duk Kwan". This nomenclature reflects this government-ordered kwan merger. Modern Taekwondo schools with the Moo Duk Kwan lineage often practice the early Tang Soo Do curriculum, a curriculum that was more closely associated with Karate-Do Shotokan.
Despite this unification effort, the kwans continued to teach their individual styles. For instance, Hwang Kee and a large constituent of the Moo Duk Kwan continued to develop a version Tang Soo Do that eventually became what is now known as "Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan". This modified version of Tang Soo Do incorporates more fluid "soft" movements reminiscent of certain traditional Chinese martial arts and kicking techniques rooted in Korean taekkyeon. Other modern Tang Soo Do systems teach what is essentially Korean Karate in an early organized form. The World Tang Soo Do Association and the International Tang Soo Do Federation, for instance, teach systems of Tang Soo Do that existed before the Taekwondo "merger" and before the development of modern Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan. These versions of Tang Soo Do are heavily influenced by Korean culture and also appear related to Okinawan Karate as initially taught in Japan by Funakoshi Gichin. As mentioned above, the term "Tang Soo Do/Dangsudo" was initially a Korean pronunciation of "The Way of The Chinese Hand". In Japan, 唐手道 was pronounced "karate-do" ("The Way of The Chinese Hand"). These characters initially reflected historical origins of the arts. However, the term "Tang Soo Do" (mostly in the United States and Europe) has evolved to currently describe a form of Karate that is distinctly Korean, but is different than both Taekwondo and Soo Bahk Do.
To restore national identity after the protracted occupation of Korea by Japanese forces, the Korean government ordered a single organization be created. On September 16, 1961, most kwans agreed to unify under the name 'Korea Tae Soo Do
Tae Soo Do
Tae Soo Do was the name some major kwans of post-Korean war South Korea agreed to call their martial art.The name Taekwondo was dropped due to various controversies and Tae Soo Do was chosen to be the new name for their martial art...
Association'. The name was changed back to the "Korea Taekwondo Association" when General Choi became its president in August 1965.
Tang Soo Do continues to expand and flourish under numerous federations and organizations that, for various reasons, separated from the Moo Duk Kwan. It can be argued that Tang Soo Do is one of the most widely practiced martial arts in the United States, although Moo Duk Kwan as founded by Hwang Kee is the only martial arts organisation that systematically enumerates its dan members sequentially, and has done so since its founding in Seoul in 1945. Due to political in-fighting and splintering, Tang Soo Do has seen several members break off from their origin, though the Moo Duk Kwan as founded by Hwang Kee continues to represent Tang Soo Do (Soo Bahk Do) worldwide, and is headed by Hwang Kee's son, Hyun Chul Hwang. The Amateur Athletic Union
Amateur Athletic Union
The Amateur Athletic Union is one of the largest non-profit volunteer sports organizations in the United States. A multi-sport organization, the AAU is dedicated exclusively to the promotion and development of amateur sports and physical fitness programs.-History:The AAU was founded in 1888 to...
Taekwondo recognizes Tang Soo Do ranks, permits Tang Soo Do hyeong in competition and also hosts non-Olympic style point-sparring to accommodate the various traditional Korean stylists.
Chuck Norris, the famous actor, popularized Tang Soo Do in the United States, and evolved the martial art Chun Kuk Do
Chun Kuk Do
Chun Kuk Do is a Korean-based, American hybrid martial art style. Founded in 1990 by Chuck Norris, CKD evolved from Tang Soo Do and combines elements from several different fighting styles....
from it.
Ranking system
By and large, Tang Soo Do uses the colored belt system that was instituted by Jigoro Kano and first used in Karate-Do by Gichin Funakoshi. However, minor deviations according to organization and/or individual school are commonplace. One differentiating characteristic of the Moo Duk Kwan style is that the traditional black beltBlack belt (martial arts)
In martial arts, the black belt is a way to describe a graduate of a field where a practitioner's level is often marked by the color of the belt. The black belt is commonly the highest belt color used and denotes a degree of competence. It is often associated with a teaching grade though...
