Tang Soo Do is a Korean martial art and literally means “the art of the Chinese hand” and has its origins in various martial arts from Korea, China and Okinawa, among others. These roots began in Korean Tae Kyon , Chinese Shaolin and Japanese Shotokan. According to the World Tang Soo Do Association, it resembles a Chinese martial art because the first word TANG can be interpreted as a reference to the Chinese Tang dynasty.
Before there was unification of the Kwans under the Korean Taekwondo Association, most of the major Kwans called their style Tang Soo Do, Kong Soo Do or Kwon Bup. The first use of term Tang Soo Do in history was done by Chung Do Kwean founder Won Kik Lee. His Kwan and the other Kwans stopped using the name Tang Soo Do after uniting under the name Taekwondo. The Moo Duk Kwan, who was loyal to Hwang Kee, did not participate in this unification and remained independent and continued to use the name Tang Soo Do.
Founders of Tang Soo do
The origins of Tang Soo Do cannot be attributed to a single person. Lee Won Kuk is considered one of the first teachers of Tang Soo Do in Korea. He had set up a dojang in Korea during the Japanese occupation. This school was called Chung Do Kwan. He claimed to have learned Taekkyon on the streets of Seoul and Kung Fu in China. Kee claimed that he learned the philosophy of Okinawan karate from Funakoshi's books.
The history of the Moo Duk Kwan, very important for modern Tang Soo Do, can be attributed to Hwang Kee. He claims to have learned Chinese martial arts in Manchuria. He was also influenced by Korean Taekkyon and Subak.
Tires at Tang Soo do
Tang Soo Do uses the colored belt system introduced by Jigoro Kano and first used in Karate-Do. A striking difference is that the traditional black belt has been replaced by a dark blue belt for students who obtain the first dan. The reason for this is that black stands for “death” in Korea. Practitioners believe that achieving the next level is another step and for this they receive a red-striped dark blue belt. If one has achieved the fourth degree, one carries the title of Master Instructor. To become a grandmaster, one must perform an international act linked to the sport.
The original band colors, as devised by Hwang Kee, are: 6th guppy, green band; 5th guppy, green band; 4th guppy, green band; 3rd guppy, red band; 2nd guppy, red band; and 1st guppy, red band.
Kata or Hyeong
There are several Tang Soo Do organizations in the world, but they all follow the same kata or hyeong.
- Gicho/Kicho heyong
- Hyong Il Bu
- Hyung Ee Bu
- Hyung Sam Bu
Taikyoku
The Kicho Hyung are strikingly similar to the Taikyoku kata developed by Gichin Funakoshi. The starting points are the same, as are the movements, blocks and punches. There are many reasons to believe that Hwang Kee adapted his Korean Kicho Hyung to Japanese kata.
Sae Gae Hyung
The World Tang Soo DO Association modified Kicho Hyung and added stairs.
- Sae Gae Hyung Il Bu
- Sae Gae Hyung Ee Bu
- Sae Gae Hyung Sam Bu
Pyong Ahn Hyung
The pyong ahn/pyung ahn hyeong are a series of five forms that are in many ways reminiscent of the pinan kata series in karate. They were developed by Itosu, a mentor of Funakoshi Gichin. These forms were developed as a training form for Kong Sang Koon.
- Pyung Ahn Cho Dan
- Pyung Ahn E Dan
- Pyung Ahn Sam Dan
- Pyung Ahn Sah Dan
- Pyunh Ahn Oh Dan
Materials
Tang Soo Do uses the authentic dobok, the name of the uniform. The normal dobok is completely white. Traditional piping will be added for dan holders. Furthermore, so-called safety equipment is used, consisting of a pair of gloves and foot protectors. Head protectors are also worn. Shin guards are also sometimes used. A mouthguard is recommended and a groin guard is mandatory for men.