, or dan rank, is frequently replaced by a Midnight Blue Belt
Midnight Blue Belt
Midnight Blue Belt is a belt worn in some Korean martial arts to signify that the wearer has attained dan rank, which translates to a degree holder. This belt is most commonly seen in the Korean martial arts of tang soo do and soo bahk do, where it is often used in place of the more common black belt...
for students who attain Dan rank
Dan rank
The ranking system is a Japanese mark of level, which is used in modern fine arts and martial arts. Originally invented in a Go school in the Edo period, this system was applied to martial arts by Kanō Jigorō, the founder of judo and later introduced to other East Asia countries.In the modern...
. The reason for the midnight blue belt
Midnight Blue Belt
Midnight Blue Belt is a belt worn in some Korean martial arts to signify that the wearer has attained dan rank, which translates to a degree holder. This belt is most commonly seen in the Korean martial arts of tang soo do and soo bahk do, where it is often used in place of the more common black belt...
is due to the belief in Korean culture
Culture of Korea
The current political separation of North and South Korea has resulted in divergence in modern Korean cultures; nevertheless, the traditional culture of Korea is historically shared by both states.-Dance:...
, that black symbolizes an ending or a finishing point. It was also a belief of the founder of Moo Duk Kwan, Hwang Kee, that black is a color to which nothing can be added, signifying that a dan holder is still learning. Many schools and organizations still opt to use the black belt
Black belt (martial arts)
In martial arts, the black belt is a way to describe a graduate of a field where a practitioner's level is often marked by the color of the belt. The black belt is commonly the highest belt color used and denotes a degree of competence. It is often associated with a teaching grade though...
. The Moo Duk Kwan lineage of Tang Soo Do incorporates a red-striped midnight blue (or black) belt to denote individuals who have reached the rank of Sah Beom Nim (사범님/師範님), or 4th dan. In other systems, the 7th-10th dan ranking is signified with two red stripes or a single golden stipe running along the length of a midnight blue (or black) belt to denote individuals who have reached the rank of “kwang jang nim” or (grandmaster). The original non-dan, or gup, belt colors established by Hwang Kee were: white belt; green belt; and red belt. In the 1970s, an orange belt was added after the white belt along with either one or two stripes onto the orange, green and red belts, encompassing ten gup (student) levels, and is currently the system in use in the Moo Duk Kwan. In the mid 1980's a yellow belt was placed between the white and orange belt in some other organisations. Many variations of this ranking system are still used and typically employ other colors (e.g., yellow, brown, purple, blue, etc.). However, this is primarily a western influence.
According to the World Tang Soo Do Association the rank system is a colored belt system starting at White and ending with Black. There are 2 groups in the ranking, the gups and the dans. The gup ranks vary from organization to organization but generally are as follows: White 10th gup, White Stripe 9th gup, Yellow 8th gup, Orange 7th gup, Green 6th gup, Blue 5th gup, Brown 4th gup, Purple 3rd gup, Red 2nd gup, Red Stripe 1st gup. The tag (stripe) on a belt signifies a higher rank of the belt. Between the Gups and the Dans is the Dark Blue belt called a Cho Dan Bo, or Black belt candidate. The Black belts are called Dans and each degree has its own specific name. The Dan rank ranges from 1st-10th degree. First Dan is known as Chokiyonim, second Dan being Kyosanim (instructor), the third dan is Poo Sabunim (junior master or master candidate) and the 4th-6th Dan are Sabom nim (master), 7th-10th Dan Kwanjanim. In the Moo Duk Kwan, Dan level is known by its Korean numeration, such as Cho Dan, Ee Dan, Sam Dan for 1st, 2nd and 3rd Dan respectively, and onward. The ranks of Kyosa and Sa Bom are separately awarded after successfully demonstrating ability, knowledge, understanding and character for that level in a Dan Shimsa, or test. One may not test for Kyosa (Certified Instructor) until 2nd Dan, or Sa Bom (Master Instructor) until 4th Dan or above. Dans levels from 4th Dan onward are known as Ko Dan Ja, whether Sa Bom or not. In the Moo Duk Kwan there is only one Grand Master, or Kwan Jang Nim, a successor to the founder of modern Tang Soo Do Moo Duk Kwan. Currently this is Hyun Chul Hwang, Hwang Kee's son. Also in the US, a simple timing structure was created for the Dan ranking system, where if in constant study, then it was easy to measure when testing for the next rank would began where the next dan was equal to the number of years that must be spent training. For example a First Dan would have two years before they could be candidate for Second Dan, etc.
Forms (hyung)
Forms (hyung) varies on the founder or head of the different federations of Tang Soo Do. Tang Soo do forms are a set amoung of moves demonstrating a defensive or aggressive action for every movement. They are based on a offender attacking and one demonstrating the form reacting to there attack.They are generally memorized and demonstrated at a test for ranking up or a tournament.
One-step sparring
One-step sparring (Il Su Sik Dae Ryun) techniques are best described as a choreographed pattern of defense against the single step of an attack. Usually performed in pairs, this starts with a bow for respect. One partner then attacks, often with a simple punch, and the other person will perform a series of premeditated techniques, often in a block-attack-takedownTakedown (grappling)
A takedown is a martial arts and combat sports term for a technique that involves off-balancing an opponent and bringing him or her to the ground, typically with the combatant performing the takedown landing on top. The process of quickly advancing on an opponent and attempting a takedown is known...
sequence.
Tang Soo Do free sparring
Though variation is extensive, Tang Soo Do free-sparring is similar to competitive matches in other traditional Okinawan and Korean striking systems and often shows elements of American freestyle point karate. Tang Soo Do sparring consist of point matches based on the three-point rule (first contestant to score three points wins) or a two-minute rule (a tally of points over one two minute round; but see also AAU taekwondo point sparring handbook). Lead and rear-leg kicks and lead and rear-arm hand techniques all score equally (one point per technique) and to encourage the use of jump and spin kick two points are awarded for these, and three points are awarded for a jumping spin kick. Open-hand techniques (see AAU taekwondo point sparring handbook) and leg sweep take-downs are typically not allowed.As in karate-do kumite
Kumite
Kumite means sparring, and is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with kata and kihon. Kumite is the part of karate in which you train against an adversary, using the techniques learned from the kihon and kata....
, scoring techniques in Tang Soo Do competition should be decisive; that is, all kicking and hand techniques that score should be delivered with sufficient footing and power so that if they were delivered without being controlled they would stop the aggressive motion of the opponent. This rule means that many techniques may not be given points because of a lack of demonstrable intent and control. Judging is partly based in the concept of Son Sok Mi (line-speed-beauty) and contestants who clearly show their control and intent are more likely to score with their techniques. Much of the footwork is the same, but the position of the body when executing blows is markedly different between the styles of competition. Rapid fire pump-kicking seen in American freestyle point sparring is sometimes used in Tang Soo Do competition. However in order to score, the final kick in the pump-kick combination should be delivered from a solid base and with sufficient power or the technique is not considered decisive. Consequently, the pace of a Tang Soo Do match can be somewhat slower than would be seen at a typical NASKA-type tournament, but the techniques (theoretically) should be somewhat more recognizable as linear, powerful blows that are delivered from reliably stable stances and body positions.
Variation between Tang Soo Do competitions is extensive unless they are members of the Soo Bahk Do Moo Duk Kwan, which is operated under strict and codified rules and procedures. Because modern Tang Soo Do was developed at the same time as Tae Kwon Do and because many Tae Kwon Do practitioners enjoy Tang Soo Do competition, the powerful rear leg and spinning kick techniques used in both ITF and WTF Tae Kwon Do are commonplace traditional Tang Soo Do competitions, but are not delivered with full contact to the head.
Tang Soo Do sparring is a semi-contact event. Though often billed as "light" or "no-contact", the typical level of contact is controlled to the body and none to the head. Some level of contact in Tang Soo Do sparring is considered essential in understanding proper technique and developing mental preparedness and a level of relaxation critical to performance in stressful situations. Lessons learned from contact sparring can be applied to all aspects of life. That said, unnecessarily or disrespectfully harming your opponent in Tang Soo Do sparring is not tolerated. Originally, under Hwang Kee, protective pads were not allowed, in order to foster the discipline and control necessary to demonstrate good technique under fighting conditions, but by the 1980s light cloth pads were allowed. By the 1990s full foam pads were permitted in the interest of contestants safety, but with no contact to the head allowed anymore. Health and longevity of practitioners are major goals of Tang Soo Do practice. Consequently, serious injuries are counterproductive because they retard a level of physical training that is needed to foster emotional and intellectual growth. However, minor injuries, such as bumps, bruises and the occasional loss of breath, may be invaluable experiences. Each match should begin and end with respect, compassion and a deep appreciation for the opponent. Contestants waiting their turn in the ring sit in classroom fashion and respond with a bow when they are called to the ring. They must bow before entering and exiting the ring, and to the judges and their opponents before and after each match. Though Tang Soo Do sparring is competitive, competitions are more of an exercise, or way to develop the self, than they are a truly game-like competitive forum. Introspection and personal growth are fostered through this semi-contact competitive forum.
Korean commands
In Tang Soo Do, as in Taekwondo, commands to students are often given in Korean.Famous Practitioners
- Arun K. Jangra - " Founder President: Global Tangsoodo Federation"
- Grand Master Robert Kovaleski - 7th Dan and chair of the I.T.M.A.
- Cynthia RothrockCynthia RothrockCynthia Rothrock is an American martial artist and actress specializing in martial arts films. -Martial arts achievements:Rothrock is five-time World Karate Champion in forms and weapons between 1981 and 1985...
- Martial arts film star, 6th Dan under Kovaleski - Pat E. JohnsonPat E. JohnsonPat E. Johnson is a 9th degree black belt in the art of American Tang Soo Do. He is the president of the National Tang Soo Do Congress, which was originally created by Chuck Norris in 1973...
- Martial arts film choreographer, 9th Dan and President of the National Tang Soo Do Congress - Chuck NorrisChuck NorrisCarlos Ray "Chuck" Norris is an American martial artist and actor. After serving in the United States Air Force, he began his rise to fame as a martial artist and has since founded his own school, Chun Kuk Do...
- Martial arts film star, 10th Dan
See also
- Moo Duk Kwan TaekwondoMoo Duk Kwan TaekwondoMoo Duk Kwan Taekwondo is a modern Korean martial art formed in April 1965 by Kim Young Taek, Hong Chong Soo, and Lee Kang Ik. For disambiguation see Moo Duk Kwan .-Meaning:The name Moo Duk Kwan means "School of Martial Virtue"...
- Moo Duk Kwan (disambiguation)Moo Duk Kwan (disambiguation)Moo Duk Kwan is a Korean term meaning "Martial Virtue School".Moo Duk Kwan may also mean:* Tang Soo Do, general term used in Korea near the end of the Japanese occupation for the martial arts...
- Tang Soo Do (disambiguation)Tang Soo Do (disambiguation)Tang Soo Do is a Korean term meaning "Way of the China Hand".Tang Soo Do may also mean:* Tang Soo Do, general term used in Korea near the end of the Japanese occupation for the martial arts...
- List of Korea-related topics
Further reading
- Complete Tang Soo Do Vol. 1 From White Belt to 1st Degree Black Belt, Ho Sik Pak,Jack Pistella, and designed by Ursula Escher
- Complete Tang Soo Do Vol. 2 From 2nd Degree Black Belt to 6th Degree Black Belt,Ho Sik Pak, Jack Pistella, and designed by Ursula Escher
- Byrne, Richard and Mitchell, Penny. This Is Tang Soo Do. Malden, MA:American Tang Soo Do Association. 2001. Library of Congress Control Number 2001116262
- Hwang, K. (1995). History of Moo Duk Kwan celebrating the 50th anniversary, 1945-1995. United States: s.n. ISBN 0-9631358-7-2.